Auckland- question about ferries

[twyfordkiwi]

Hello

We are moving to NZ and really liking the idea of taking a ferry across to the CBD... however I don't know how long it takes and www.fullers.co.nz seems great at telling you departure times but rubbish at telling you arrival... does anyone know how long they take from Bayswater/Devonport/Half Moon Bay etc- or of a good website?

And is anyone using this service and what do they think of it?

[ExpatKatie]

I get the ferry from Devonport. It takes about 10 mins and is pretty reliable. In the summer I wish it took longer as you can sit outside with a glass of wine which is lovely!

[James 1077]

Stanley Bay is about 10 mins from departure until you are on the wharf, Bayswater a little longer (12 mins or so), Devonport about the same. Birkenhead / Northcote are also around the 15 minute mark.

Half Moon Bay is around 30 mins I think and Waiheke 40 mins from memory. Not sure about Gulf Harbour, Pine Harbour or West Harbour!

In terms of commute I get the Stanley Bay ferry. Nice and fast, reliable and friendly. It only runs during rush hour (4 sailings between 7:10 until 8:30; 7 between 4:05 and 7:10) but outside of that I just walk to / from Devonport. Devonport ferry is a little busier but you'll always get a seat and can have a glass of wine / beer on the way home. Ticket costs a little under $130 per calendar month for unlimited travel on either of those ferries.

Every now and again the Stanley Bay ferry is cancelled due to bad weather (happened twice in the last 3.5 years). Devonport is the same but that hasn't yet happened to me (but could). Outside of the central harbour it happens more frequently but still no more than a couple of times a year other than Gulf Harbour which has bus replacement services relatively frequently in winter; Half Moon bay and Northcote are also tide dependent - but as low tide timings are known years in advance they do make alternative arrangements for this.

Personally I wouldn't choose to commute any other way!

[gil]

Half Moon Bay takes 30 mins into CBD. Great service.