Half Moon Bay (Auckland) - Waiheke
Ferries to Waiheke Island
Half Moon Bay (Auckland) - Waiheke
Ferries to Waiheke Island
On the Half Moon Bay (Auckland) Waiheke route, fares generally fall between $25* and $424*. On average, a Half Moon Bay (Auckland) Waiheke ferry ticket costs around $189*, with the lowest Half Moon Bay (Auckland) Waiheke fares starting at $25*. Foot passengers pay an average of $104*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $343*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Half Moon Bay (Auckland) Waiheke sailings usually begin with a departure from Half Moon Bay (Auckland) at approximately 05:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 18:15.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Half Moon Bay (Auckland) to Waiheke a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, Sealink NZ operates car-friendly sailings between Half Moon Bay (Auckland) and Waiheke. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Half Moon Bay (Auckland) to Waiheke crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Half Moon Bay (Auckland) and Waiheke.
Yes, Sealink NZ accepts foot passengers on sailings between Half Moon Bay (Auckland) and Waiheke.
Good news for pet owners — Sealink NZ allows pets on board sailings between Half Moon Bay (Auckland) and Waiheke. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $332.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Half Moon Bay (Auckland) to Waiheke route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Half Moon Bay (Auckland) to Waiheke crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Half Moon Bay (Auckland) to Waiheke ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Half Moon Bay (Auckland) - Waiheke Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $104 | |
| Average Price with Car | $343 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $210 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $485 | |
| Half Moon Bay (Auckland) - Waiheke Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Destination | Waiheke Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Sealink NZ |
| Average Price | $189 |
| Average Pet Price | $332 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 8 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 50 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 45 m |
| First Ferry | 05:00 |
| Last Ferry | 18:15 |
| Distance | 8 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Laying home to some of the most expensive and affluent areas of Auckland, Half Moon Bay is a sea of scenic walking trails, wonderfully verdant parks and its famous marina, which hosts over 500 boats in its impressive docks.
When the weather is warm and the atmosphere is serene, many locals and tourists congregate at the collection of cafes overlooking the harbour, enjoying a fresh beer or a hearty cup of coffee before setting off on their adventure.
Almost everyone who chooses to visit the sanguine suburb does so to board the ferry to Waiheke Island, a pivotal transport link for the region. The port’s prevalence was the reason for the pretty aesthetics of the ferry terminal and surrounding harbour, so many who travel will return to the charming port.
Most choose to head there via car, which is a short drive from the centre of Auckland, and has ample parking and passenger facilities.
Waiheke Island sits in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, and is the nation’s most densely populated island. The Waiheke ferry timetable includes over 30 sailings every day from Auckland Harbour, as well as numerous daily routes from Devonport and Half Moon Bay.
The wineries of Waiheke are considered world-class, set among idyllic countryside overlooking the island’s glorious beaches and glistening blue water. While relaxation is the main draw for visitors, the island is a playground for thrill seekers, with kayaking, forested hiking, snorkelling and fresh water swimming just some of the available activities.
Historians take note: Waiheke is also famed for its system of World War II gun emplacements and network of underground tunnels, which are open for exploration, making the island one of the most well-rounded tourist destinations in the country.
