Frequently asked Questions
- All
- Tickets
- SuperGold
- Travel
- Bikes
- Children
- Accessibility
- Disruptions
- AT Hop
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased for pre-booked or walk-up travel. There is no added cost for pre-booked travel.
Pre-Booked Travel
- Online: Purchase tickets at islanddirect.co.nz.
- Ticket Kiosk: Adjacent to Pier 13 at the Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Walk-Up Travel
• AT HOP: Tag on and off using your AT HOP card.
• Contactless: Tag on and off for standard adult fares using Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit cards, and most major credit cards.
Passengers can purchase tickets at either Matiatia Wharf (Pier 3) or the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal (Pier 13) from the Island Direct crew, subject to availability.
Customers are encouraged to book in advance online during peak times to guarantee a seat. However, please note that we cannot accept bookings using the AT HOP card.
Can I purchase a ticket at the pier, or do I need to book in advance?
Customers are encouraged to book in advance at IslandDirect.co.nz; however, passengers can also ‘walk up’ subject to availability. Passengers can use their AT HOP cards or contactless payment options when tagging on for a quicker boarding experience
How much do tickets cost?
All fares can be found here.
Does it cost extra to book a seat?
The Island Direct ferry can be booked in advance e at no added cost, giving customers the certainty to plan their journey.
Does Island Direct offer multi-pass ferry tickets?
Yes! Island Direct offers several multi-pass options to provide savings for frequent travellers:
- 10-trip adult pass – $166
- 40-trip adult pass – $576
- 10-trip child pass – $99
Please note:
Child multi-pass is available for children aged 5–15 years and requires a paying adult to accompany the child during travel.
Can I book a ticket without choosing a selected ferry?
When booking online, passengers must select a specific sailing; however, walk up sales are also very welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does Island Direct offer group booking discounts?
At this stage, we do not offer group booking discounts for travel on the Island Direct ferry.
Can I book the entire Island Direct ferry for a private group?
Subject to scheduling and availability, Island DIrect is able to offer private group bookings for the entire vessel. Please email hello@islanddirect.co.nz with details of your request and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible
How far in advance can I book a ticket?
Passengers will be able to book their sailing with Island Direct up to 12 Months in advance, subject to availability.
How long are tickets valid for?
All Island Direct tickets (one-way and return) are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
How do I book a sailing with my pre-purchased multi-pass ticket?
If you have a multi-pass ticket, follow these steps to book your sailing:
1. Sign in to your account
2. Once logged in, navigate to ‘Book Tickets’
Alternatively, if you prefer to decide on the day, simply:
1. Present the Island Direct crew your designated QR code from your multi-pass portal. You can screenshot this ahead of time to make it quick to board.
What is the SuperGold Scheme and who is eligible?
The SuperGold Scheme provides free travel for persons aged 65 and over who hold a valid SuperGold card.
When can I travel for free on Island Direct with my SuperGold card?
- Weekdays: Free travel is available after 9am.
- Weekends and Public Holidays: Free travel is available all day.
Can I book my ferry ticket in advance under the SuperGold scheme?
No, ferry tickets under the SuperGold scheme are available on a walk-up basis only and are subject to availability.
What ID do I need to show to board?
You must present a valid AT Hop Gold Card at boarding. Note, this is different from the government-issued SuperGold card. Proof of age ID may be required upon request.
How do I get an AT Hop Gold Card?
What payment methods are accepted?
Island Direct is cashless. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express for both online and in-person bookings.
Can I use my AT HOP card?
Currently, we are not able to accept AT HOP for travel on the Island Direct ferry; however, we are working to launch this later in November 2024 so watch this space.
How does the AT HOP payment work on Island Direct?
Passengers can simply tag on with their AT HOP card at the pier when boarding the ferry. This allows for a smooth process, just like using the AT HOP system on other forms of public transport.
What is the contactless payment system?
When travelling with on a standard adult fare you can tap on and off using contactless payment options. This includes Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit cards, and most major credit cards.
Can I use my AT HOP Gold card?
Yes, we are able to offer the Super Gold public transport concession and we’ve had approval for inclusion into the SuperGold scheme and will be accepting these for walk-up travel from 1 July 2024.
Are children required to purchase a ticket?
Children under five ride free on the Island Direct ferry, and we are happy to offer a reduced fare for children between the ages of 5 and 15, inclusive.
Maritime law dictates that ALL passengers must have their own ticket on board commercial vessels and as such, children are required to have their own ticket even when riding for free (under fives). This can be noted at the time of booking on IslandDirect.co.nz, or with the Island Direct team when travelling as a ‘walk up.’
Where does the Island Direct ferry depart from?
Auckland departs from Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Auckland.
Waiheke Island departs from Pier 3, Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke Island.
Where does Island Direct travel to?
Island Direct provides direct travel between the Downtown Ferry Terminal (pier 13) downtown Auckland and Matiatia Wharf (pier 3) Waiheke Island.
How long is the journey between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island?
The Island Direct ferry between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island takes around 35 to 40 minutes one way.
How far in advance should I arrive for my sailing?
To ensure a smooth and timely boarding, passengers are encouraged to arrive at the respective pier at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Is food and beverage available for purchase?
The Island Direct ferry has a licensed cafe and bar on board, proudly serving a range of goods, including a selection of Daily Bread catering, barista-made Supreme coffee, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Can I bring my own food and beverage on board?
Passengers are permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on board the Island Direct ferry. The consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased at the licensed, onboard cafe is strictly prohibited.
Are there toilets on board?
There are two toilets on board the Island Direct ferry, located on the rear deck.
Is there WiFi on board the Island Direct ferry?
Complimentary WiFI is available throughout your journey. The password is ‘waihekeisland’ - enjoy!
Is the Island Direct ferry wheelchair accessible?
The Island Direct ferry cabin and onboard toilets have limited accessibility and may be difficult to navigate for some users. If you have any questions or wish to discuss in advance of booking, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@islanddirect.co.nz.
I have accessibility requirements. How can I raise these in advance of my sailing?
When booking a ticket at IslandDirect.co.nz, there will be an option to indicate whether you require any special assistance. If you are travelling as a ‘walk up,’ please notify the Island Direct team who will be happy to assist.
I’m travelling with an infant or small child - is there a place to stow my pram on board?
Prams and / or other large items can be stowed on the luggage, located on the rear deck of the Island Direct ferry.
Can I bring my bike on board?
Bicycles are welcome on board the Island Direct ferry, and passengers travelling with bikes are invited to stow these on racks located in the rear corners of the vessel.
Please note - racks are not completely covered, so bikes may get wet in inclement weather. Rack space is limited, so passengers travelling with bicycles are encouraged to arrive early.
Are there e-bike charging facilities on board?
Unfortunately we are not able to offer e-bike charging on board at this time.
Can I travel with my pets?
Yes, dogs and other small household pets are permitted on the Island Direct ferry. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and may be indoors, but please be mindful that patrons take priority on seating if there is limited capacity indoors. Other small household pets must be restrained in a carrier.
Do you have luggage racks on board?
For those travelling with luggage, smaller items can be stowed underneath all seats. Larger items can be stowed on the luggage racks located on the rear deck. Please note - these racks include a canvas cover to prevent luggage getting wet in inclement weather.
Can children travel unaccompanied?
All children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult when travelling on the Island Direct ferry.
Can I refill my drink bottle on board?
We support the reduction of single-use plastics, and encourage passengers to refill their reusable drink bottles through our filtered tap, located in the forward area of the cabin.
Can I smoke or vape on board?
The Island Direct ferry is proudly smoke and vape free.
Where can I enquire about lost property?
Please email hello@islanddirect.co.nz with a description of the items you have left behind and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
What items are prohibited on board?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Island Direct, we ask all passengers to avoid bringing the following list of prohibited items on board:
- Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene
- Batteries
- Camping stove fuel
- Corrosive substances (e.g. acids)
- Dive tanks
- Drain cleaners, insecticides, pesticides
- Hand flares, smoke flares
- Matches
- Methylated spirits
- Pool chlorine
- Portable toilets or septic tank waste
- Sodium and potassium metals
- Ammonium nitrate, fertiliser sand, bitumen and other environmentally hazardous substances
- Hay (category A)
- Calcium carbide UN 1402 PG I and PG II - category B
- Hydrochloric acid UN 1789 PG II and III – category C
- Acetylene UN 1001 – category D
- LPG – category E
What happens if Island Direct delays or cancels a sailing?
If a disruption occurs, we will notify you through the email address you provided when making your booking. We also regularly update our website with any travel alerts.
This email will contain a link to our ‘manage booking’ page, also found via islanddirect.co.nz From here, you will be prompted to enter your email address and booking reference number to change your reservation to a new sailing, subject to availability.
If for any reason you are unable to find a suitable alternative sailing, you can also request a full refund for your fare. Please note - refunds may take up to 24-48 hours to process.
My plans have changed, can I change my booking to a new sailing time?
If your plans change and you need to change your sailing time, you can manage your booking online until the departure time.
All you need is your email address and booking reference number to amend your booking.
How do I cancel my booking?
If your plans change and you need to cancel your reservation, you will be able to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure through the ‘manage booking’ link in your ticket confirmation email, or via the manage booking portal.
Cancellations requested within 24 hours of sailing, are non-refundable.
Can’t find the information you’re looking for above?
Drop us a line at hello@islanddirect.co.nz and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
