Large Group? Waiheke Island Travel Deals: Everything you need to know for ferry & transfers
How to Get from Auckland to Waiheke Island & How to get to The Heke or other venue destination when you arrive.
Hello there! We are here to help!
We know that there’s a bit to organise when you are planning your company Christmas party on Waiheke Island, or corporate day out, wedding or conference event or family reunion. It is worth it 100%! Waiheke offers such a great day out, and an event to remember.
This overview is designed to put the information in one place, and highlight ways to get the best value possible, so you have something left in the budget to spend on a great time while you are here! We do have to say that we’d love to have your event here at The Heke so do check our event options. We have a full article of How to get to The Heke here too - but no matter what, this information put together from an insiders view is unbiased and will help you!
There are THREE ferry companies who visit Waiheke Island. There is a guide to each below, and a list of the ways that they look after large groups. If you are just coming with a smaller group please see our article The Complete Guide: How to travel to Waiheke Island and get around when you’re here
When it comes to transfers, from the ferry to your destination, multiple transport options are available on Waiheke Island: public buses connect major attractions and beaches, and private charter bus, minibus & taxis service the entire island. Rental cars & vans are available.
Overall, there are SIX things you can do to make it most likely you’ll get a great deal AND have a great time:
Know what you need - work out a rough itinerary & finalise number of guests. If you have all the info ready it makes it much quicker to get quotes for transport.
Book ahead (self-explanatory)
Book together (group bookings get discounts for most things - see below)
Go for the afternoon/evening (off-peak ferry is cheaper, avoid the midday crowds, venues like us love it)
Go mid week (better deals, more attention, more relaxing)
Ask for the best deal (it doesn't hurt to ask!)
1: FULLERS FERRY
The busiest ferry is Fullers, which leaves from Downtown Auckland. It carries people, bikes, dogs, but not cars. The Fullers timetable changes seasonally so check online.
THREE things to look out for here:
1) Fullers standard ‘walk-up’ fare is $59 pp. Fullers also offer a Reserve Ferry where you book a seat, specially good for groups, skip the queues and make sure your group gets there and back stress free, but it’s $99 pp.
2) Go off peak. Fullers also offer a 25% lower price $44 pp ferry ticket for an afternoon or evening of fun. There are time restrictions but saving $15 pp adds up with a big group, the details are here.
3) Group bookings may be offered a discounted rate - enquiries: charters@fullers.co.nz or call on 09 367 9111.
2: ISLAND DIRECT FERRY
Island Direct is a passenger ferry, which leaves from Downtown Auckland.
They allow dogs, bikes and luggage, they are locally owned and very obliging. Their timetable is online and they encourage you to book before you come.
1) The booked-seat option is $59, so if you want the surety of a seat and not queuing this is a great option.
2) They offer great coffee and toasted sandwiches as well as local wine and our own Heke Lager cans on board.
3) Groups discounts may be offered for bookings of 20+ passengers, contact sales@islanddirect.co.nz
3: SEALINK VEHICLE AND PASSENGER FERRY
Sealink is a passenger and vehicle ferry that has two departure points in Auckland - one close to downtown, and one east of the city at Half Moon Bay. Sealink offer a few Group Booking options:
Sealink Clipper Ferry is available to charter ranging from 48 to 98 seats.These fast manoeuvrable ferries provide an economical alternative for corporate groups, wedding parties, schools and island events. You can also pick where you leave from and where you arrive to on Waiheke.
If a few of you are bring cars over, Sealink offer a 15% discount for 10 people and 3 cars+ more on that here.
More about Sealink: They allow people, cars, trucks, freight and also offer large boats with comfortable cafes and friendly staff. The walk-on ferry is a great alternative option for peak days. Bringing a vehicle can be expensive but the advantages of being able to throw everything into the car specially if you have equipment etc for your function.
How to Get Around Waiheke Island - Transfers
The ‘Fullers Hop on Hop off’ bus service has a ticket that includes the ferry and an island-wide Hop On Hop Off bus that is great for seeing a lot of things at your own pace, you need to buy from Fullers at the ferry terminal, or online from their website. There are hire cars and vans, and passenger transfers outlined below. See below for the local bus which is also cheap and easy.
Private taxi & Charters
The Heke Bus https://hekebus.co.nz (Heke bus is not related to us but they offer an awesome service and a bus of up to 52 people - recommend)
Waiheke Executive Transport https://www.waiheketransport.co.nz/group-transport/ Big & small people movers, large fleet up to full size bus.
Fullers operate custom bus charters for large groups https://www.fullers.co.nz/services/custom-groups-and-charters/
Terra & Tide offers luxury group transfers https://terraandtide.co.nz/touring/waiheke-island-transport-and-transfers/
Ananda Tours https://www.ananda.co.nz Big & small people movers, large fleet up to full size bus.
Waiheke Wine Tours https://waiheke-winetours.co.nz Big & small people movers, large fleet up to full size bus.
https://www.wainotwaiheketaxitours.co.nz (family owned company - recommend)
https://www.waihekeshuttles.co.nz/
http://www.waihekelocal.co.nz/travel/waiheke-taxis/waiheke-express-taxis/
https://waiheketaxi.co.nz/tours.php
E-Bike Rental
E-Ride Waiheke https://eridewaiheke.co.nz
Rental Cars
Go Rentals Waiheke Island https://www.gorentals.co.nz/rental-car-locations/waiheke/
Waiheke Car Rental https://waihekecarrental.co.nz/
Wheels On Waiheke https://www.wheelsonwaiheke.co.nz/
Catch a Bus on Waiheke Island
The local bus network on Waiheke is of great value. It connects the walk-on ‘Fullers Ferry’ and ‘Island Direct Ferry’ that arrives at Matiatia Harbour on Waiheke Island, and the vehicle and ‘Sealink’ ferry, with all suburbs and the most popular beaches, shops, and restaurant areas.
If you just want to get up to Oneroa village you can jump on a bus, and if you’d like to head all the way to Onetangi beach you can get there too. The buses on Waiheke are frequent, cheap and economical.
Recently most of the buses on Waiheke were replaced with fully electric buses, so they are quiet, eco-friendly and not polluting the island’s roads. All of Waiheke Island falls within a single zone, use any tap-to-pay card.
Wondering how to pay for the bus in Waiheke Island? Buses don’t take cash but you can use any debit or credit cards, or an AT HOP card.
Finally - If the organising feels like a chore, and you have a bit more budget, check out great companies like Destination Waiheke, and Let Me Out, who will organise the whole day for you, along with activities.
From all of us at The ‘HEKE… you are very welcome, and we can’t wait to see you!