Auckland to Coromandel Town ferry to resume this summer
Published on 03 September 2025
Explore Group is reinstating the Auckland to Coromandel Town ferry service this summer, launching on 24 October just in time for Labour Weekend.
A shuttle bus will take passengers to and from Coromandel Town and Hannaford’s Wharf where the ferry will arrive and depart.
The service will initially operate an express Friday evening service, as well as Saturday and Sunday departures with plans to increase the schedule with demand.
The journey will take just over two hours and passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic cruise through the eastern Hauraki Gulf onboard Explore’s fleet of premium vessels.
“We’re really pleased this is happening,” says our Council’s Economic Development Lead Mitch King.
“The community has been looking for the ferry service from Auckland to be reinstated for several years now because it’s such an important part of the Coromandel’s hospitality offering. It’s been great to work with Explore Group and the Coromandel Business Association to bring back the ferry connection.”
The new service departs Auckland’s Viaduct arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf and will be met with a shuttle bus connecting passengers on to Coromandel Town.
“We are excited to add this new destination to our schedule and connect Auckland and the Coromandel region," says William Goodfellow, Managing Director, Explore Group.
"It's the next step in expanding our service on the Hauraki Gulf from Tiritiri Matangi in the north to Man O’ War, Waiheke and Rotoroa Island to the east. Coromandel is the natural next step for us in the Gulf, supported by the local Coromandel community who are passionate about reconnecting their community.”
The new service has been long awaited by the local Coromandel community. Coromandel Business Association Chair, Jennifer Ashman says: “The local community is delighted that a ferry service has been reinstated.
"Positive input from the community has demonstrated local demand from businesses, locals and visitors alike and contributed to the successful reestablishment of a service that will be invaluable to connecting our community.”
The reopening of the maritime link has much to appeal to visitors, says Hadley Dryden, General Manager of Destination Hauraki Coromandel.
“The revival of the blue highway is fantastic news. Cruising the islands of the Hauraki Gulf - alongside marine wildlife, past mussel farms, with the Coromandel Ranges and city skyline at either end - is an experience not to be missed. Once aboard, visitors will understand why Hauraki Coromandel is good for your soul.”
The Coromandel ferry schedule will commence on Friday 24 October departing Auckland’s Viaduct at 4:45pm and arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf at 6:45pm. Saturday and Sunday return service will also begin on 25 and 26 October.
Prices for a return trip from Auckland’s Viaduct to Coromandel Town (including bus transfer) are: $135 per adult and $67.50 per child. There will also be an option for extended transfer to Whitianga: $185 per adult and $92.50 per child.
See the full schedule and service information and register your interest