Matiatia keyhole safety and customer improvements
We’re asking for feedback on early design ideas to make the Matiatia keyhole area safer, easier to move through and more welcoming for everyone.
On this page
Project details
Start date
August 2026End date
TBCLocation
Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke IslandTransport involved
Ferry, walking, bus and cyclingOverview
The Matiatia Ferry Terminal is one of Waiheke’s busiest arrival and departure points. It's used by regular commuters, residents, visitors, bus customers, tour operators, taxis, private vehicles and people walking or cycling through the area.
At busy times, especially during summer, the keyhole area can become crowded and difficult to move through, with many different activities taking place in a limited space.
Some safety, access and customer experience concerns have been raised. Auckland Transport has reviewed the area and completed site investigations to better understand how people and vehicles move through this area.
We have developed an early design to start conversations with local businesses, operators, mana whenua, the Waiheke Local Board and the wider community.
The design is not final. Feedback will help shape the next stage of detailed design.
Have your say
We want to hear from people who use, work in or travel through the Matiatia keyhole area.
We'll be seeking feedback in two stages:
- Local businesses and operators: we are sharing early design with local businesses and operators first, as they may be directly affected by any future changes. We plan to hold workshops with local businesses and operators in August or September 2026.
- The wider Waiheke community: we will then invite feedback from the wider Waiheke community. We plan to hold one or more community drop-in sessions on Waiheke in September or October 2026.
Your feedback will help us understand what works well today, what could be improved, what needs to be considered, and anything we've missed as the design is developed further.
Latest updates
We're looking at early designs to improve the Matiatia keyhole area. Your feedback will help shape the next stage of decisions and designs.
Proposed changes being considered
- Widening pedestrian routes and waiting areas around the terminal to improve pedestrian flow.
- Extending the canopy shelter to improve customer experience.
- Installing kassel kerbs to improve bus operations. Kassel kerbs make it easier for buses to pick up and drop off passengers.
- Tidying the mooring holding area by optimising the parking layout and potentially moving bike and scooter parking.
- Widening the central island and providing parking spaces for emergency, coast guard or delivery vehicles.
- Moving tour buses to the outer keyhole area and building a waiting area with shelter.
- Installing a new pedestrian crossing to make it safer for people to cross the road.
- Moving the pick-up and drop-off to one side.
- Refining the boat ramp entry and exit if needed.
Timeline
Developing an early design
We have developed an early design to start conversations with local businesses, operators, mana whenua, the Waiheke Local Board and the wider community.
The design is not final. Feedback will help shape the next stage of detailed design.
Community engagement
We shared the draft design with the Waiheke Local Board in July 2026.
We plan to hold workshops with local businesses and operators in August or September 2026.
We also plan to invite the wider community to give feedback at one or more community drop-in sessions on Waiheke in September or October 2026. Sign up to get updates.
We are working in close partnership with mana whenua throughout all stages of the project.
Detailed design
We expect to start detailed design in September 2026 and expect this to continue until mid-2027. During detailed design, we may refine the design further to ensure it is feasible.
Funding for this project has been approved up to the detailed design stage only.
Construction
Funding for construction has not been confirmed at this stage.
Once construction funding has been approved, we will share further updates before any physical works begin, including information about timing, staging, and possible impacts.
Project benefits
Safer, easier movement
Better accessibility and experience
