Auckland Ferry Terminal
Historic Edwardian Baroque terminal and modern pier, gateway to Auckland's stunning islands and coastal suburbs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Commuter crowds thin out
Auckland Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Commuter crowds thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Edwardian Baroque terminal and modern pier, gateway to Auckland's stunning islands and coastal suburbs.
"Take a ride to get amazing views of the Auckland skyline!"
💳 Use Your AT HOP Card
Tap your AT HOP card for most ferry rides to Devonport and Waiheke.
🌅 Sunset Ferry Magic
Ride back into the city at sunset for incredible skyline views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Devonport Ferry Ride
Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal to Devonport Wharf
A quick, scenic 10-20 minute trip offering stunning views of the Auckland skyline.
Sunset City Views
Ferry crossing during sunset
Catch the ferry around sunset for breathtaking city lights and a magical atmosphere.
Hobsonville Point Scenic Route
Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal Pier 7 to Hobsonville Point
Sail under the bridge and enjoy a more relaxed journey with beautiful coastal views.
Planning Your Visit
Hop On, Hop Off with AT HOP
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💳 Use Your AT HOP Card
Tap your AT HOP card for most ferry rides to Devonport and Waiheke. +1
🌅 Sunset Ferry Magic
Ride back into the city at sunset for incredible skyline views. +1
🐾 Pet-Friendly Ferries
Some ferries, like to Devonport, allow furry family members!
🅿️ Parking Options
Consider AT Downtown Carpark for weekend Waiheke trips.
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Use Your AT HOP Card
Tap your AT HOP card for most ferry rides to Devonport and Waiheke. +1
🌅 Sunset Ferry Magic
Ride back into the city at sunset for incredible skyline views. +1
🐾 Pet-Friendly Ferries
Some ferries, like to Devonport, allow furry family members!
🅿️ Parking Options
Consider AT Downtown Carpark for weekend Waiheke trips.
🗺️ Check Schedules
Ferry frequencies vary; check times, especially for less frequent routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Auckland Ferry Terminal for its convenient location, efficient service, and the iconic Edwardian Baroque architecture. The ferry rides themselves are highlighted for their stunning city views, especially at sunset, and affordability when using an AT HOP card. Some minor inconveniences include ongoing roadworks near the terminal, but clear signage and friendly staff help mitigate these.
"Great experience riding the ferry! The Fullers360 staff member that sold us our tickets was very nice and helpful, and getting to the terminal was pretty easy overall. The ferry itself was quick, clean and efficient."
Leilani Osmundson
"A modern terminal offering services to multiple ferry operators serving a number of destinations in and around Auckland. Conveniently located near the Britomart transport hub and close to the Auckland Central Business district. Access is good and digital signage is comprehensive."
Chris Caldwell
"The Auckland Wharf Building is an iconic building that has been in existence for over a hundred years and is a retro Victorian building. He was originally a wharf association and now it has become a hotel. Overlooking the entire Auckland pier on the dock building, it is very beautiful. It is also the background of the red photo taken at the Auckland Pier. It is definitely worth a look."
Nick Carrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Auckland Ferry Terminal is conveniently located in the CBD, adjacent to the Britomart transport hub. You can easily walk from many downtown hotels or take public transport to Britomart. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available.
Parking directly at the terminal can be limited and expensive. For longer trips, consider the AT Downtown Carpark or nearby city parking buildings. Some outer terminals, like Gulf Harbour, offer free parking.
The main terminal serves multiple operators. Ferries to Devonport typically depart from Pier 1, while Waiheke and other destinations might use different piers. Check the digital signage for your specific route.
Yes, taxis and rideshares are a convenient way to reach the Auckland Ferry Terminal, especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.
From Auckland Airport, you can take the SkyBus to the city centre and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, your AT HOP card is accepted on most ferries, including those to Devonport and Waiheke Island. It functions like a bus fare. However, special tickets are required for routes like Rangitoto. +1
A one-way fare to Devonport typically costs around $5.80 with an AT HOP card for adults, and slightly more for cash fares. Check current prices as they can vary.
For popular routes like Waiheke, especially during peak season or weekends, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better fares. +1
Consider 'Island Direct' for potentially cheaper fares to Waiheke, or utilize your AT HOP card for the public buses on the island to save on transport costs.
Ferry services generally run from early morning until late evening, with frequencies varying by route and time of day. Check the specific operator's timetable for exact hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terminal itself is an iconic historic building with modern amenities. It's a bustling hub with cafes, restaurants, and information desks. The real attraction is the journey and the destinations.
The ferry offers fantastic panoramic views of the Auckland skyline, the Hauraki Gulf, and surrounding islands. Sunset rides are particularly spectacular.
The ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Devonport Wharf is a quick journey, typically taking around 10-20 minutes.
Some ferry routes, like the one to Devonport, are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along.
Yes, the Auckland Ferry Terminal has public drinking fountains strategically placed around the area, which is a thoughtful amenity. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The terminal area is lined with restaurants and cafes, offering various dining options before or after your ferry journey. [^Review]
Devonport offers a charming selection of cafes, restaurants, and eateries, perfect for a meal after your short ferry ride.
While some ferries might offer limited snack options, it's generally recommended to dine before or after your trip, or pack your own snacks.
The CBD area around the ferry terminal, including Commercial Bay, has a wide array of dining choices, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Hobsonville Point has dining options like Little Creatures brewery and Siamese Doll, conveniently located near the ferry terminal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Auckland skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the surrounding islands. Sunset and twilight offer particularly dramatic lighting.
Yes, the historic Edwardian Baroque architecture of the Auckland Wharf Building is very photogenic and offers a classic backdrop. [^Review]
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful light. Nighttime rides offer illuminated cityscapes. +1
Yes, from Devonport Wharf, you get excellent views back towards the Auckland skyline. Mount Victoria and North Head also offer panoramic photo opportunities.
The terminal is a working port, so you'll see a variety of ferries and boats. It's a great spot for maritime photography. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many ferries are spacious enough for kids to move around a bit, and the novelty of being on a boat is usually a big hit. Consider packing snacks and drinks, though there are often cafes at the destinations. [^Review]For a slightly longer adventure, the ferry to Waiheke Island can also be fun, but be mindful of the longer travel time. If your children enjoy wildlife, a trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island (a bird sanctuary) is a memorable option, though this is a full-day excursion.
💰 Budget Travelers
For Waiheke, compare prices between Fullers360 and Island Direct, and remember to factor in the cost of transport on the island. Utilizing the public buses with your AT HOP card is a smart way to save money compared to dedicated tourist buses.
💖 Couples & Dates
Consider a trip to Devonport for a relaxed evening. You can enjoy dinner at one of its charming restaurants or cafes after a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Auckland's Ferry Network
When planning your trip, be aware that ferry frequencies can vary significantly. Commuter routes often have higher frequency during peak hours, while island services might run less often. For popular destinations like Waiheke, especially during summer or on weekends, it's wise to book tickets in advance to guarantee your spot and potentially secure better pricing.
The ferry experience itself is a highlight for many visitors. The journeys offer spectacular views of the Auckland skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the Hauraki Gulf. Riding during sunset or twilight provides a particularly magical perspective as the city lights up.
+1 For a unique experience, consider the route to Hobsonville Point, which sails under the bridge and offers a more relaxed coastal journey. Making the Most of Your Ferry Trip
When traveling to islands like Waiheke, consider how you'll get around once you arrive. While hop-on-hop-off buses are available, using your AT HOP card on the local public buses can be a more economical option for visiting wineries or beaches.
Remember to check the ferry schedules carefully, as frequencies can change. Some routes are primarily for commuters and may have limited service outside of rush hours.
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