Your Stress-Free Guide to Waiheke Island's AT Buses

Tired of worrying about rental cars and parking? Exploring Waiheke Island is simpler and more affordable than ever with the local bus network. Here’s everything a day-tripper needs to know to get around with ease.

Start at the Ferry Terminal: It’s Simple

The moment you step off the ferry at Matiatia, you’re minutes away from your first destination.

How it works:

1. Head to the bus stops right outside the terminal.

2. Check the digital signs or route maps for your destination.

3. Hop on the right bus.

Where they go (The Key Routes):

• To Oneroa Village, Surfdale, Ostend & Onetangi: Take the 50A or 50B (WaihekeLink).
• To Palm Beach, Blackpool & Rocky Bay: Take the 502 bus.

Your Essential Tool: The AT Mobile App

Before you even get on the bus, download the official AT Mobile app (Auckland Transport). This is your real-time travel companion.

Why you need it:

• Live Bus Tracking: See exactly where your bus is on the map and its predicted arrival time.
• Journey Planner: Enter your start point (e.g., Matiatia) and destination (e.g., Onetangi Beach) for instant route and timetable info.
• Service Alerts: Get notified of any bus disruptions or changes.

The Easiest Way to Pay: Just Tap Your Card

Skip cash and complicated passes. Just use your contactless debit or credit card (or your phone's wallet).

• How it works: Simply tap on when you board and tap off when you exit using the same card or device. The system calculates your fare automatically.
• The Best Part: The ENTIRE island is one zone. You can take multiple buses within 4 hours and pay just ONE fare.
• The Cost: The adult cash fare is $2.80 for a single zone. Thanks to the transfer rules, this $2.80 can cover your bus travel across the island for a large part of your day.
• Important: Always use the same card or device to tap on and off for your transfers to get the single-fare benefit.
• Plan Your Perfect Waiheke Day with the Bus in Mind

Unlock the island with the freedom and flexibility of the bus. Here’s how to build your ideal day:

• Morning: Ferry to Matiatia → Bus to Oneroa Village for coffee and shopping.
• Mid Morning: Catch the bus to Onetangi for a morning walk and swim.
• Midday: Hop back on the bus to the Golden Mile for a long lunch and world-class wine tasting.
• Afternoon: Catch a connecting bus to Palm Beach for a swim and sun.
• Evening: A final easy bus ride returns you to Matiatia in time for your ferry home.

The bottom line? For just $2.80, you have a flexible, all-day ticket to adventure. There’s no easier or more affordable way to connect the dots between Waiheke’s best beaches, vineyards, and villages.

Ready to explore? Download the AT Mobile app now, plan your route, and get ready to tap and go. Your Waiheke Island adventure awaits.

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Fare is the adult cash fare for one zone as per Auckland Transport's public fare information. Always check the AT website or app for the most current pricing before you travel.