TRAVEL TIPS

Getting Here and Around

Fullers operates ferries year-round to Rangitoto daily at 9:15 and 12:15, departing the island at 12:45 and 3:30. The fare is NZ$29 round-trip; boats leave from the Ferry Building. Fullers also arranges Volcanic Explorer tours, which include a guided ride to the summit in a covered carriage. It's NZ$60 for the tour and ferry ride, and you must book in advance.

Fullers ferries make the 35-minute run from the Ferry Building to Waiheke Island from 5:30 am to 11:45 pm at a cost of NZ$36 round-trip. Return ferries leave every hour on the hour, and every half hour at peak commuter times. Buses meet ferries at the Waiheke terminal and loop the island. If you're planning on going farther afield on the island, you can purchase an all-day bus pass from Fullers Booking Office (NZ$9 to Oneroa, Palm Beach, Onetangi, and Rocky Bay), but you need to take the 10 am ferry (return time optional). Fullers also provides tours, after which passengers may use their ticket to travel free on regular island buses that day. Note that crossings can be canceled if seas are rough and that ferries are very crowded on busy holiday weekends.

SeaLink runs car and passenger ferries to Waiheke, leaving from Halfmoon Bay in the east of the city. The round-trip fare is NZ$152 per car, plus NZ$36.50 for each adult. On Waiheke you can also take a shuttle to beaches or vineyards; Waiheke Shuttles has reliable service, but it pays to book well ahead in summer.

Ferry and Bus Information

Fullers Booking Office. Ferry Bldg., Quay St., Auckland, Auckland, 1010. 09/367–9111; www.fullers.co.nz.

SeaLink. Ara-Tai Dr., Halfmoon Bay, Auckland, Auckland, 2012. 09/300–5900; www.sealink.co.nz.

Waiheke Shuttles. 09/280–3993; www.gotowaiheke.co.nz/taxi.htm.

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