Where to Sail: the 6 Best New Zealand Ferry Trips

1.Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Travel from Auckland to Waiheke Island by ferry, then use a day-pass bus to visit 16 stops at wineries, beaches, galleries, shops, restaurants, and nature walks. You set the pace. Guides such as Ruth, Aaron, Chris, and Tilly may add local stories, while the Fullers360 app helps you track buses and plan your return.

“Wonderful day spent at our own pace and not a long wait for the next bus to hop on.”

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2.InterIslander Ferry – Wellington to Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 417 reviews · from $58

Take a 3.5-hour passenger-only InterIslander ferry from Wellington to Picton. You will cross Cook Strait, pass forested hills and Queen Charlotte Sound, and may spot dolphins, seals, seabirds, whales, or orcas. The fare includes two 23-kilogram bags, viewing decks, and a Wellington Railway Station shuttle.

“The InterIslander Ferry was an easy and comfortable way to travel from Wellington to Picton. It’s a great choice when your journey takes you from the North to South Island of NZ. The premium lounge is a terrific choice to make the trip even more enjoyable if you are not traveling with children. The lounge includes a buffet meal, complimentary drinks, and access to great views on deck. Highly recommend it!”

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3.InterIslander Ferry – Picton to Wellington

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 247 reviews · from $58

Travel from Picton to Wellington by InterIslander ferry in about 3.5 hours. Choose a foot passenger or vehicle ticket, carry two bags up to 23 kilograms each, and enjoy Queen Charlotte Sound, Cook Strait, Wellington Harbour, cafés, lounges, and outdoor viewing decks.

“Wonderful smooth trip today. Excellent food, drinks, and areas to relax. I enjoyed upper deck which was slightly cool with warm points along the way. Scenery was spectacular. Crew was kind and caring.”

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4.Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $65

Take an 80-minute ferry from Auckland to pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island, then spend several hours walking among regenerating forest, rare birds, beaches, and New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse. English-speaking guides such as Tina, Vishnu, and Malcolm have helped make the island’s conservation story come alive for many visitors. Bring lunch, water, swimwear, and sturdy shoes.

“Absolutely couldn’t have asked for more. Our guide Tina was the best and was so friendly. Just loved the whole experience. We managed to see all species of birds bar one which was the Takahe. One of the highlights was seeing a big Tuatara which really made our day and the big Punga Weta also was a great sight to see.”

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5.Auckland to Rangitoto Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $37Best value

Ride a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland to Rangitoto Island, then walk through lava fields and native bush toward the 260-metre summit. The climb takes about an hour at an easy pace and includes boardwalk stairs, lookouts, and optional lava-cave detours. Bring all food, water, and sun protection.

“Nice day out and an unusual experience of driving through lava fields”

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6.Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $65

Take a 90-minute air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O' War Bay, travelling via Rotoroa Island. Spend about three and a half hours at the beachfront vineyard, with time for wine, lunch, the lawn, playground, and swimming. Meals, tastings, and ziplining cost extra, so plan ahead.

“We had an excellent day celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. Everything about the day was done professionally and instructions were clear and the boat ride very comfortable and Island was amazing. Food very good and we loved the beer and wine. Would recommend this trip for an awesome day out.”

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