1. From Auckland International Airport to the ferry terminal:
SkyBus operates 24/7, all year. Departs every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes between 11.45pm and 5am. Look for the SkyBus ticket kiosk and bus stop outside the area between doors 4 and 5/6 of the domestic terminal (directly opposite the Air New Zealand baggage claim area). The SkyBus stop is to the left of Door 8 outside the international terminal (just next to Arrivals). Travel time about 1 hour to Waiheke ferry terminal downtown Auckland. The closest stop for travelling back to the airport is a short walk from the ferry terminal, at 10 Customs Street. From the terminal, walk up Queen Street, and turn left onto Customs Street.
Website: www.skybus.co.nz Cost: NZ$16 per person one-way, NZ$28 per person return
TAXI SERVICES are readily available from directly outside the Airport (confirm quote before departing). Budget Taxis: +64 9 849 3000. Cost should be around NZ$35-40 and travel time about 35 minutes to/from the Downtown Ferry Terminal (allow extra time during peak traffic hours).
2. Ferries to Waiheke:
We recommend downloading the free app Go Waiheke, which has timetables for Fullers and Sealink ferries, plus lots of other information about Waiheke.
PASSENGER FERRIES: The Ferry Terminal is on Quay Street, in Central Downtown Auckland. It is a 35 minute scenic journey to Matiatia Wharf, and café bars serve light snacks and refreshments on these modern vessels. Ferries depart hourly throughout the day 5.10am until 11.45pm. There are baggage lock-up facilities at the Downtown Ferry Terminal and in Oneroa village.
Fullers Ferries also have a link service from Devonport, on the North Shore. Telephone timetable: +64 9 367 9111 or 0800FULLERS Website timetable: www.fullers.co.nz Cost: NZ$36 return per adult.
CAR PARKING City-side overnight car parking: Downtown Car Park – Secure, undercover, only a few minutes walk from the ferry pier. Cost: NZ$30/day (check this as it changes and is often cheaper at the weekend) Phone: +64 9 309 6007
CAR and PASSENGER FERRY – MUST BOOK! Departs from Half Moon Bay, Pakuranga. Travel time 45 min approx. Cost: from NZ$169 return for a car and two passengers (Super Saver deal) Phone: +64 9 300 5900 Per person Cost: NZ$36.50 return.
NB: This ferry arrives at a different wharf on Waiheke. The Fullers passenger ferries arrive at Matiatia, but the Sealink ferries go to Kennedy Point Wharf.
Sealink timetable: Bookings online at www.sealink.co.nz or +64 9 300 5900 (check for deals).
Sealinks new daily service leaves from Downtown Auckland. See their website under Wynyard Quarter departures for details. Car and passenger services both available.
Check the bookme.co.nz website (search for Sealink) for fantastic deals.
3. Waiheke (Matiatia Wharf) to Palm Beach Bungalows, 77 Hill Road, Palm Beach:
Taxi: There are always taxis waiting at Matiatia but if you want to be certain, pre-book before you get on the ferry. You can also call a couple of different companies to price-check. Most companies are happy to provide a "meet and greet" (name-board on the wharf) for when you arrive on Waiheke, so be sure to make it clear to the operator if this is the service you want.
We usually use Island Taxis 0800 372 4111 but there are many reputable companies on the island.
Travel time 10-15 minutes. Cost varies, depending on whether it's a weekend or weekday, and regardless of how many passengers. So ask before getting into the car, if this matters to you.
Drivers can accept cash or credit card (small surcharge for CC) and will soon be able to accept Eftpos – check this when you call.
Make it easy on yourself, especially at busy times!
Car (or scooter) hire: And if you want to make things really easy for yourself, car hire is definitely the way to go. We recommend Wheels on Waiheke. Their website is here or just call Wayne on 027 2467 883. Most car hire companies will arrange to meet you at the wharf, or leave a car there for you to collect.
Bus Service: Look for the Rocky Bay bus at the end of the wharf, they meet every Fullers ferry. You can find out more about the Island's bus services here. Ask the driver to drop you off at the bottom of Hill Road & Te Toki Road crossroads.
Bus travel time approx 30 minutes.
If arriving by bus, walk back to crossroads and turn left onto Hill Road. Look for the sign: 77 Hill Road. We are less than 50 metres from the bus stop.
Getting Around the Island
Buses: These are plentiful, with stops for buses in both directions within a few metres of the Bungalows. Timetables and bus maps are available on the Fullers website. Here is a direct link to the Waiheke bus timetable (the 502 bus stops on the corner of our road): Waiheke bus timetable
Taxis: See above. Taxis are plentiful but they get very busy during the summer months, so allow some extra time if you need to be somewhere at a particular time.
Tours: There are lots of different tours at lots of different prices – Googling Waiheke tours is best. But we do suggest that Ananda Tours stand out from the crowd.
Car (or scooter) hire: If you prefer not to bring your car over but want the flexibility of having a car on the island, even for part of your stay, this is a good way to go. We recommend Wheels on Waiheke or just call Wayne on 027 2467 883. Most car hire companies will arrange to meet you at the wharf, or leave a car there for you to collect.
