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Using ferries Using ferries

Find out how to catch ferries across Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

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Planning your journey

You can plan your haerenga (journey) by:

If you are travelling to or from Waiheke for a day, luggage storage facilities are available at the Downtown and Waiheke ferry terminals.

Free park and sail facilities are available at Devonport, Birkenhead, Northcote Point, Bayswater, West Harbour (weekdays only), Pine Harbour and Half Moon Bay. For places to park near the downtown ferry terminal, see parking in Central Auckland.

How to catch a ferry

For a consistent experience across all our services, buy a ticket before you board. You can also use a contactless payment method or AT HOP card for your travel on most ferries. You cannot pay with contactless methods on Fullers Waiheke commercial ferries, but you can on Island Direct Waiheke ferry services.

There are ticket machines installed across the ferry network. For more details, see the Ticket Information page.

Follow the haumaru (safety) rules at all times and listen for instructions from the crew.

You can take dogs and small animals in cages on most ferry services. Check with your ferry operator before you travel.

Boarding the ferry

Follow the haumaru (safety) rules at all times and listen for instructions from the crew. Wait until the vessel has docked before going down on the wharf. Let disembarking passengers get off before boarding.

If you need help getting on or travelling on the ferry, ask the crew for help. Most ferries have ramps for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Visit Accessible travel (opens in a new tab) on the Fullers website for more information.

During your journey

Use handrails when moving around the vessel and watch for raised doorsills and uneven surfaces.

Supervise your children at all times. Running, climbing and jumping are not allowed.

Getting off the ferry

For your safety remain seated while the vessel has come to a stop. Remember to take all your belongings with you.

If using a contactless payment method or an AT HOP card, tag off as you leave the pier.

Bikes on ferries

If you ride your paihikara (bike) to the terminal and don’t need it at the other end of your ferry trip, you can leave it in the bike racks at the ferry terminals.

Paihikara can be carried on most ferry services for free. Check with your ferry operator before you travel. Space is limited so plan your journeys carefully and if possible, avoid the busier peak times. We work with operators to make more space for bikes.

To board with your bike, get off and wheel it onto the ferry. Some boats have racks, others have hooks. Otherwise, you can lean your bike against a rail or stand out the back with it. If unsure, observe other cyclists or ask one of the ferry staff.

Alternative transport options

Travelling during bad weather

To find out what to do when bad weather stops ferry services, go to Travelling during severe weather watches and warnings.

Gulf Harbour ferry disruptions

When bad weather disrupts the Gulf Harbour ferry service, Auckland Transport often runs replacement buses. For more information, see the Gulf Harbour section of Travelling during severe weather watches and warnings.