Auckland Ferry Terminal: Where Each Ferry Leaves From

Where is the Auckland Ferry Terminal?

The main passenger ferry hub is the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, at the bottom of Auckland’s CBD. Auckland Transport gives its customer service centre there as Pier 1, 99 Quay Street, Auckland city centre.

Auckland’s official visitor site lists the terminal at 107 Quay Street instead. Both addresses point to the same waterfront ferry precinct, so you are not choosing between two terminals.

Look for the Ferry Building, the ornate early-20th-century building with a clock tower on the water side of Quay Street. The boarding piers stretch along the waterfront on either side of it.

Is Auckland Ferry Terminal the same as Downtown Ferry Terminal?

Yes. You will see several names online:

• Auckland Ferry Terminal
• Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal
• Downtown Ferry Terminal
• Auckland Ferry Building
• Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal

For passenger ferries from central Auckland, all of these mean the same Quay Street ferry precinct.

Not every ferry sold as leaving “Auckland” departs from here, though. The main exception is the SeaLink vehicle ferry.

Don’t confuse Downtown Ferry Terminal with SeaLink’s Auckland terminal

SeaLink runs its Auckland City terminal at 56 Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter, on the western waterfront about a 15-minute walk from the Ferry Building. Its vehicle and passenger ferries to Waiheke and Great Barrier Island leave from there, and its other Waiheke service leaves from Half Moon Bay.

If your booking says Hamer Street, go to Wynyard Quarter. Nobody at the Ferry Building can put you on that boat.

Simple rule

• Fullers360 and Auckland Transport passenger ferries: the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
• Island Direct Waiheke ferry: the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
• SeaLink vehicle ferry: Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter, or Half Moon Bay; your ticket says which.

Which pier does my Auckland ferry leave from?

Check this on the day. Pier assignments change with construction, operational needs, weather, special events and which vessel is running, and two products to the same island can use different piers.

Fullers360’s pier guide gives the Pier 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13 assignments, and Auckland Transport’s works page gives the temporary Devonport move. Treat the table as a starting point for your trip and confirm it on your ticket.

Pier changes during the 2026 charging works

If you are in Auckland in late 2026, this section affects you. Auckland Transport is installing charging equipment for its new electric and hybrid ferries at the Downtown terminal, and the work has closed or rerouted several piers:

• Pier 2 is closed from 1 September to early November 2026. The Devonport ferry uses Pier 4 while it is shut, and more charger work on Pier 2 is planned for late 2026.
• Piers 4 and 5: their own gangway has been closed since April 2026, so you reach them through the gangway to Piers 6 and 7. Allow a few extra minutes for the detour.

What this means for travellers

A pier map saved three months before your trip may be out of date by the time you sail. On the day:

1. check your booking confirmation
2. check the operator’s travel alerts
3. look at the departure screens in the terminal
4. follow the temporary signs
5. ask terminal staff if you are unsure

Ten spare minutes beat a sprint along Quay Street as your ferry pulls away.

Waiheke Island ferry: which Auckland pier?

There are several Waiheke products, and two people both “taking the Fullers ferry to Waiheke” can be heading for different piers. For fares, timetables and which ticket to buy, see our Waiheke Island ferry guide; this section covers only where to board.

Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up

Departs from Piers 11 and 12.

This is the regular, frequent Waiheke passenger ferry. Boarding is first come, first served, and your ticket is not tied to one departure. The Waiheke Island Return Fast Ferry on GetYourGuide is this ticket, and the Waiheke Island Ferry and Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus (from US$56, rated 4.6 from 3,896 reviews) uses the same sailings with a day on the island’s tourist bus added. Exchange the bus voucher at the Fullers360 ticket office at least 60 minutes before you sail.

Fullers360 Waiheke Reserve

Departs from Pier 13.

A Reserve ticket books you on one sailing, so you skip the walk-up queue. It costs NZ$104 return per adult against NZ$65 for a standard return.

Island Direct Waiheke ferry

Island Direct departs from Pier 13.

Its Auckland to Matiatia crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on conditions. Island Direct asks you to arrive about 20 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 5 minutes before the boat leaves.

Rangitoto ferry: where does it leave from?

Fullers360 runs the ferry from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto Island, and it boards at Pier 13. The Return Ferry to Rangitoto Island (from US$35 on GetYourGuide, rated 4.7 from 284 reviews) is that service.

Book Rangitoto ahead and treat your sailing as fixed. Only a few boats run each day, far fewer than to Waiheke, and you need to know which one brings you back. Our Rangitoto and Waiheke ferry page compares the two islands.

Where does the Devonport ferry leave from?

Devonport is one of Auckland’s shortest ferry rides: about 12 minutes each way, which makes it a cheap harbour outing even without a plan for the other side.

Fullers360’s standard pier guide places Devonport at Pier 2. From 1 September to early November 2026, Pier 2 is closed for the charging works and the Devonport ferry leaves from Pier 4, reached through the Pier 6 and 7 gangway. Follow the terminal signs, because the date Pier 2 reopens depends on the works.

Where do Half Moon Bay ferries leave?

The Downtown departure is Pier 5, reached through the Pier 6 and 7 gangway during the 2026 works.

The trip to Half Moon Bay takes about 40 minutes. Commuters use it to reach East Auckland, and you still get a long look across the harbour on the way.

Where do Hobsonville and Beach Haven ferries leave?

Fullers360’s pier guide lists Pier 7 for Hobsonville Point and Beach Haven.

These upper-harbour ferries take you under the Harbour Bridge toward Auckland’s north-western waterfront suburbs, away from the Hauraki Gulf islands.

What other places can you reach by ferry from downtown Auckland?

Auckland’s ferry network reaches well beyond Waiheke and Devonport. Depending on timetable and operator, destinations include:

• Devonport
• Bayswater
• Birkenhead
• Te Onewa Northcote Point
• Hobsonville Point
• Beach Haven
• West Harbour
• Half Moon Bay
• Pine Harbour
• Gulf Harbour
• Rākino Island
• Waiheke Island
• Rangitoto Island

Auckland Transport describes its network as 13 ferry routes.

Tourist boats also run to Tiritiri Matangi, the open bird sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf. The Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry (from US$59 on GetYourGuide, rated 4.8 from 226 reviews) boards at Explore Group’s kiosk in Viaduct Harbour or at Gulf Harbour, so you do not need the Downtown terminal for it.

Auckland ferry pier map: the easiest way to understand the terminal

Picture the waterfront in three zones.

Western side

The historic Ferry Building, with Princes Wharf beyond it to the west. The Auckland Transport customer service centre is at Pier 1, by the building.

Queens Wharf and the central piers

The commuter piers from Pier 2 to Pier 7, used by Devonport, Half Moon Bay and the upper-harbour routes. Most of the 2026 construction is here, so expect hoardings and altered walkways.

Eastern outer piers

Piers 11 to 13 handle most visitor departures: the Waiheke ferries, Rangitoto and the Fullers360 harbour cruise.

Practical takeaway

• Waiheke: head for the outer, eastern piers.
• Rangitoto: the outer, eastern piers.
• Devonport: the central piers near Queens Wharf, subject to the current works.

Follow the signs and screens, and use the pier number as a check.

How early should you arrive at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

For an ordinary trip, aim for 15 to 20 minutes before departure.

For a sailing you cannot miss, allow 20 to 30 minutes:

• the Rangitoto ferry
• a Waiheke tour that meets your boat
• a Waiheke Reserve sailing
• a dinner booking on Waiheke
• the last useful ferry for your plans

On busy summer weekends the Fullers360 Waiheke walk-up queue is first come, first served, and Fullers360 advises arriving at least an hour before your preferred sailing in peak periods.

Island Direct

Island Direct asks passengers to arrive about 20 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 5 minutes before the boat sails.

Can I buy ferry tickets at the terminal?

Yes. Auckland Transport sells ferry tickets at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, and you can buy or top up an AT HOP card there.

The AT customer service centre at Pier 1 helps with:

• AT HOP cards
• top-ups
• fare information
• contactless payment questions
• general public transport queries

Fullers360 also has ticket offices on Quay Street; its Eastern Kiosk is at 109 Quay Street.

Should you buy ferry tickets online instead?

For visitor trips, usually yes. Book online in advance for:

• Rangitoto
• a Waiheke Reserve sailing
• Waiheke packages, such as ferry and Explorer bus
• tours with a fixed meeting time
• small-capacity trips

For commuter ferries such as Devonport, you do not need to book.

The standard Fullers360 Waiheke walk-up ticket is flexible and is not tied to a departure, so buying it online saves the ticket queue without locking you into a time.

Can you pay by contactless card?

On Auckland Transport ferry services you can usually pay with:

• an AT HOP card
• a contactless debit or credit card
• a compatible phone or smartwatch
• a paper ticket

Auckland Transport’s ticket machines at ferry terminals take common card payments, and contactless works on eligible services.

There are exceptions. Rākino ferry services do not accept AT HOP, and Fullers360 visitor products such as Rangitoto run on their own tickets. Don’t assume the card you use on Auckland’s buses and trains works on every island ferry.

Can I use AT HOP for the Waiheke ferry?

Waiheke has its own fare products and conditions, and most visitors buy a Fullers360 or Island Direct ticket instead.

For a one-off Waiheke day trip, buy the Waiheke ferry ticket directly; it is simpler than working out the AT HOP options. On routes such as Devonport, Bayswater and Birkenhead, AT HOP and contactless work in the usual way.

Is Auckland Ferry Terminal close to Britomart?

Yes, very. The terminal sits on the waterfront at the bottom of the CBD, and Waitematā (Britomart) station is a short walk across Quay Street.

Auckland Transport’s ferry network map shows the Downtown Ferry Terminal beside the Britomart transport hub and the Lower Albert Street bus interchange. Arriving by train, you can be at your pier in a few minutes.

Allow a little extra time while the construction around Quay Street and Queens Wharf changes some walking routes.

How do I get to Auckland Ferry Terminal from the city centre?

From most of central Auckland, walk. Queen Street runs downhill and ends at the ferry precinct.

The terminal is a short walk from:

• Commercial Bay
• Britomart
• Queen Street
• Viaduct Harbour

If you are staying higher up the CBD hill or farther out, a bus to Lower Albert Street or Britomart saves the walk.

Can you walk from Viaduct Harbour to the ferry terminal?

Yes, in about 8 minutes, according to Auckland Transport.

This matters because many Auckland sightseeing cruises and sailing trips leave from Viaduct Harbour, not from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari Eco Cruise (from US$124, rated 4.5 from 1,275 reviews) leaves from Berth 9 in the Eastern Viaduct Marina, for example.

If you have gone to the Ferry Building for a Viaduct departure, you still have time to fix it, but start walking straight away.

Do Auckland harbour cruises leave from the ferry terminal?

Some do; others don’t. Check the boarding point on your confirmation.

The Fullers360 cruise, sold on GetYourGuide as the Auckland Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes, from US$35, rated 4.5 from 415 reviews), boards at Pier 11 of the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

Other operators board elsewhere:

• Viaduct Harbour, for Explore Group’s sailing trips and the whale safari
• Viaduct Harbour Marina
• Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, for the Red Boats cruises such as the Auckland Harbour Sightseeing Cruise with Live Commentary (from US$22, rated 4.4 from 156 reviews)
• Wynyard Quarter
• other waterfront berths nearby

“Auckland harbour cruise” describes the trip and tells you nothing about where it boards. Westhaven is west of the Harbour Bridge approach, a long walk from Quay Street, so leave time if you are crossing the city. Our guide to choosing a harbour cruise lists where each one leaves.

What if my booking says Viaduct Harbour Marina?

Go to the Viaduct, not the Downtown Ferry Terminal piers.

The Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise (90 Minutes) (from US$65, rated 4.7 from 318 reviews), for example, checks in at Explore Group’s kiosk at 220 Quay Street in Viaduct Harbour. The Viaduct and the ferry piers are close enough to walk between, but you cannot board one company’s boat from the other’s berth.

This trips up many first-time visitors and seems obvious once you have been there.

Are there luggage lockers at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

Yes, and they help if you are fitting in Waiheke between hotel check-out and an evening flight.

Auckland Transport provides electronic luggage lockers at the Downtown Ferry Terminal:

• 20 medium lockers
• 20 large lockers

You rent them by the hour or for several days and pay by card. A day trip with your bags left behind is much easier than dragging a suitcase round Oneroa.

Can you take luggage on Auckland ferries?

Generally yes, within each operator’s conditions. Suitcases are normal on the Waiheke ferries, because many passengers are staying on the island.

Check the operator’s rules first if you are travelling with:

• very large suitcases
• surfboards
• a lot of equipment
• bicycles
• mobility equipment

Can I take a bicycle on the ferry?

Usually. Auckland Transport says bikes travel free on most ferry services, but space is limited and harder to get at commuter peaks.

The Downtown Ferry Terminal also has cycle parking with double-stack racks and Locky Docks.

A bike is tempting for Waiheke. The island is much hillier than most first-time visitors expect, so plan the route before you load it.

Is the Auckland Ferry Terminal wheelchair accessible?

The Downtown Ferry Terminal itself is wheelchair accessible. Fullers360 says most of its vessels take wheelchairs by ramp and lists Auckland Downtown among its accessible wharves.

Boarding is less predictable than at a train station. It can depend on:

• the vessel
• the tide
• the gangway angle
• the wharf at the other end
• the size of your mobility device

Auckland Transport notes that the tide can affect boarding at some terminals. If access is essential, contact the operator before you travel.

Are there toilets at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

Yes, there are passenger facilities in the Downtown ferry precinct, and more in the cafés, restaurants and public buildings around Commercial Bay, Britomart and Quay Street.

With a booked departure, don’t wander into Commercial Bay ten minutes before boarding.

Is there food near the ferry terminal?

Plenty. Within a few minutes’ walk you have:

• Commercial Bay
• Britomart
• Queen Street
• waterfront cafés
• Viaduct Harbour
• restaurants along Quay Street

Pick up breakfast or coffee before your ferry. For Rangitoto, buy food and water in the city before you leave: the island has very few facilities compared with Waiheke.

Is there an ATM at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

Fullers360 says there is an ATM beside its Downtown ticket office. You will rarely need cash, though: cards and contactless are accepted across the ferry precinct.

Can I park at the Auckland Ferry Terminal?

There is no dedicated free park-and-ride at the terminal; Auckland Transport points ferry users to city-centre car parks.

Downtown parking is expensive and fiddly next to the alternatives:

• walking
• the train
• a bus
• a taxi or rideshare

If you are staying centrally, leave the car where it is.

What is the easiest Auckland ferry trip for first-time visitors?

If you want a quick trip on the water, choose by time.

Devonport

Crossing: about 12 minutes each way.

You get harbour and skyline views without giving up half your day.

Waiheke

Crossing: about 40 minutes each way.

Go if you have at least half a day and want beaches, restaurants and vineyards. Our guide to the Waiheke ferry, a tour or a harbour cruise helps you choose how to spend it.

Rangitoto

Crossing: about 25 minutes each way.

Go for the summit walk and the volcanic scenery; there are no cafés or wineries on the island.

What if I miss my ferry?

It depends on your ticket.

Ordinary commuter ferry

You can usually take the next service, subject to your fare conditions.

Waiheke Walk-up

The Fullers360 walk-up ticket is not linked to one sailing, so you take the next one with space.

Waiheke Reserve

This ticket is for one sailing. Fullers360 says a missed Reserve departure can then be used on an eligible walk-up sailing under its conditions, but you lose your reserved seat and join the queue.

Rangitoto

Be careful. Rangitoto has far fewer sailings than Waiheke, and bookings are tied to specific boats, so a missed ferry can cost you most of the day.

Which terminal do you return to in Auckland?

Ferries from the Downtown Ferry Terminal bring you back to the same Quay Street precinct. You may not dock at the pier you left from, because arrivals can move between nearby berths.

Once you are off the boat, the CBD, Britomart and the buses are right in front of you.

Is Auckland Ferry Terminal open late?

The precinct runs to the ferry timetables; there is no single closing time as at an airport.

Auckland’s visitor site lists the Ferry Terminal as open from 6am to 10pm daily, and the ticket offices and customer service centre keep shorter hours. Late ferries can run after the staffed offices close, so sort your ticket earlier in the day.

How much time do I need to transfer from a cruise ship to the ferry terminal?

Very little walking time. Ocean cruise ships in the Auckland cruise port usually berth at Queens Wharf or Princes Wharf, both next to the Downtown Ferry Terminal, which makes Waiheke or Devonport an easy independent shore excursion.

Don’t book a return ferry that lands you shortly before your ship’s all-aboard time. Ferries can be delayed by:

• weather
• mechanical problems
• harbour traffic
• queues
• timetable changes

Give yourself a generous margin. Devonport, at 12 minutes each way, is the low-risk choice for a short port day.

Is Auckland Ferry Terminal the same as the cruise ship terminal?

No. They are neighbours, run separately.

Ocean cruise ships use the large wharves at Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf. Local passenger ferries use the smaller numbered piers of the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

If you are looking for where a Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity or other large cruise ship docks, you need the cruise wharves; this guide covers the local ferries, and our guide to where cruise ships dock in Auckland covers the wharves.

Best things to do while waiting for your ferry

With 30 to 60 minutes to spare, you don’t need to sit at the pier.

Commercial Bay

Coffee, quick food and shelter if the weather turns.

Britomart

Restaurants, shops and restored heritage buildings.

Quay Street

Walk along the water and watch the ferries come and go.

Viaduct Harbour

A good stroll if you have most of an hour.

Ferry Building

Stop and look at the architecture on your way past.

Auckland Ferry Terminal tips for first-time visitors

1. Check your operator, not just your destination

Two Waiheke ferries can leave from different piers.

2. Don’t mistake the Ferry Building for your boarding gate

The heritage building is the landmark. Your pier may be several minutes farther along the waterfront.

3. Look at your ticket again when you arrive

Pier assignments change, especially during the 2026 charging works.

4. Be early for Rangitoto

There are far fewer sailings than to Waiheke.

5. Allow extra time for Waiheke in summer

The walk-up queue gets long on fine weekends.

6. Check whether your harbour cruise leaves from here

Many leave from Viaduct Harbour or Westhaven instead.

7. Leave your luggage behind

Use the Downtown terminal lockers if you are only making a day trip.

8. Don’t drive downtown unless you need to

Britomart station is next door.

Which Auckland ferry destination should you choose?

On a first visit with a full free day, go to Waiheke: it has the most to do once you land. With only two or three hours, take the Devonport ferry or a harbour cruise; our harbour cruise vs ferry comparison sets out the difference.

Is it worth taking a ferry in Auckland even if you’re not going anywhere specific?

Yes. Auckland’s “City of Sails” nickname fits: the harbour shapes how the city looks and how people move around it.

Even the 12-minute Devonport ferry shows you things Queen Street cannot:

• the skyline from the water
• the Harbour Bridge
• yachts on the Waitematā
• the volcanic cones beyond the city
• how much of Auckland faces the water

If your plans have no room for a harbour cruise, a return ferry to Devonport is a cheap, good stand-in.

Bottom line

The Downtown Ferry Terminal is easy to find and a little harder to navigate than its name suggests: there is no single gate for “the ferry”, just a row of numbered piers serving different routes and operators.

The departures most visitors need, as of October 2026:

• Waiheke, Fullers360 walk-up: Piers 11 and 12
• Waiheke, Fullers360 Reserve: Pier 13
• Waiheke, Island Direct: Pier 13
• Rangitoto: Pier 13
• Devonport: Pier 4 until early November 2026, normally Pier 2
• Fullers360 harbour sightseeing cruise: Pier 11

Your ticket and the screens on the day are more reliable than any list, including this one. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, check your pier, and the rest is easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main ferry terminal in Auckland called?

The Downtown Ferry Terminal, often called the Auckland Ferry Terminal. It is on Quay Street at the bottom of the CBD, behind the historic Ferry Building.

What is the address of Auckland Ferry Terminal?

Auckland Transport lists its Downtown Ferry Terminal customer service centre at Pier 1, 99 Quay Street, Auckland city centre. Auckland’s visitor site uses 107 Quay Street for the same precinct.

Which pier does the Waiheke ferry leave from in Auckland?

Fullers360 standard (walk-up) Waiheke ferries leave from Piers 11 and 12. Fullers360 Reserve and Island Direct sailings leave from Pier 13.

Where does the Rangitoto ferry leave from?

Pier 13 of the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Check your ticket, because assignments can change during the 2026 works.

Where does the Devonport ferry leave from?

Normally Pier 2. From 1 September to early November 2026, Pier 2 is closed for charger installation and the Devonport ferry uses Pier 4.

Is the Auckland ferry terminal near Britomart?

Yes. Waitematā (Britomart) station is a short walk across Quay Street from the ferry terminal.

Can I buy Waiheke ferry tickets at the terminal?

Yes, at the Fullers360 ticket offices on Quay Street. Book ahead for Reserve sailings and other capacity-limited trips.

Can I buy ferry tickets with a credit card?

Yes. Ticket machines and ticket offices take cards, and eligible Auckland Transport services accept contactless payment.

Are there luggage lockers at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

Yes. Auckland Transport has 20 medium and 20 large electronic lockers at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, paid by card.

Is Auckland Ferry Terminal wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the terminal is accessible. Boarding can depend on the vessel, the tide and the wharf you are travelling to, so contact the operator if access is essential.

Does the ferry terminal have toilets?

Yes. There are passenger facilities in the Downtown ferry precinct, with more around Quay Street and Britomart.

How early should I arrive for a Waiheke ferry?

About 20 minutes for a booked sailing. For the Fullers360 walk-up service on busy summer weekends, Fullers360 advises arriving at least an hour before your preferred sailing.

Do Auckland harbour cruises leave from the ferry terminal?

Some do. The Fullers360 harbour sightseeing cruise leaves from Pier 11, while Explore Group’s sailing trips and the whale safari leave from Viaduct Harbour and the Red Boats cruises from Westhaven Marina.

Is SeaLink at Auckland Ferry Terminal?

No. SeaLink’s Auckland City terminal is at 56 Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter, not at the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street.