The Complete Guide: How to travel to Waiheke Island and get around when you’re here
Insider tips on the best way to visit Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the perfect day out, overnight, weekend, or weeks-long, escape. You can easily spend a few days here exploring the walks, beaches, art, history, shops and of course the exceptional food, wine, beer & whisky made here. In fact we liked it so much, we chose to live here.
Bring your best friend, luggage, and kids, and yes even the family pet with you. That’s right, dogs are welcome on board any ferry service or bus once you are here. And they are very welcome to come to The Heke with you - dogs are welcome on leash at any time, anywhere in the restaurant & bar at The Heke (book here).
There are common questions that people ask when planning a trip to Waiheke Island:
How do you get to Waiheke Island?
How do you get around Waiheke?
How much does a ferry ticket cost?
What does the bus cost?
How do I visit The Heke Brewery / Distillery / Restaurant on Waiheke Island.
How to Get to Waiheke Island
Multiple transport options are available on Waiheke Island: public buses connect major attractions and beaches, taxis service the entire island, rental cars are available, and tour buses provide guided experiences. You can also rent bicycles for exploring the island. If you don’t have a private plane, helicopter or boat, you will choose from three ferry options to travel to Waiheke island.
Ferry Transport to Waiheke Island
Walk on to the Fullers passenger ferry which leaves downtown Auckland and arrives at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke.
Walk on to the Island Direct passenger ferry which leaves downtown Auckland and arrives at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke.
Walk on, or drive, on to the SeaLink Vehicle & Passenger ferry, which arrives at Kennedy Point, Waiheke.
(Tip: Check our separate blog post all about the ferries and ferry timetables here.)
Once you are here, there are numerous options to choose from to help you get around the island. Using your payment card (any card that has tap-to-pay works) jump on the local bus to go all over the island. The timetable and bus maps are linked here. The local bus meets each ferry as it arrives at Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke. E-bikes, cars and scooters can also be hired - explore the island in your own time. For our blog post on getting around Waiheke without a car, click through.
You can buy a ticket for transport with your ferry ticket and use the Fullers Hop On Hop Off Bus (click to see link) that stops at all the key areas including right at the gate of The Heke! See below for more explanation.
You could also charter a private tour, a taxi, or hire electric bikes or scooters.
Only have a few hours on your hands? Oneroa Village is an easy 2km walk from Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Explore the village, pop down to Oneroa beach for a swim, and then grab some lunch before walking back down to the ferry. There are also plenty of walking tracks on Waiheke that start at Matiatia Ferry Terminal. So chuck on your walking shoes, pack your drink bottle, and tour some of New Zealand’s natural beauty on foot. When it’s time for a drink, a beer flight, a whisky tasting and a great lunch head over to The Heke :-)
THE ‘HEKE
64 Onetangi Road. Four acres of beautiful gardens & The 'HEKE Kitchen, a relaxed restaurant where chefs prepare your food over glowing wood fires.
The 'HEKE is the new home for our growing craft distillery and craft brewery on Waiheke Island. Check our menu!
Now - let’s iron out the travel details so you can plan your trip. Read our post below on all the info you need to travel to Waiheke island, and how to get around once you’ve arrived.
Fullers Passenger Ferry
Departs from Auckland or Devonport and arrives at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke island
The Fullers passenger ferry is a popular way to travel to Waiheke island. It departs from Auckland ferry terminal or Devonport ferry terminal.
It takes 35-45 minutes from Auckland depending on whether it stops at Devonport first. The sailing can also take longer during busy periods or rough weather.
There is a bar and cafe onboard where you can buy snacks like cookies and chips, toasted sandwiches, pies and a range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
Fullers Ferry Prices (these change regularly so check their website)
Adult Ticket Options
Auckland to Waiheke Island (Return/Roundtrip) is $55 online / $59.50 at the terminal (Family pass $126)
Off-peak return deal - has a 25% discount.
Terms & Conditions: Depart Auckland City anytime from 1pm until last sailing of the day. Return from Waiheke Island to downtown Auckland anytime from 7pm. Available everyday BUT must be purchased online at least one day prior to sailing.
Our tip: The Heke is open most days for late lunch and early dinner bookings, so we think this is a great option to avoid the early crowds. Check before you book.Waiheke Hop-On Hop-Off - adult $89 (Ferry ticket and hop on hop off bus tour all day).
Child Tickets
Auckland to Waiheke Island (Return/Roundtrip) is $27
Waiheke Hop-On Hop-Off - child $45
Terms & Conditions: Child must be 5-15 years old. Children under 5 years old travel for free.
Family Tickets
Family return (ferry tickets for 2 adults, 2 children aged between 5-15 years) $122.50
Family hop-on-hop-off (ferry tickets and bus passes for 2 adults, 2 children aged between 5-15 years) $195
Disclaimer: This is all meant for helpful info only and things change so check on the company websites for the most accurate info, The Heke team won’t be held accountable for any misinformation accidentally published here.
Group Options
If you have a group, then there is a great option to buy a Flexi-Pass.
Flexi-Pass 10 Trip : $166 / $97.50 (student) / $77 (child) - this is $33.20* per return trip but it can only be used by a maximum of 4 people per trip -
*(If four people are travelling together and you buy one Flexi-Pass, then it is $41.50 per person return - with 2 trips still left over to use within 12 months - for ‘free’ - compare this to standard $59 pp fare. If you have more than four people, then the maths still works. Buy multiple Flexi Passes, and use four per ticket, with two trips remaining with a 12-month expiry date. Even if you cannot use the extra two tickets, you can gift them to someone else and still be a lot better off).
Timetable
The Waiheke ferry follows a timetable which changes depending on the season of the year, and public holidays.
You can check out the latest Fullers timetable here to get the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, here. But come back and keep reading because there are local tips about travel to, and around Waiheke Island here.
What can you bring on the passenger ferry?
Children, and all the luggage that comes with them! Prams, car seats and anything else your little cherubs might need can be brought onto the ferry. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children between 7-12 must have an unaccompanied minor form filled out by a parent or guardian at check-in.
Dogs/cats/guinea pigs/hamsters. Large pets must be kept in the outside area at all times, unless you have a guide or assistance dog. For other smaller pets such as cats and rabbits, an appropriate travel cage should be used and the door must be kept shut at all times - to keep your guinea pig escaping and ending up on my lap while I’m enjoying my rosé from the bar.
Suitcases and bags. There is no baggage or weight limit but you must be able to carry it on the ferry yourself.
Bikes. Bikes are allowed on board, make sure you let the crew member know when you are boarding so they can help you store the bike safely. Large groups with bikes will need to book a car space on the SeaLink ferry.
Surfboard. If you think that you can find waves big enough to surf on Waiheke, then by all means bring along your surfboard! Again, make sure you mention it to a crew member on board so they can help you store it safely.
What can you not bring on the passenger ferry?
You can’t bring kayaks, motorcycles, large animals, the kitchen sink, or the BBQ. Leave any other large item(s) that cannot be stored safely at home. Disclaimer: This is all meant for helpful info only and things change so check on the company websites for the most accurate info, The Heke team won’t be held accountable for any misinformation accidentally published here.
An alternative option is to take the Island Direct passenger ferry or the SeaLink car ferry (see below).
Fullers 360 Experiences and Cruises
Website: https://www.fullers.co.nz/
Email: enquiries@fullers.co.nz
Phone: 0800 FULLERS
SeaLink Car & Passenger Ferry
SeaLink operates a drive-on, drive-off car ferry. You can also walk on this ferry without a vehicle. It is an excellent alternative way to get to Waiheke Island, and handy if you want to take a car or larger items with you.
The SeaLink ferry is located at Half Moon Bay in East Auckland, and Hamer Street which is located next to Wynyard Quarter in Auckland’s CBD.
It takes 45-60 minutes depending on the weather and the vessel you are on. There is a lounge on board which includes a licensed cafe and bar, Sky TV, power outlets and complimentary WiFi. Toilets are also located on deck. Once you arrive at the terminal, you can either wait in your car and someone will scan your barcode from your email confirmation, or you can check in at the reception area.
Cost
The cost of the SeaLink ferry is dependent on the time of day, how many passengers there are, and what type of vehicle you are taking. Book the ferry and find out the exact cost of your trip here:
https://www.sealink.co.nz/book
Timetable
The SeaLink Waiheke ferry operates on a timetable which changes depending on the season of the year, and public holidays. You can check out the latest SeaLink timetable here:
Half Moon Bay, Auckland to Kennedy Point, Waiheke
https://www.sealink.co.nz/timetables-fares/waiheke/half-moon-bay-waiheke
Hamer St, Auckland to Kennedy Point, Waiheke
https://www.sealink.co.nz/timetables-fares/waiheke/hamer-waiheke#timetables
Island Direct Ferry
Island Direct offers a ferry service from downtown Auckland waterfront. They offer a bookable service which takes the stress out of peak day travel when the ferry may have a long queue to board. Booking your own ticket means you can arrive and be assured that you have a seat exactly when you wish to travel.
Adult Tickets $59 return for booked seat
Child Tickets $29 return for booked seat
Family Pass 2 x Adults 2 x Child $129
Child is 5-15 years // 0-4 year olds travel free
These ferries travel direct from Auckland to Matiatia Port on Waiheke, which is the same place the Fullers Ferry arrives. Buses, taxis and tours depart from here, and it is a gentle walk of less than 2 kms to the village of Oneroa.
Island Direct’s owners live on Waiheke Island and we like to support them! They also serve an amazing range of food and drinks on board.
If you have a DOG with you, the pooch is allowed inside on Island Direct. The timetable is here.
Now you’ve arrived…
How to Get Around Waiheke Island
Catch a Bus on Waiheke Island
The local bus network on Waiheke is great value. It connects the walk-on ‘Fullers Ferry’ and ‘Island Direct Ferry’ that arrives at Matiatia Harbour on Waiheke Island, and the vehicle and ‘Sealink’ ferry, with all suburbs and the most popular beaches, shops, and restaurant areas.
If you just want to get up to Oneroa village you can jump on a bus, and if you’d like to head all the way to Onetangi beach you can get there too. The buses on Waiheke are frequent, cheap and economical.
Recently most of the buses on Waiheke were replaced with fully electric buses, so they are quiet, eco-friendly and not polluting the island’s roads. All of Waiheke Island falls within a single zone, use any tap-to-pay card.
Wondering how to pay for the bus in Waiheke Island? Buses don’t take cash but you can use any debit or credit cards, or an AT HOP card.
Here is a link to the official PDF of the bus routes and timetables for Waiheke Island - download it if you like but come back to read the rest of this good info! The ‘Fullers Hop on Hop off’ bus service (see below) has a separate ticket that you need to buy from Fullers at the ferry terminal, or online from their website.
Fullers ‘Hop on, Hop off’ bus tours
The ‘Hop on, Hop off’ (HOHO) bus lets you tour the island at your own pace, and while not cheap, it is a flexible way to travel around the island. If you want to go to several destinations it makes sense. If you only want to go to a few places the standard public bus will be cheaper. Choose an inclusive ferry + HOHO price, or take a different ferry and just buy the HOHO bus ticket. The bus stops at 16 locations around Waiheke. You can purchase a one or two-day pass. The two-day pass must be used on consecutive days. Read about how to buy and book the Hop On Hop Off bus service on Waiheke Island.
One-day pass: Adult ($89), Child ($45), Family of 2 adults and 2 children ($195)
Standard Waiheke Bus Routes
The 50A and 50B Bus run alternately to provide a connection approximately every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week (and less frequently outside of these times) with Oneroa, Surfdale, Ostend and Onetangi.
The 501 Bus runs every 45-60 minutes throughout the day, and more frequently at peak times. Provides a connection to Oneroa, Surfdale, Jellicoe Parade, Wellington Road, Donald Bruce Road and Kennedy Point Ferry Terminals, 7 days a week.
The 502 Bus runs every 30 minutes from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, and less frequently outside of these times. The 501 bus also provides a connection to Oneroa, Blackpool, Palm Beach, Ostend and Ōmiha (Rocky Bay).
The 503 Bus from Labour Weekend to Anzac Day, when the island is at its busiest, the 503 service helps take people from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Oneroa Village. The 503 runs from 10am to 2pm, one-way only.
Again Disclaimer: This is all meant for helpful info only and things change so check on the company websites for the most accurate info, The Heke team won’t be held accountable for any misinformation accidentally published here.
Waiheke Island Bus Network Map. To get to The Heke catch either 50A, 50B or 504 bus.
E-Bike Rental
E-Ride Waiheke https://eridewaiheke.co.nz
Private Tours & Charters
Enjoi Tours. https://enjoi.nz
Ananda Tours https://www.ananda.co.nz
Waiheke Wine Tours https://waiheke-winetours.co.nz
The Wine Tasting Company https://thewinetastingcompany.co.nz
Waiheke Island Wine Tours https://waihekeislandwinetours.co.nz
Waiheke Executive Transport https://www.waiheketransport.co.nz/group-transport/
Fullers operate custom bus charters for large groups https://www.fullers.co.nz/services/custom-groups-and-charters/
Private taxi
https://www.wainotwaiheketaxitours.co.nz (lovely family owned honest company - recommend)
https://hekebus.co.nz (Heke bus is not related to us but they offer an awesome service and a bus of up to 16 people - recommend)
https://www.waihekeshuttles.co.nz/
http://www.waihekelocal.co.nz/travel/waiheke-taxis/waiheke-express-taxis/
https://waiheketaxi.co.nz/tours.php
Car hire
https://www.gorentals.co.nz/rental-car-locations/waiheke
https://www.waihekecarrental.co.nz/
https://www.waihekerentalcars.co.nz/
Scooter hire
https://www.pophire.co.nz
Walk
You can always walk around the island if you wish! You can walk up from the ferry terminal to Oneroa village, where there are cafes, bars, and shops to explore. From there you can walk down to one of the numerous beaches that surround Oneroa.
Alternatively, you could walk around the Te Ara Hura walking track network. This collection of walks is the perfect way to explore Waiheke Island and discover its natural beauty. Explore the coastline, pass through native bush and visit historic sites.
There are plenty of other walks on Waiheke Island. Check out some walking tracks here: https://walkwaiheke.co.nz
How to Get to The ‘HEKE
The 'HEKE is at 64 Onetangi Road, directly opposite the golf course, on the golden ‘kilometre’ of Onetangi Road.
To get here from the ferry by bus or car, you will pass Wild Estate (800m) -> Stonyridge (500m) -> Tantalus (400m) -> Postage Stamp (200m) -> THE HEKE! You can walk from one to the other if you visit more than one.
With a Car: Just navigate to 64 Onetangi Road. We have a car park.
Without a Car: When you get off the ferry at Matiatia Wharf you can taxi, rent a car, electric bike, scooter, or catch the bus.
Bus: There is a bus stop close to our gate. Get on the bus to Onetangi and ask the driver for THE HEKE.
The Fullers Hop On Hop Off stops close by too. Just walk east along Onetangi Road until you see our sign, straight across the road from the golf course.
