Island Direct

Overview

Island Direct is a direct ferry service that travels from Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island. It is a smaller ferry company in comparison to Fullers but it certainly has made its place on the Island.

Proud owners are Waiheke locals David and Tanya. Their mission is to provide reliable and friendly service for everyone.

The journey to Waiheke island or From Waiheke is a duration of 35-40 minutes one way.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person as you board and children under five ride free. Island Direct are happy to offer a reduced fare for children between the ages of 5 and 15.

The Island Direct ferry has a licensed cafe and bar on board, proudly serving a range of goods, including a selection of daily bread catering, barista-made supreme coffee, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. They welcome customers to bring their own food and non alcoholic beverages.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times and may be indoors, but please be mindful that passengers take priority on seating if there is limited capacity indoors. Other small household pets must be restrained in a carrier.

The Island Direct ferry is proudly smoke and vape free.

They have also joined up with eRide and Waiheke Wine Tours to make your experience on Waiheke memorable.

If you miss your Fullers ferry or just want a change try Island Direct they will welcome you with open arms.

Waiheke Tourism

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Gear Grab – Hire

Gear Grab is a hire shop on Waiheke, they have a wide range of everyday gear. Their store consists of party, gaming, outdoors, household, tech and more.

On The Hunt Charters

On The Hunt Charters is a fishing charter company, that specialises in small group charters, half or full day fishing trips around Waiheke Island.

Arcadia

Arcadia is a laidback style restaurant located metres away from Palm Beach. Their menu is not fussy, they use fresh quality ingredients to create good, honest food.

Bisou Cafe

Bisou Cafe brings a taste of Europe to Waiheke Island, serving up savoury and sweet crepes, freshly baked baguettes and pastries alongside Eighthirty coffee and fresh juices.

Passage Rock

Passage rock is a restaurant/vineyard located on the outskirts of waiheke, it offers delicious food, fine wine and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by beautiful Syrah vines.

Waiheke Bike Hire

Waiheke Bike Hire is a small walk from Fullers ferry terminal, located amongst the main car park, they hire out Avanti mountain bikes for $50 a day and $20 per…

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a well known favourite of locals and tourists. With its beautiful white sand and palm trees surrounding the beach it makes you feel like you are in…

Charlie Farleys

Charlie Farleys is Waiheke's favourite Onetangi gastropub. It is a restaurant/bar with a relaxed vibe right on the beach front of Onetangi beach.

Kayak Waiheke

Kayak Waiheke is a kayak and canoe tour agency located at Matiatia Bay. They hire out paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and a few inland activities.

Island Scoot

Island Scoot is a local scooter hire business based in Ostend, they hire premium retro scooters combined with a classic Italian design.

Shop The Rock

Shop the Rock is a local gift shop located in Oneroa, they sell a range of Waiheke and New Zealand-made gifts and souvenirs. Perfect for gifting or keepsakes.

KAK’s Real Fruit Ice Cream

KAK's real fruit ice cream is a new addition to Waiheke, located in Oneroa village is this cute little ice cream cart an absolutely perfect addition to the hot summers.

I Love Crepes

They serve delicious gourmet sweet and savoury crepes (galettes) in front of you while you wait. They use all fresh ingredients and accommodate for all dietary needs.

Waiheke Explorer

Waiheke Explorer is popular hop on hop off tour, that showcases the best wineries, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches, and nature walks Waiheke has to offer.

Mint As

Mint As is a popular burger cart located in Ostend, next to RAW fruit and vege, they serve juicy burgers, taco's and milkshakes all made while you wait.

Enclosure Bay

Enclosure Bay is semi hidden gem bay made of rock formations that almost entirely enclose the bay from the sea. This creates a natural, shallow swimming pool.

Red Crab Thai Restaurant

Red Crab Waiheke is the perfect place to go. Being the only Thai restaurant on Waiheke it is a popular place to eat at, experience the taste of Salty, sweet,…

Take A Bite Cafe

Take A Bite is a small delightful café located on in Ostend on Belgium Street. They offer delicious handmade pastries, breakfast items, light lunches and coffees.

Waiheke Wings

Waiheke Wings operates at the Carsons Airfield on Waiheke, they fly to a few destinations around the gulf islands, Auckland and also offer scenic tours.

Island Direct

Island Direct is a direct ferry service that travels from Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island. It is a smaller ferry company in comparison to Fullers.

Check out their website for prices and timetables.

Update 2025

In October 2025 Island direct have launched a new addition to their fleet a 22m catamaran named Te Waiora. This is their second boat which means more sailings over the summer period.

Summary

• Local owners
• Free children under 5
• Dogs inside allowed (on leash)
• Licenced cafe and bar onboard

Hire Gear

If you need Beach/Baby Gear/Party or DIY tasks on your stay at Waiheke, there is a local hire shop called Gear Grab, they have everything you need during your stay.

Beach items – sea scooters, metal detectors, speakers, sea biscuits, stand up paddle boards, beach games, fishing rods and more.

Baby hire – baby seats, booster seats and portacots.

Party/wedding – lights, gazebos, speakers, microphones, tables and more

DIY tasks – hedge trimmers, water blasters, chainsaws, carpet cleaners and more.

Access Information

The best way to access Island Direct is the Matiatia Ferry Terminal (pier 3) or if Downtown Auckland (Pier 13).

Wheelchair Access

The Island Direct ferry cabin and onboard toilets have limited accessibility and may be difficult to navigate for some users. When booking a ticket at IslandDirect.co.nz, there will be an option to indicate whether you require any special assistance. If you are travelling as a ‘walk up,’ please notify the Island Direct team who will be happy to assist.

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