Ferry And Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

A full-day shared Waiheke Island outing run by Fullers360, rated 4.6 from 3,914 reviews.

Overview

This package pairs a return ferry crossing from downtown Auckland with a day pass on Waiheke's Western Explorer hop-on hop-off bus, run by Fullers360. The day begins at Pier 11 or 12 in the Downtown Ferry Terminal, boarding the 9:00am Waiheke Walk-up ferry for the 40-minute trip across the Hauraki Gulf. At Matiatia on the island, the bus is waiting, leaving at 10:00am.

From there the schedule belongs to the traveller. The bus runs a loop of 16 stops on an 80-minute circuit, passing vineyards such as Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Stonyridge and Batch, the Allpress olive oil tasting room, the shops and galleries of Oneroa Village, and Onetangi Beach. Hop off for a long lunch, a tasting or a swim, then catch a later bus. Staying onboard for the whole loop is fine too, since the route itself is scenic. An on-board host offers local tips, and live bus tracking through the Fullers360 app removes guesswork about the next departure.

It suits independent travellers who want structure without a fixed guided schedule. Anyone who prefers a guided winery tour with tastings arranged should look elsewhere, because wine tastings and food are paid for on the day at each venue. Allow at least half a day, including both ferry legs. The bus runs Wednesday to Sunday from April to November and daily from December to March, with bookings essential.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Downtown Ferry TerminalBoard the 9:00am Waiheke Walk-up ferry at Pier 11 or 12 in Downtown Auckland. Vouchers must be exchanged for boarding passes at the ticket office at least 60 minutes before sailing.
2. Ferry across the Hauraki GulfThe crossing to Waiheke takes 40 minutes. Ferries back to Auckland leave from Pier 1.
3. Board the Explorer busAt Matiatia Ferry Terminal, hop straight onto the Western Explorer bus, which departs at 10:00am.
4. Vineyard stopsThe loop serves vineyards including Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Stonyridge and Batch. Tastings and food are optional and paid on the day.
5. Allpress olive oilAn optional stop for an olive oil tasting at Allpress Olive Groves.
6. Oneroa VillageOptional stop for boutique shops, galleries and cafes.
7. Onetangi BeachOptional stop with golden sand and seaside cafes.
8. Return to AucklandRide the bus back to Matiatia and take the Waiheke Walk-up ferry back to downtown Auckland.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the 9:00am ferry to what you pay for on the island.

• Catch the first bus. The 9:00am ferry connects with the first bus departure from Matiatia at 10:00am.
• Plan for waits. The loop takes 80 minutes, so a missed bus can mean a wait of up to that long. Some reviewers wished buses ran more frequently to allow more stops in one day. The Fullers360 app shows the bus in real time.
• Bring layers. One reviewer reported cold conditions on the island, so a warm layer is a sensible precaution. The ferry crossing and open stops are more comfortable with something warm on hand.
• Budget for tastings. Wine and food at vineyards, cafes and the olive oil stop are not in the ticket price; pay as you go. The listing lists food, drinks and tastings as extras, along with any entry fees at venues.
• Hosts add context. An on-board host helps plan the day and shares local tips. Reviewers often praise the drivers and guides for their local knowledge, humour and information about the island's history.
• Going solo is fine. This is self-directed exploration, not a guided tour. Reviewers describe it as an easy way to see the island, with the freedom to hop off at whatever stops appeal or stay on for the full scenic loop.

Common issues. The main gripe in reviews is bus frequency: with an 80-minute loop, some travellers felt waits cut into the day and limited how many stops they could visit. The pass covers ferry and bus only, so wine tastings, food, drinks and any entry fees at venues cost extra. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and the bus is a booked service rather than a walk-up one, so tickets must be reserved ahead. The tour does not run on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday or ANZAC Day, and vouchers must be exchanged for boarding passes at least 60 minutes before sailing. One reviewer noted the cold, so pack accordingly.

Before You Book