Auckland calls itself the City of Sails for good reason, and getting around here often means getting out onto the Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf rather than sitting in traffic. A quick ferry gets the family to a dormant volcano or a vineyard covered island in under an hour, and a sailing cruise under the Harbour Bridge is one of the easiest ways to see the skyline properly. Here is what is actually running out of downtown Auckland, and how families are using it to get around.
Rangitoto Island Ferry
The Rangitoto Island Ferry crosses the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf in 25 minutes, dropping the family at New Zealand's youngest and largest volcanic cone. From there it is a self guided walk over lava fields to a boardwalk summit track, with 360 degree views back over the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline at the top. Child rates apply from 5 to 15, and infants under 5 travel free if seated on a lap.
Waiheke Island Ferry
The Waiheke Island Ferry takes around 40 to 45 minutes from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to New Zealand's most visited island destination, home to more than 30 wineries, sandy beaches and coastal walking tracks. Children under 5 travel free, with child fares applying from 5 to 15, and a family fare available for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Waiheke Hop on Hop off Explorer
The Waiheke Hop on Hop off Explorer bundles the ferry crossing with an 80 minute loop around Waiheke Island, covering 16 stops including Onetangi Beach, Oneroa Village and several of the island's best known vineyards. Families can hop off wherever looks interesting, whether that is a beach, a bush walk or an ice cream in the village, then catch the next bus around.
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
The Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise sails a purpose built 50 foot yacht under the Auckland Harbour Bridge for 1.5 hours, with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate on board and knowledgeable guides sharing the city's Māori and European history along the way. No sailing experience is needed, and kids are welcome to get hands on with the ropes or simply sit back on deck. Child rates apply from 5 to 15, with infants under 5 free.
Frequently asked questions
Which Auckland ferry is quickest for a half day family trip?
The Rangitoto Island Ferry is the shortest crossing at 25 minutes, making it easy to fit a volcano walk into half a day without an early start.
Do we need to book the Waiheke Explorer bus separately from the ferry?
No, the Waiheke Hop on Hop off Explorer includes the return ferry ticket as part of the one booking, so there is nothing extra to organise.
Is the Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise suitable for young kids?
Yes, it runs for 1.5 hours with child rates from 5 to 15 and infants under 5 free, and no previous sailing experience is required for anyone on board.
Can toddlers travel free on Auckland ferries?
Yes, infants under 5 generally travel free on Auckland's ferries when seated on an adult's lap, with child fares applying once a seat is required.
What should we bring on a ferry day trip from Auckland?
Pack sun protection, a warm layer for the crossing and, for Rangitoto, your own picnic and water, since there are no shops on the island itself.
Locals know to book the early ferry to Rangitoto in summer, the boardwalk to the summit gets warm fast once the sun is properly up, and an early start means a cooler walk and quieter trails.
Book your Auckland transport and ferry trip above and get the family out onto the Hauraki Gulf the easy way.