Half Moon Bay Marina Auckland
A scenic East Auckland marina offering stunning sunset views, waterfront dining, and ferry connections to the city and islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm vibes and beautiful sunsets
Half Moon Bay Marina Auckland
Best Time
Calm vibes and beautiful sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic East Auckland marina offering stunning sunset views, waterfront dining, and ferry connections to the city and islands.
"Loved walking around the marina on a bank holiday noone around so easy to get a picture."
🌅 Sunset Magic
Enjoy the stunning sunset views from the marina restaurants. Perfect for a romantic evening .
⛴️ Ferry Commute
Consider the ferry for a scenic commute to Auckland CBD or Waiheke Island .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marina Stroll & Sunset Views
Half Moon Bay Marina
Wander amongst the boats, enjoy the sea breeze, and catch breathtaking sunsets over the water.
Ferry to City & Islands
Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal
Catch a ferry to Auckland CBD or Waiheke Island for a scenic journey and island exploration.
Waterfront Dining
Restaurants along the marina
Savor delicious meals with picturesque views at Grangers, Marina Thai, or Gouemon.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Access & Commute
Dining with a View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Enjoy the stunning sunset views from the marina restaurants. Perfect for a romantic evening.
⛴️ Ferry Commute
Consider the ferry for a scenic commute to Auckland CBD or Waiheke Island.
🍜 Culinary Delights
Try Gouemon for Japanese, Marina Thai for Thai, or Gorkha for Nepalese Indian food.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Take a leisurely walk around the marina, enjoying the boats and sea air.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Enjoy the stunning sunset views from the marina restaurants. Perfect for a romantic evening.
⛴️ Ferry Commute
Consider the ferry for a scenic commute to Auckland CBD or Waiheke Island.
🍜 Culinary Delights
Try Gouemon for Japanese, Marina Thai for Thai, or Gorkha for Nepalese Indian food.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Take a leisurely walk around the marina, enjoying the boats and sea air.
🐎 Coastal Horse Rides
Experience a relaxing horseback ride along the shores for unique views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Half Moon Bay Marina for its beautiful waterfront views, especially during sunset, and its role as a convenient ferry terminal. The relaxed atmosphere and good dining options are frequently highlighted, making it a pleasant spot for walks and meals.
"Loved walking around the marina on a bank holiday noone around so easy to get a picture. It's a big site with a lot of boats. You can walk round this towards the other side too and walk across the bridge."
Andrew Walmsley (Phlogger.co.uk)
"Great place to go for a walk in the sun. Beautiful amongst all the boats and lots of fish to see. There's a good selection of cafes around too, in case you're hungry or thirsty."
Grant Charsley
"Nice marina view, ferries to downtown, Waiheke.etc. nice restaurants and shopping center, pharmacy, fishing needs, kindergarten, gringer owner changed"
地球边上
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Howick, though it can be a long journey. Alternatively, consider driving to Panmure and taking a train or bus from there. The ferry from Half Moon Bay is also an option for reaching the CBD.
Yes, buses serve the area, and the marina has a ferry terminal connecting to Auckland CBD and Waiheke Island.
Driving is an option, and parking is available. Some residents suggest parking at Panmure and using public transport if heading into the CBD.
The marina offers ferry services to Auckland City and Waiheke Island. However, some services, including late-night and mid-day ferries, have been reduced.
Yes, Half Moon Bay Marina is accessible by car, with parking available. It's also conveniently located within walking distance to local amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the marina itself is free. Tickets are only required for ferry services to other destinations.
The marina is generally accessible at all times for walks. Ferry terminal hours and restaurant operating times will vary.
There are no entry fees to walk around and enjoy the Half Moon Bay Marina itself.
Ferry tickets can typically be purchased at the ferry terminal or online through the ferry operator's website.
Parking availability and any associated costs should be checked on-site, as fees can vary.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended are Grangers for its views, Marina Thai for fantastic Thai food, and Gouemon for great Japanese cuisine.
Yes, Marina Cantina and Gouemon are considered good value. Nearby Highland Park also offers Pho Pho for pho and banh mi.
Yes, you can find seafood options, including fish and chips, and dishes like green-lipped mussels at some of the marina restaurants.
Yes, there are cafes around the marina, perfect for a coffee after a morning run or a leisurely stroll.
You can find a variety of cuisines including Thai, Japanese, Nepalese Indian, and casual options like fish and chips.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire marina offers great photo opportunities with the boats. Walking towards the bridge on the other side also provides unique perspectives.
Evenings offer beautiful sunset colors, while early mornings can be peaceful and offer great light for capturing the boats.
Absolutely, the marina is filled with boats of all sizes, making it an ideal location for maritime photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of private property and individuals.
Many visitors enjoy capturing sunset shots, boat reflections, and the overall serene atmosphere of the marina.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a ferry trip as a fun activity for kids, offering a boat ride experience with views of the Hauraki Gulf. While there aren't specific playgrounds within the marina itself, the open areas and the chance to see marine life can keep younger visitors entertained. Pack some snacks and enjoy a casual day out by the water.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Beyond walking, the option for horseback riding along the shores offers a unique way to experience the coastal scenery.
🍽️ Foodies & Sunset Chasers
The variety of cuisines, from Thai and Japanese to Nepalese Indian, ensures a diverse culinary experience.Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like green-lipped mussels or fresh fish and chips. The combination of delicious food and the picturesque marina setting, particularly during the golden hour, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marina and Its Surroundings
Beyond the boats, the marina is surrounded by natural beauty. The opportunity for a sunset horseback ride along the shores adds a unique adventurous element, suitable even for beginners.
For those looking to explore further, the marina serves as a gateway. It's a departure point for ferries to the bustling Auckland CBD and the picturesque Waiheke Island, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel and experience more of the region.
Culinary Delights at the Marina
Marina Thai is lauded for its fantastic Thai cuisine, while Gouemon is a highly recommended spot for authentic Japanese food.These restaurants provide a perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or dinner, allowing visitors to soak in the marina ambiance. The quality of food, combined with the scenic backdrop, makes dining here a memorable experience. For those seeking value, Marina Cantina is also a good option, and nearby Highland Park offers further culinary choices like Pho Pho.
Beyond the main restaurants, the marina area also has cafes, making it convenient to grab a coffee or a quick bite. This variety ensures that there's something to satisfy every palate, whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a casual meal with a view.
Transportation Hub: Ferries and Beyond
The ferry ride itself offers beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf, making the journey an enjoyable part of the experience.However, it's worth noting that ferry services have seen some changes. Discussions on Reddit indicate a reduction in services, including the removal of late-night and mid-day ferries, which might impact travel plans for some.
For those traveling from areas like Howick, the marina can be a convenient transit point. While direct bus routes might be time-consuming, the ferry offers a more direct and scenic route to the city center. For drivers, parking at nearby Panmure and utilizing train or bus services is another viable option for reaching the CBD.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit