Top 4 Ferry Trips in New Zealand

1.Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then use a day-pass bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose from Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Batch, beaches, villages, galleries, olive oil tastings, and nature walks. Guides such as Ruth, Aaron, and Tilly add local color along the way.

“Our driver/guide Aaron was exceptional! He was so knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the tour. Everything went so smoothly and he offered so much great information about New Zealand Highly recommend!!!”

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2.Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $65

Take an 80-minute ferry from Auckland to pest-free Tiritiri Matangi, then walk forest tracks, spot kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and tuatara, and visit New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse. Guides such as Malcolm Pullan, Tina, and Vishnu may add expert insight, but you can also explore independently.

“fantastic day trip; ferry was comfortable. safely operated, had all amenities. malcolm pullan was our guide & he taught us so very much about birds, plants, animals, the history of the island, etc. what an incredible ambassador for this conservation project, such a knowledgable person trails really well maintained & varied, nice beach; good gift shop. excellent day trip”

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3.Auckland to Rangitoto Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $37Best value

Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland’s downtown terminal across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island. The core trip includes a return ferry and time to hike toward the 260-meter summit, explore lava caves, or stay near the shore. Check your confirmation carefully if you expect a guided tractor tour.

“Wonderfully planned out. Informative tour up the volcano and then a short hike to the summit. Best views around. So peaceful and serene. A must-co!”

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4.Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $65

Take a 90-minute air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O' War Bay, via Rotoroa Island. Spend 3.5 hours at the beachfront vineyard with wine, lunch, lawn time, a playground, and swimming. Restaurant and tasting bookings are separate, so plan ahead.

“We had an excellent day celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. Everything about the day was done professionally and instructions were clear and the boat ride very comfortable and Island was amazing. Food very good and we loved the beer and wine. Would recommend this trip for an awesome day out.”

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