We are all excited to see you out on the Waitematā this summer. Our vessels are now fully crewed following the completion of our Accelerated Training Program, a solution to staffing shortages in the wake of the pandemic. Our crew will be working incredibly hard to get you to where you need to be over the summer break, so please ensure you are kind to them.
There are some timetable adjustments on Christmas Day and New Years Eve which impact the Waiheke Walk-up service. If you are attending an event on the Island, particularly on New Year’s Eve, please ensure you pre-plan your travel and accommodation arrangements.
Scroll down to view the Waiheke Island timetable changes during the holiday season.
With plenty of international visitors already in Auckland, we’re anticipating high passenger volumes during peak periods, and we expect the terminals and ferries to be very busy.
Choosing to travel during peak times may result in longer than usual wait times on the Waiheke Walk-up service. Specifically, travel between 10am and 12pm heading to Waiheke, and between 3pm and 6pm returning to downtown Auckland. We recommend avoiding travel between these times if possible and arriving at your departure pier at least one hour before your preferred sailing to give you the best possible chance of boarding.
Alternatively, the Waiheke Reserve ferry is a great option across the holiday season if you wish to upgrade your ticket. Our Waiheke Reserve service is the perfect option for those with fixed travel schedules and allows you to reserve your spot at the time of booking. Waiheke Reserve will be operating every day throughout the holiday period, with sailings from downtown Auckland to Waiheke at 9am, 10:15am and 11am, and from Waiheke back to downtown Auckland at 4:30pm, 5:15pm and 6pm. Head here to reserve your seat in advance.
Check out our summer travel tips page when planning your next trip with us. Be sure to plan ahead, check our timetables before travelling, and please be kind to our incredible crew.
Waiheke Island timetable changes during the holiday season:
