What to do and see in North Island, New Zealand: The Best Ferries

April 30, 2022 Flossie Demartino

Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Auckland Sea Shuttles, Hauraki Express, Interislander, East By West Ferries, Cathedral Cove Water Taxi, Hokianga Ferry, Fullers Ferries, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries, Fishmeister.
Restaurants in North Island

1. Auckland Sea Shuttles

Auckland Central, Auckland 1081 New Zealand +64 508 732 748 [email protected] http://www.aucklandseashuttles.co.nz
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Auckland Sea Shuttles

Auckland Sea Shuttles is a water taxi service offering private ferry transportation between Auckland and many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Steve and his crew also offer guided fishing trips, day/night cruises, beach drop-offs and day charters to major attractions, including Rangitoto Island, Riverhead, Waiheke Island, Tiri Tiri Matangi and more. Travel with us and avoid the masses - anywhere, anytime. Max 10 passengers.

Reviewed By kennypats70 - Auckland, New Zealand

Steve has been of excellent service transporting us between Waiheke & Rakino Island daily for a forest revegetation project we have been commissioned to preform. Always punctual and full of useful information about the Hauraki Gulf.

2. Hauraki Express

Excellent
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 38 reviews

Hauraki Express

Hauraki Express fishing charters specialise in full-day guided fishing trips hunting the work-ups and reefs around the Hauraki Gulf. Specialising in lure fishing and live baiting, targeting mainly snapper and kingfish. We pride ourselves in finding big fish daily, and our techniques are easy to learn for beginners. Fishing is great in the Hauraki Gulf year-round, skippers set a game plan according to the season and where the fish are biting. We provide the latest high-spec Daiwa rod and reel sets, and best in class lures and terminal tackle. Our Extreme boats are fast and modern, comfortably fishing up to six people per trip. Hauraki Express water taxis offer a fast and reliable option for travelling to and from Auckland and its surrounding Islands. We pride ourselves on our flexibility; and being a family owned and operated business we know that our good customer service helps build lasting relationships with our clients. All boats have private flush toilets and protected cabins

3. Interislander

1 Aotea Quay, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-498 3302 [email protected] http://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander/
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,272 reviews

Interislander

Cruise with Interislander from Wellington to Picton across the Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in just over three hours on the three largest ferries in New Zealand. Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand and our three ships each feature several outdoor viewing decks that allow you to soak up the gorgeous New Zealand scenery as it floats by. They also have plenty of lounges, cafes and bars to choose from, plenty to keep the kids entertained - including children's play areas - and plenty for mum and dad too. Cars, vans, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, motorcycles and coaches - all vehicles are welcome, just drive on, drive off. And for the rental car providers, just drop off your car at the rental depots within our terminals then pick up another at the other end - easy! Interislander operates a FREE shuttle bus. Departing 50 minutes before each sailing from Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station.

Reviewed By stefanom8 - Penang Island, Malaysia

We went from Picton to Wellington, three hours in a very comfortable ship. It is a memorable trip, passing the nooks and corners of the Queen Charlotte Sound and then reaching the Cook Strait, with Kaikoura on the far South and the Miramar peninsula North.

4. East By West Ferries

Meridian Building, Waterside Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-499 1282 [email protected] http://www.eastbywest.co.nz
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

East By West Ferries

You haven’t experienced Wellington until you’ve been on Wellington’s unique Harbour Ferry Service.Up to 16 return harbour crossings daily between Queens Wharf and Days Bay and calling into Matiu Somes Island.East by West Ferries also caters to private and corporate functions with Dinner Cruising, Casino Cruising, Cocktail cruising, Lunch Cruising and Hire by Hour options. So, if you're looking for something different for your next event, check out East by West Ferries.

Reviewed By 336SusanN - New Zealand, null

I've been in Wellington a number of times over the years (mostly for work), but have never been out on the Harbour - apart from twice on the Cook Straight Ferry. My friend suggested catching a ferry, which is not something I had thought of doing. The weather was exceptional so it was very busy. The staff member in the ticket office was very friendly and the ferry trip was fun. We went across to Day's Bay for a nice lunch and a look around.

5. Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

Hahei Beach Road, Hahei 3591 New Zealand +64 27 919 0563 [email protected] http://www.cathedralcovewatertaxi.co.nz
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

The Water Taxi is an express service which takes you to Cathedral Cove. Park at Hahei Beach, and the Water Taxi departs Hahei Beach approximately every 30 mins, and also Cathedral Cove approximately every 30 mins. Stay as long as you like, just come back when you're ready! Weather dependent service, please call for automated message about operations for the day. Cash/card accepted, no bookings req

Reviewed By Fitzgelo1 - Dublin, Ireland

My friend hurt his foot while walking out to cathedral cove so we got a taxi back - the staff are so friendly and helpful, speedy return to hahei and nice to see the coast from a boat too!

6. Hokianga Ferry

Rawene New Zealand http://hokiangatourism.org.nz/activities/adventure/hokianga-ferry
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Hokianga Ferry

Reviewed By sachindri1785 - Auckland, New Zealand

The car ferry runs every half hour in the day time. Ferry terminals have no outlet or anything to buy tickets. Tickets could be purchased on the ferry. The ferry staff is very friendly with good customer service skills. Rangiora Ferry terminal has a long drop toilet located across the road. There is also a Food truck on road that sells coffee and bites like fries, hotdogs etc at a very nominal cost. Rawene Ferry terminal is pretty much well equipped with everything like restaurants, toilets etc.

7. Fullers Ferries

99 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand +64 9-367 9111 http://www.fullers.co.nz/
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,070 reviews

Fullers Ferries

Fullers is the leading ferry operator in Auckland and for over 20 years has been offering a range of ferry trips, tours and charters around Auckland Harbour and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Leisure trips include the historic seaside suburb of Devonport, the volcanic Rangitoto Island, beautiful Waiheke Island and Fullers established Harbour Cruise. Seasonal ferries also operate to Great Barrier Island.Commuter ferry services operate between Downtown Auckland and Birkenhead, Bayswater, Northcote Point, Stanley Bay and Half Moon Bay.Fullers also owns and operates the Waiheke Bus Company, which runs bus services to and from all Fullers ferry arrivals and departures on the island.

Reviewed By tliamhowts - Orlando, United States

We took advantage of Fullers Ferries for trip to Waiheke, Devonport and scenic tour of Auckland harbour.

8. Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

50 Waterloo Quay Wellington Terminal, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-471 6188 [email protected] http://www.bluebridge.co.nz/
Excellent
35%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
7%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 705 reviews

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry sails several times a day between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. The Bluebridge experience offers warm, friendly ‘Kiwi’ hospitality amidst stunning New Zealand scenery.

Reviewed By 123traveller1

We crossed to the South Island from Wellington, taking the 1:30pm Straitsman. We had booked for our car and two passengers with check in and boarding being a very easy process. On exiting our car on board and walking onto the seating area we were surprised to find a considerable amount of comfortable seating and a clean interior. We settled into two seats and the time went by relatively quickly. We had eaten before so were not hungry, however I was surprised to see some excellent meals being produced by the on board café. For a ferry I have not seen meals to that standard and people seemed to be enjoying them. They also have a central movie room where you can watch a film of their choice to pass by the time and a deck area for you to stand to enjoy the stunning surrounding views. We departed on time but arrived 20-30mins late, probably as it was a particularly windy day so this is not in their control at all. Make sure you allocate extra time just in case. Excellent way to cross the border. Having been on very basic ferries in the past, this was an enjoyable journey.

9. Fishmeister

Excellent
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Fishmeister

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