The Fullers360 ferry connects Pier 13 at Auckland‘s Downtown Ferry Terminal with Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island and scenic reserve approximately 8km northeast of the city. This guide covers departure times, ticket prices, how to reach the terminal, pest-free island rules, what to expect on board and on the island, accessibility, and practical tips for the crossing.
Updated May 2026. The off-peak timetable came into effect in April 2026, reducing weekday services from three departures to one. Guides showing three daily weekday departures reflect the on-peak schedule and are currently out of date. Additionally, bookings are essential — tickets are valid only for the specific date and departure time shown on the booking. Turn-up-and-pay travel is not available on this route.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Fullers360 |
| Departure point | Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Quay Street, Auckland City |
| Arrival point | Rangitoto Island Wharf, Rangitoto Island |
| Crossing duration | Approx. 25 minutes |
| Adult return fare (16+) | NZ$60 |
| Child return fare (5–15) | NZ$27 |
| Infant (under 5) | Free |
| Family return (2 adults + 2 children 5–15) | NZ$124 |
| Bookings | Essential — tickets valid for specific date and time only |
Rangitoto Island ferry timetable
There is one operator on this route. Departure times vary between on-peak and off-peak seasons. All times below depart from Auckland City. Services marked * travel via Devonport — passengers may also board at Devonport Ferry Terminal on these sailings.
On-peak (approximately October – March)
| Day | Departure times from Auckland City |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM* · 10:30 AM · 12:15 PM* |
| Saturday | 9:15 AM* · 10:30 AM · 12:15 PM* |
| Sunday / Public Holiday | 9:15 AM* · 10:30 AM · 12:15 PM* |
Off-peak (approximately April – September)
| Day | Departure times from Auckland City |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM* |
| Saturday | 9:15 AM* · 10:30 AM |
| Sunday / Public Holiday | 9:15 AM* · 10:30 AM |
The ferry does not operate on Christmas Day. Downloadable timetable PDFs for the current season are available on the Fullers site. Always confirm the current schedule before travelling, as times are subject to change. Check the Fullers360 travel alerts page on the day of your visit for any last-minute changes.
Five great things to do while you’re in Auckland
- Spot whales and dolphins on a half day Hauraki Gulf Marine Park cruise.
- Indulge in Waiheke Island’s finest produce on a food and wine tour.
- See the city from above at the top of the Auckland Sky Tower.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on Auckland Harbour – with a three course dinner.
- Explore Auckland’s wild side – visiting the city’s black sand beaches and rainforest.
Rangitoto Island ferry fares and how to book
Return fares are NZ$60 for adults, NZ$27 for children aged 5–15, and free for children under 5. A family ticket (two adults and two children aged 5–15) costs NZ$124. All fares are return and are valid for travel on the specific date and time selected at booking.
Bookings are essential. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are not transferable to a different departure time after purchase without contacting Fullers360. As departures are limited — particularly in the off-peak season, when there may be only one weekday sailing — early booking is strongly advised, especially for weekends and school holidays.
This ferry is not included in any multi-attraction city pass scheme.
Fares were verified on the official Fullers360 website and last updated in May 2026.
How to get to Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal
The ferry departs from Pier 13, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Quay Street, Auckland. The terminal is on the central waterfront, a short walk from the CBD.
By train: Britomart Train Station is approximately five minutes on foot from the ferry terminal. Auckland’s rail network connects Britomart with West Auckland, South Auckland, and the North Shore (via bus interchange).
By bus: Numerous bus routes stop on Quay Street and at Britomart. The AT Mobile app provides real-time journey planning across Auckland’s public transport network.
By foot: Most central Auckland hotels are within a 10–15 minute walk of the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
By rideshare or taxi: Uber and taxis serve the terminal directly from the Quay Street kerb.
Parking near Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal
There is no dedicated car park at the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Commercial car parks are available within a short walk, including the Victoria Street Car Park and the Downtown Car Park on Customs Street. Paid on-street parking is available on surrounding streets but is subject to time limits. Given Auckland’s city-centre traffic and limited parking, arriving by public transport or on foot is more reliable, particularly on weekends.
Pest-free island rules — important before you travel
Rangitoto Island is a pest-free island, and Fullers360 holds a pest-free warrant. Strict biosecurity checks apply before boarding. These are enforced at the terminal and are not optional. Failure to comply may mean you are not permitted to board.
Before you travel, ensure the following:
- Check all bags, clothing, and footwear for stowaways including mice, rats, Argentine ants, and Rainbow Skinks
- All footwear, clothing, and bags must be clean and free of soil and seeds
- All food must be packed in a rodent-proof, sealed container — a hard plastic container is recommended
- No open bags or open boxes will be permitted on board; everything must be sealed or zipped closed
- There are no rubbish bins on the island — take all rubbish, including all food scraps, off the island when you leave
- Dogs are not permitted on the island
- Fires and barbecues are prohibited on the island
What to expect on board
The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. Fullers360 vessels have indoor seating and external deck areas. Some services travel via Devonport, adding a brief stop at Devonport Wharf before continuing to Rangitoto — the total journey time on these sailings is slightly longer. Check your ticket for whether your service is a direct sailing or via Devonport.
There is no on-island café or food service at Rangitoto. Bring all food and drink you need for the visit, packed in sealed containers as required by the pest-free rules above.
Arriving at Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf and the largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. Its symmetrical cone rises 260 metres above sea level. The ferry arrives at Rangitoto Wharf on the island’s northern shore.
From the wharf, the main walking track leads through lava fields and native forest to the summit — approximately one hour’s walk. Informative signs along the route explain the island’s volcanic history. Lava caves can be found approximately 200 metres from the summit on the eastern side; a torch is required to explore them fully. Rangitoto is connected to neighbouring Motutapu Island by a causeway, making it possible to walk between the two islands.
There are no shops, cafés, or food outlets on the island, and no rubbish bins. The island has basic toilet facilities near the wharf. Bring more water than you expect to need, particularly in summer.
Accessibility on the Rangitoto Island ferry
Fullers360 vessels are equipped with accessible facilities. The Downtown Ferry Terminal at Pier 13 has ramp access to the boarding area. For specific questions about accessibility on a particular vessel or service, contact Fullers360 before travelling via the help section at fullers.co.nz.
Note that Rangitoto Island itself has significant accessibility limitations. The Summit Track is an unformed path over rough lava fields and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The area immediately around the wharf is flat and accessible, but the broader island trail network is challenging terrain.
How long to allow
The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes each way. Most visitors allow three to four hours on the island to walk to the summit and return, with time to explore the lava caves. Those also walking across to Motutapu Island should allow five to six hours on the island. In the off-peak season, with only one or two departures per day, check your return sailing time carefully before leaving the wharf — missing the last ferry means a significant wait or an unplanned overnight.
Arrive at the Downtown Ferry Terminal at least 15–20 minutes before your booked departure.
Practical tips for the Rangitoto Island ferry
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book early, especially in off-peak | With as few as one weekday sailing in off-peak season, departures fill up quickly. Book as soon as your date is confirmed. Your ticket is valid only for the departure time you select. |
| Check your bags the night before | Pest-free biosecurity checks are conducted at the terminal. Ensure all food is in sealed hard containers, and all bags and footwear are clean and free of soil and seeds before you leave home. |
| Bring a torch for the lava caves | The lava caves near the summit are dark enough to require a torch or phone light. This is worth planning for in advance — it is easy to forget. |
| Know your return time before you set off from the wharf | In off-peak season there may only be one or two return sailings. Confirm your return departure before you start walking, and allow sufficient time to return to the wharf. |
| There is nothing to buy on the island | Bring all food, water, and sunscreen you need for the day. Pack everything in sealed containers as required. Take all rubbish off the island with you — there are no bins. |
Frequently asked questions about the Rangitoto Island ferry
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I just turn up and buy a ticket for the Rangitoto ferry? | No. Bookings are essential and tickets are valid only for the specific date and time booked. Purchase tickets in advance. |
| Can I bring my dog on the Rangitoto Island ferry? | No. Dogs are not permitted on Rangitoto Island. The island is a pest-free reserve and animals are prohibited. |
| What is the Rangitoto Island pest-free rule about food? | All food must be carried in a rodent-proof, sealed hard container — not in open bags, paper bags, or soft pouches. This rule is enforced before boarding. |
| Can I travel via Devonport to Rangitoto Island? | Yes. Services marked with an asterisk on the timetable stop at Devonport before continuing to Rangitoto. You can board at Devonport Ferry Terminal on these sailings. |
| Is the Rangitoto Island ferry running on Sundays? | Yes. Sunday and public holiday services run on the same timetable. In on-peak season there are three Sunday departures; in off-peak season there are two. Check the current timetable at fullers.co.nz before travelling. |
Other things to do near Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal
Devonport Village — A short Fullers360 ferry ride across the harbour, Devonport is a Victorian seaside village with independent cafés, galleries, and two volcanic cones to climb; a practical half-day add-on before or after the Rangitoto crossing.
Auckland War Memorial Museum — Located in the Auckland Domain, approximately 20 minutes on foot from the ferry terminal, with extensive Māori and Pacific collections and natural history galleries; free entry for Auckland residents, paid entry for visitors.
Sky Tower — Auckland’s most recognisable structure is approximately 15 minutes on foot from the terminal, with observation decks and the option to walk, climb, or jump from the tower’s exterior.
Waiheke Island — Fullers360 also serves Waiheke Island from the same Downtown Ferry Terminal, approximately 35 minutes away; a full day’s destination with beaches, vineyards, and walking tracks.
Other island ferry crossings in New Zealand and the region
Waiheke Island Ferry, Auckland — Fullers360 operates frequent daily services from Auckland City to Waiheke Island, a 35-minute crossing to the Hauraki Gulf’s most visited island, with wineries, beaches, and café culture.
Stewart Island / Rakiura Ferry, New Zealand — Real Journeys operates a passenger ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, New Zealand‘s third largest island and a national park; crossing time approximately 60 minutes across Foveaux Strait from the South Island.
Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry, Auckland — 360 Discovery operates a passenger ferry from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal to Tiritiri Matangi Island, an open sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf with rare native birds; crossing time approximately 75 minutes.
More Auckland travel
Other Auckland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A visitor guide to Piha Beach.
- How to get the best out of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
- Tackling Auckland’s 16km Coast-to-Coast Walkway via One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.
- Sailing an Americas Cup yacht in Auckland.
- Why Karekare Beach is the best beach in Auckland.
- 7 memorable things to do in Auckland.
