Almost four million passengers travel by passenger ferry around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour each year.

The Downtown Ferry Terminal is next to the Britomart Transport Centre in Downtown Auckland.  This means ferry passengers can easily change to a bus or train to many destinations around the region.

There are nine commuter ferry services. These services operate between the Downtown Ferry Terminal and Bayswater, Birkenhead, Devonport, Gulf Harbour , Half Moon Bay , Pine Harbour , Stanley Bay , West Harbour and Waiheke Island . Although ferry services have small catchments, they cater for coastal communities and are often preferred over buses by car drivers. 

ARTA contracts some, but not all, ferry routes and services. The majority of passenger services are run by the following ferry companies:

• Belaire Marine
• Fullers Group Limited
• 360 Discovery
• Pine Harbour Ferries Limited.

The responsibility for ferry wharves is currently shared between ARTA and the local councils.

Other ferry services include freight and car carrying services to Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island.

Developing the Ferry System

Connections between coastal communities and the CBD will be improved as ferry services are expanded. ARTA is working in partnership with a number of organisations to improve and develop the region's ferry network.

Activities planned over the next 10 years (subject to funding and feedback) include:

• Upgrading terminals at Bayswater, Beach Haven and Half Moon Bay
• Providing new ferry terminals at Hobsonville and Beach Haven
• Working in partnership with ferry operators and local councils to improve existing ferry services and wharf infrastructure.

Catching the Ferry

For more information about how to get around Auckland by ferry  visit the MAXX Website or phone the MAXX Contact Centre on (09) 366 6400.