Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers

Flexible hop-on hop-off tour with Auckland ferry transfer upgrade.

This hop-on-hop-off bus gives you access to the Western Explorer route with real-time tracking. Opt for a 1 or 2-day pass and upgrade to include Auckland ferry transfers.
This tour is perfect for families, independent travelers, and day-trippers. It lets you design your own schedule while exploring the island and stopping at the places that interest you.
The tour is an 80-minute loop of Waiheke’s top spots with 15 handpicked stops, including premium vineyards, boutique shops, and golden beaches.
From the Mudbrick Vineyard to the golden sands of Onetangi Beach, your trip will include the perfect blend of wine tasting, boutique shopping, and coastal charm.

Flexible hop-on hop-off tour with Auckland ferry transfer upgrade.

This hop-on-hop-off bus gives you access to the Western Explorer route with real-time tracking. Opt for a 1 or 2-day pass and upgrade to include Auckland ferry transfers.
This tour is perfect for families, independent travelers, and day-trippers. It lets you design your own schedule while exploring the island and stopping at the places that interest you.
The tour is an 80-minute loop of Waiheke’s top spots with 15 handpicked stops, including premium vineyards, boutique shops, and golden beaches.
From the Mudbrick Vineyard to the golden sands of Onetangi Beach, your trip will include the perfect blend of wine tasting, boutique shopping, and coastal charm.

Inclusions

1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off tour (based on option selected)
Access to the Western Explorer Route
Round-trip walk-up ferry transfers from Auckland (based on option selected)
Mobile app with live bus tracking

Exclusions

Entry fee to various attractions
- Winery tastings or tours

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Western Explorer Route

First bus: 10am from Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Last bus: 5:20pm from Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Frequency: Every 20 minutes

Popular stops: Oneroa Village, Cable Bay Vineyard, Onetangi Beach

Round-trip ferry transfer

Board your Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from piers 11 and 12 from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal. On the way back, ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal and catch the Fuller360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from pier 1.

Please click here for a detailed timetable.

First ferry: 6am

Last ferry: 4pm

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and walking shoes during the summer.
This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, some walking trails may be difficult to access with a stroller.
Dogs inside pet carriers are welcome.
Most ferries have fully licensed cafés, Wi-Fi, power points, luggage and bike racks. All ferries are equipped with toilets.
Remember to thoroughly check your gear for pests before boarding, clean your footwear to remove soil and seeds, and ensure any food is in a sealed container.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Transfers included

Ferry Tickets

4.3(0)

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Return Ferry Tickets

Efficient, timed ferry transfers with flexible ticket options to suit every travel need.

With one‑way or return tickets and a smooth 35–45‑minute ride with a Devonport stop, plan the perfect day trip to Waiheke Island from Auckland.
Perfect for spontaneous day-trippers and convenience seekers who want clear, hassle-free travel, with the option to plan your own Waiheke itinerary.
Book a one-way ticket from Auckland or upgrade to include round-trip transfers. Staying on Waiheke? You can book the one-way ticket back to Auckland.
Enjoy onboard café treats, scenic views of Auckland’s skyline, and a cool ocean breeze that enhances your journey. Relax and savor the journey.

Efficient, timed ferry transfers with flexible ticket options to suit every travel need.

With one‑way or return tickets and a smooth 35–45‑minute ride with a Devonport stop, plan the perfect day trip to Waiheke Island from Auckland.
Perfect for spontaneous day-trippers and convenience seekers who want clear, hassle-free travel, with the option to plan your own Waiheke itinerary.
Book a one-way ticket from Auckland or upgrade to include round-trip transfers. Staying on Waiheke? You can book the one-way ticket back to Auckland.
Enjoy onboard café treats, scenic views of Auckland’s skyline, and a cool ocean breeze that enhances your journey. Relax and savor the journey.

Inclusions

One-way reserve ferry transfer between Auckland and Waiheke Island (based on option selected)
Return reserve ferry transfers between Auckland and Waiheke Island (if option selected)

Facilities: free Wi-Fi, restroom, fully licensed cafés, power points, luggage racks, and bike racks.
This experience is wheelchair accessible.
The carer of a person with the Auckland Transport Total Mobility ID card or Blind Foundation card is entitled to travel for free on the same journey to assist the passenger.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. If an adult is unavailable to accompany the child, please complete the Request for Carriage of Unaccompanied Child form. Children aged 5 and under cannot travel unaccompanied.
The Auckland-to-Waiheke ferry departs from Pier 13 and 14 in Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal at 9am, 10:15am, and 11am.
The Waiheke-to-Auckland ferry departs from Pier 3 in Waiheke Island’s Matiatia Ferry Terminal at 4:30pm, 5:15pm, and 6:15pm.