After three years tied up, the Auckland to Coromandel ferry will sail again from late October — but there are no plans for a Great Barrier revival, just yet. Explore Group will operate the two-hour run across the Hauraki Gulf, taking over the route Fullers dropped in 2022.
The new service launches Thursday 24 October, with regular sailings scheduled for Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. More departures could follow if demand grows.
Explore managing director William Goodfellow said the route was the logical next step for the company, which already serves Tiritiri Matangi, Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke, and Rotoroa Island.
“Coromandel is the natural next destination for us,” he said.
The ferry will depart Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour at 4.45pm and arrive at Hannaford’s Wharf by 6.45pm, with a connecting bus meeting passengers for the short ride into Coromandel Town.
A return fare will cost $135 for adults, $67.50 for children. Travellers continuing on to Whitianga can book a $185 return add-on ($92.50 for children).
Local leaders say the return of the ferry is a long time coming.
“This regular ferry connection from Auckland to Coromandel Town is a fantastic boost for our community, businesses, and visitors alike,” the Coromandel–Colville Business Association said.
Thames–Coromandel District Council economic development lead Mitch King called it “an important step,” saying the community had pushed for reinstatement for years because of the ferry’s value to the region’s visitor economy.
AoteaGBI.news asked Explore whether the company might eventually look further afield — including the possibility of reinstating the long-mothballed Fullers fast ferry service to Great Barrier Island. That service, once a summer staple, completed the run in just over two hours — roughly half the time of Sealink’s vehicle ferry.
“At this stage we do not have plans to expand to additional destinations this summer as we are looking to continue sustainable growth for our business with our available resources,” said Explore’s Aimee Jones.
Still, the company isn’t locking the gate entirely.
“We are always open to expanding services in future should the right opportunity arise,” she said.
