The sun is out on Waiheke!
As always, we’re expecting the popularity of Waiheke to jump again this summer. With its now famous micro-climate and array of award-winning wineries, breweries, and attractions, what’s not to love! In preparation for a busy summer, we’ve put together some helpful suggestions to get you to the island on time for your tour or reservation.
Fullers 360, which is Waiheke’s main passenger ferry company, have introduced their summer timetable. This provides a half-hourly timetable on weekends and public holidays. Remember, the demand for Waiheke can be very weather-dependent, so when the sun’s out, many people decide, often at the last minute, to take a trip to the island. So, let’s get prepared because we don’t want you to miss the boat 😉.
Morning is always peak.
If you and your group are zipping with us on a morning tour, on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, or public holiday, between October and March we recommend arriving at the downtown ferry terminal at least 60-minutes before your ferry is due to depart.
Celebration time is here.
We also know that in November and December there are a large number of groups coming over to Waiheke for summer and Christmas parties, weddings and other events. We are liaising with group organisers around optimum ferry departure times but regardless if you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group, and plan to travel on a Friday or Saturday in November and December we recommend catching an earlier ferry if you’re able to do so, or arriving at least 60-minutes before your ferry’s scheduled departure time.
Advice for all guests.
Regardless of the day on which you are visiting Waiheke, and whether you have pre-ordered ferry tickets or intend to buy them on arrival at the ferry terminal, we recommend leaving plenty of time so you can ensure you’re at the front of any queue. On peak days, we strongly recommend that you arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60-minutes before your ferry is due to depart. If you find there’s no queue, or you want to despatch a runner while in a queue, grab a coffee or a delicious treat from Waiheke Island’s own Island Gelato within the ferry building.
Or, if you arrive early on Waiheke, head over to shoreside Ahipao, located just a moment to two from the ferry terminal, for great coffee, fudge, cakes and other treats. We’re assured there are zero calories in anything made by either Island Gelato or Ahipao! Give us a call at +64 (09) 372 5646 and we can pick you up at Ahipao too.
We know everyone is always keen to get out and enjoy summer. Hopefully, with a bit of planning, we can all enjoy a stress-free summer by mutually mitigating the impacts of spikes in peak season demand.
We look forward to welcoming you (back) to beautiful Waiheke Island soon.
