Island Direct joins SuperGold

21 AUGUST 2024, TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND | Travellers enrolled in the SuperGold scheme can now travel for free on all Island Direct ferry services between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island. The news follows a period of successful negotiation between Island Direct, Auckland Transport and central government agencies. 

 

Persons aged 65 and over who are eligible for a SuperGold card can travel on the Island Direct ferry free of charge on weekdays after 9am, and any time of day on weekends or public holidays. Passengers must show a valid AT HOP Gold Card* at boarding to be granted the concession. 

 

Celebrating the news, Island Direct founder David Todd said:  “We’re delighted to offer eligible passengers free travel on the Island Direct ferry, and are grateful to our community for their patience and support in getting the SuperGold concession up and running. Today’s news is a big milestone for Island Direct, and gives our neighbours and visitors alike genuine choice in how they travel to and from Waiheke Island.” 

 

While a seat on Island Direct can be booked at no added cost, it is important to note that the SuperGold free travel concession applies to walk-up passengers only at this time due to booking limitations, and like other walk-up services, is subject to availability. 

 

SuperGold travel complements a suite of Island Direct offerings, including single-trip tickets between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island – one-way ($27.50) and return ($55). Island Direct launched 10 and 40-journey multi-pass tickets earlier this year, priced at $166 and $576 respectively, and offers monthly passes for adults and children aged 5-12.

 

Island Direct continues to work with Auckland Transport to introduce AT HOP onto the service, with a view to providing all AT HOP users the ability to pay for their ferry journey simply by tapping on at either terminal (downtown Auckland and Matiatia Wharf).

 

Todd said, “We’re always listening to our community to refine our service, and ensure we provide a friendly, reliable alternative for travelling between Auckland and Waiheke Island. We’re hopeful for a full integration into the AT HOP system soon, alongside other exciting news and announcements.” 

 

In May, Island Direct unveiled its Winter 2024 timetable, including the addition of new, evening services to better accommodate commuting passengers, plus consistent timings across all week days. The changes were directly informed by the results of a 780+ customer survey conducted by the operator. 

 

To find out more, including Island Direct’s full timetable, head to IslandDirect.co.nz. A full list of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) can be found here.