Man O' War Vineyard Ferry to Waiheke Island

About This Experience

Explore Group runs this vineyard ferry to Man O' War Bay, a secluded corner of Waiheke Island that the regular Matiatia ferries do not reach. The ticket is transport and time ashore: meals and wine at Man O' War are paid on the day. It has a 4.4 rating from 11 reviews and starts from $31 per person.

The boat sails daily on Explore's summer timetable, from Labour Weekend in late October, and Wednesday to Sunday in the cooler months, leaving Auckland at 9:15am. The crossing takes about 90 minutes through the eastern Hauraki Gulf and travels via Rotoroa Island. Two boarding points are offered depending on the option you book, so check which one your ticket names.

You get about three and a half hours at Man O' War. You can book a table at the Tasting Room Restaurant, try a glass or a flight at the beachfront cellar door, or take a picnic spot on the big lawn. There is a playground for children and a calm bay for swimming, and in high season a pop-up lawn bar. The boat leaves Man O' War at 2:40pm and reaches Auckland at 4pm.

It suits couples, groups of friends and families who want a slow day of food, wine and the beach without the driving that Man O' War normally involves from Matiatia. One reviewer found a noisy group made the onboard information hard to hear, so this is more of a transfer than a guided cruise.

Book the restaurant, wine tastings or the Forest Flight zipline directly with Man O' War ahead of your trip, as they fill up. Check the weather before you go, bring swimwear, a hat and sunscreen, and note that food and drinks are not included on board.

Highlights

• Direct cruise to Man O' War Bay at the north-eastern end of Waiheke Island
• About three and a half hours ashore at the vineyard
• Scenic crossing through the eastern Hauraki Gulf via Rotoroa Island
• Beachfront cellar door and Tasting Room Restaurant a short walk from the jetty
• Big lawn, a playground and a calm bay for swimming
• Air-conditioned vessel for the 90-minute crossing

What's Included

• ✓ Return cruise from Auckland to Man O' War Bay (about 90 minutes each way)
• ✓ About 3.5 hours of free time at Man O' War
• ✓ Direct access to the Tasting Room Restaurant
• ✓ Access to the lawn and playground
• ✓ Swimming at Man O' War Bay
• ✓ Air-conditioned vessel

Not Included

• Meals at the Tasting Room Restaurant
• Wine tastings
• Forest Flight zipline (book with Man O' War)
• Food and drinks on board the vessel
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera
• A card for food and wine at the vineyard

Good to Know & Caveats

• From Labour Weekend in late October, Explore's summer timetable runs the ferry daily at 9:15am, with an extra 11:30am sailing at weekends and on public holidays. In the cooler months it runs Wednesday to Sunday: departs Auckland 9:15am, leaves Man O' War 2:40pm, back in Auckland about 4pm. Check the timetable for your date.
• Book restaurant tables, wine tastings and the zipline directly with Man O' War in advance.
• The pop-up lawn bar operates in high season only.
• Check the weather before your trip; open-water crossings depend on conditions.
• Two boarding points are offered, depending on the option you select.
• Smoking is not allowed on board.

Meeting Point

One of two boarding points depending on the option you book; Explore Group's Auckland sailings leave from its booking kiosk in Viaduct Harbour, and your confirmation names the exact point and time.