Frequently Asked Questions

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Booking Information | Timetables and Fares | Travelling with SeaLink |

Coverage and Dangerous Goods | Sponsorship | Freight


Booking Information

Can I book online?

We recommend to book in advance on our website as we offer discounted fares online.  

Do I need to book vehicles in advance?

Vehicle bookings are essential. Foot passenger bookings are not essential in advance but recommended as some sailings have restricted passenger numbers.

What is the standard size of a vehicle (car/ute/4WD) for the ferry?

A standard size vehicle (car/ute/4WD) is under 5.5 metres in length.

Do you take charters?

Yes! Please make a charter enquiry online here. If wishing to book a charter over a peak period (December, January and all holiday weekends) please submit your enquiry well in advance.

Do you take group bookings?

We recommend group and peak period bookings (December, January and all holiday weekends) are booked well in advance. 

Where can I find out about cancellations?

Travel alerts will be displayed on the website if conditions change and require last-minute schedule or ferry changes. Sign up for our free text alert service. Check-in times vary so please check your confirmation.

Will I be charged a cancellation fee?

Cancellation for passengers and / or vehicles up to 5.9 metres in length: SeaLink reserves the right, in the event of a confirmed/paid booking being cancelled by a passenger, to charge a cancellation fee.

Cancellation fees apply to the total booking value and are as follows:

  1. Cancellation received more than 7 days prior to sailing will be either a $10.00 or 10% of the fare whichever is greater.
  2. Cancellation received between 7 days and 24 hours prior to sailing will be either $10.00 or 20% of the fare whichever is greater.
  3. Cancellation received less than 24 hours prior to sailing will be either $10.00 or 50% of the fare whichever is greater.
  4. Cancellation less than one hour prior to sailing and/or failure to board – 100% of the fare.
Cancellation fees for vehicles greater than 5.9 metres in length: Where a confirmed/paid booking is cancelled by a customer or their authorised representative or agent, SeaLink reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee for the vehicle, driver and any passengers.

Cancellation fees apply to the individual sailing(s) on that booking and are as follows:
  1. Cancellation received more than 72 hours prior to sailing will not incur a cancellation fee.
  2. Cancellation received between 72 hours days and 24 hours prior to sailing will incur of fee of 15% of the fare.
  3. Cancellation received less than 24 hours prior to sailing or failure to board will incur a fee of 100% of the fare.
Cancellation Fees 10 Trip Vehicle Pass: Notwithstanding clause 2.4 a. to c. above:
  1. Waiheke Island: where a Waiheke Island booking to / from Auckland Central (Hamer Street) and Half Moon Bay booking has been made using a 10 Trip Vehicle Pass, a cancellation fee of $70.00 may be charged when a customer or their authorized representative or agent cancels less than 24 hours prior to travel or the vehicle fails to board.
  2. Great Barrier: where a Great Barrier Island booking to / from Auckland Central (Hamer Street) has been made using a 10 Trip Vehicle Pass, a cancellation fee of $170.00 may be charged when a customer or their authorized representative or agent cancels less than 24 hours prior to travel or the vehicle fails to board.

Can I make changes to my booking?

Waiheke Island change fees: A change fee may be charged for customer-requested amendments to Waiheke Island bookings to / from Auckland Central (Hamer Street) and Half Moon Bay. Applicable amendments include changes to the date and/or time of sailing (including for bookings in respect of a vehicle), and where a passenger(s) is removed from a booking. Changes are permitted up until one hour prior to the scheduled departure of your booked reservation. Only one change per booking is permitted, after which any further change will be regarded as a cancellation and will be subject to clauses 2.4, 2.5 and/or 2.6.  

Change fees are as follows:
  1. Vehicles up to 5.9 metres in length: A change fee of $20.00 will apply to all vehicle booking changes which are made by calling our Customer Care Team on 09 300 5900 or in-person at one of our ticket offices. Where a change fee has been charged for a vehicle the passenger (adult, student, child, senior) change fee will not apply to those passengers travelling with the vehicle. There is no change fee for booking changes made online by the customer.
  2. Foot passengers: A change fee of $5.00 will apply to all passenger booking changes (adult, student, child, senior) which are made by calling our Customer Care Team on 09 300 5900 or in-person at one of our ticket offices when they are travelling as a foot passenger (not travelling with a vehicle). There is no change fee for booking changes made online by the customer.
  3. For vehicles greater than 5.9 metres in length: A change fee of $30.00 will apply to all vehicle booking changes which are made by the customer or their authorized representative or agent. Where a change fee has been charged for a vehicle the passenger (adult, student, child, senior) change fee will not apply to those passengers travelling with the vehicle.
  4. 10 Trip Vehicle Pass: Where a booking has been made using a 10 Trip Vehicle Pass, then, notwithstanding clause 2.7 a. to c. above, a change fee of $20.00 may be charged for customer-requested amendments.
Great Barrier Island change fees: A change fee may be charged for customer-requested amendments to Great Barrier Island bookings to / from Auckland Central (Hamer Street) and Half Moon Bay. Applicable amendments include changes to the date and/or time of sailing (including for bookings in respect of a vehicle), and where a passenger(s) is removed from a booking. Changes are permitted up until six hours prior to the scheduled departure of your booked reservation. Only one change per booking is permitted, after which any further change will be regarded as a cancellation and will be subject to clauses 2.4, 2.5 and/or 2.6.

Change fees are as follows:
  1. Vehicles up to 5.9 metres in length: A change fee of $50.00 will apply to all vehicle booking changes which are made by calling our Customer Care Team on 09 300 5900 or in-person at one of our ticket offices. Where a change fee has been charged for a vehicle the passenger (adult, student, child, senior) change fee will not apply to those passengers travelling with the vehicle. There is no change fee for booking changes made online by the customer.
  2. Foot passengers: A change fee of $10.00 will apply to all passenger booking changes (adult, student, child, senior) which are made by calling our Customer Care Team on 09 300 5900 or in-person at one of our ticket offices when they are travelling as a foot passenger (not travelling with a vehicle). There is no change fee for booking changes made online by the customer.
  3. For vehicles greater than 5.9 metres in length: A change fee of $70.00 will apply to all vehicle booking changes which are made by the customer or their authorized representative or agent. Where a change fee has been charged for a vehicle the passenger (adult, student, child, senior) change fee will not apply to those passengers travelling with the vehicle.
  4. 10 Trip Vehicle Pass:  Where a booking has been made using a 10 Trip Vehicle Pass, then, notwithstanding clause 2.8 a. to c. above, a change fee of $50.00 may be charged for customer-requested amendments.
     
Making changes to your bookings during Covid alert levels:  In any case where you have booked on a sailing and your ability to travel on that sailing is restricted because Covid Alert Levels are increased to Level 3 or Level 4 (or where any other Government directive similarly restricts your travel) you may cancel or change your booking:
 
  1. No change fee will apply.
  2. You will not have to pay the fare difference when making any change to a booking.
  3. If you wish to cancel your booking outright, we will provide you with a credit to the value of the booked fare valid for 12 months from the cancellation date.
  4. To redeem a Covid related credit and make a further booking you must contact our Customer Care Team on (09) 300 5900 or email [email protected].

 

Can I book my motorbike online?

Motorbikes can be booked online as well as through our bookings team for all our sailings. You can call 0800 SEALINK (0800 732 546) to book

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Timetables and Fares

Where can I find the latest ferry timetables?

Check out our latest timetables and fares, including our Waiheke hot deals.

Do you offer concession fares?

Yes! We offer fares for seniors (SuperGold card holders), students and children. There are multi-trip passes for frequent travellers and Island residents fares when travelling with appropriate ID. 

To view more about fares, please see our timetables and fares pages.

What age range is considered for a child fare?

A child fare can be booked for a child aged 5-15 years. Infant fares can be booked for those under 5 and travel is free of charge.

Do I need to book a ticket for my baby?

Yes! Children between the ages of 0-4 years travel free of charge and must still have a valid ticket or booking confirmation to travel.

Are Gold AT Hop card accepted at SeaLink?

With a Gold AT Hop card, you can travel on SeaLink Waiheke Island services for free, provided that you are not the driver of the vehicle. Find out more about Gold Card Travel to Waiheke here.

What payment options are available?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Diners, Flexipay and EFTPOS. We do not accept cheques or cash. All fares are in $NZD and include GST. 

How long is my ticket valid for?

All tickets are valid for one calendar year from the date of issue. Expired tickets are not valid for travel.

I'm a student from an overseas university - does the student discount apply for me too?

Yes! Just remember to bring along your valid student ID as identification will be requested and must be presented at check-in.

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Travelling with SeaLink

Where are the terminals located?

Auckland based terminals located at Hamer Street (Wynyard Quarter), Half Moon Bay, Pine Harbour and Pier 3. Island side terminals can be found at Kennedy Point, Waiheke; Tryphena and Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island; and Rakino Island. If you need directions, please check out the full details for each terminal here.

Where do I catch the ferry to Waiheke?

Our Auckland to Waiheke terminals are located at Hamer Street, Wynyard Quarter in Auckland Central and Half Moon Bay in East Auckland. If you need directions to either of these locations, please check out the full details for each terminal here.

How long does does the ferry take to get to Waiheke?

Sailings vary depending on which journey you’re taking and which ferry you are on. Check out the timetables pages to see both departure and arrival times as they can vary between 45 and 80 minutes for Waiheke. If you’re unsure, give us a call, or ask when you’re at the terminal.

How long is the ferry ride to Great Barrier Island?

The Island Navigator sails to Great Barrier Island from Hamer Street, Wynyard Quarter. This sailing normally takes between 4.5 to 5 hours across the Hauraki Gulf. If you’re unsure, give us a call, or ask when you’re at the terminal.

What facilities are available on the ferries?

SeaLink offers a great menu and café service with a licenced bar, to help you relax while onboard. Toilets are also available and kid’s activities are onboard most of our ferries. See the full list of facilities onboard here.

Will I get sea water on my car?

We cannot guarantee that vehicles will be free from salt water splash and spray during their trip with us and when this happens. We also cannot predict exactly where on our vehicle deck this will happen. This is subject to weather and tide conditions. We recommend though having a bottle of water on hand or filling up a bottle on board to help wash it off prior to disembarking.

Are there any restrictions about what I can take with me?

You must declare anything classed as a dangerous good. We rely on goods being correctly identified, packaged, handled and documented for safe carriage, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike. See here for the full list of dangerous goods, or if you’re unsure, give us a call on 0800 732 546.

Our vehicle and passenger ferries are licensed by DOC and the Auckland Council to visit pest-free conservation islands and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Consult our check list for keeping our Hauraki Gulf Islands pest-free!

What if I'm travelling with a bike or other equipment?

  1. SeaLink is under no obligation to carry bicycles. Carriage of bicycles is subject to space being available at the time of sailing: note this can change right up until the departure time. All bicycles must be safely stowed in the dedicated area of the vessel, usually on the outdoor lower deck bicycle racks where available, or other available space, once all passengers and vehicles are boarded. If you are carrying bicycles on bike racks or any other items that over hang the length of your vehicle you will need to book a vehicle space that includes the entire length of the overhang. If you have roof mounted bike racks prior approval will need to be obtained by contacting our Customer Care Team on (09) 300 5900.
  2. Except where carried on another vehicle for which the applicable fare has been paid, an additional charge is payable for the carriage of bicycles. Bicycle charge details are available on our website at: www.sealink.co.nz/timetables-fares and reservations should be made on (09) 300 5900.
  3. Waiheke Island: The carriage of bicycles is free to foot passengers who have purchased and are travelling on a concession pass (e.g., 10 Trip Passenger Pass, 30 Trip Passenger Pass) or Monthly Passenger Pass.
  4. Should you be operating a commercial business or travelling in a group involving the carriage of bicycles, kayaks or any other sporting equipment, prior approval must be obtained as it may be necessary to purchase a designated vehicle space. Please contact our Customer Care Team on (09) 300 5900. SeaLink reserves the right to deny carriage.

Do I need a cover for my bike?

This is a personal preference but would be highly recommended for e-bikes and e-scooters. We cannot guarantee the salty seawater not reaching the mechanics of the bike so would recommend covering your bike either upon arrival at the terminal or once boarded.

Is there an additional charge for pets?

There is no additional charge for pets when travelling to Waiheke, however, there is a small charge when travelling with your cat or dog to Great Barrier Island ($28.00 return).

Dogs are permitted to travel on the ferry on the outside decks. Only a registered guide dog or assistance dog will be permitted to travel in the passenger lounge with their owner.

Cats can travel to Waiheke Island either in your vehicle or in an approved animal carrier cage.

Are there any restrictions for dogs on Great Barrier Island?

Please be aware that dogs are not permitted on DOC conservation land, as unsupervised dogs are a risk to wildlife on the island.

Why can’t I get on the ferry when it looks half empty?

Weight is also a big factor to why a ferry departs looking half empty. There is what is known as a ‘load line’ marked on the side of all of our ferries and when the water meets this line, we are at weight capacity. Even if it looks like there is space on the ferry, according to maritime guidelines, we cannot safely load another vehicle on, it's full for weight not for space.

Is there a public bus service from Kennedy Point, Waiheke?

From Sunday 31 May, a bus service is now available right at the Kennedy Point terminal, that can take you to Oneroa Village. See here for full details on the new 501 service. Bus fares must be paid using an AT Hop Card as cash will not be accepted. 

There is also a bus stop approximately 25 minutes walk from the terminal that can take you to Onetangi Beach. From Sunday 31 May, you can 'tag on' the 501 bus at Kennedy Point, 'tag off' at the top of Donald Bruce Road, cross the road and catch the next bus that goes towards Onetangi.

For more information on bus timetables and maps view here.

Who can I contact about lost property?

For lost property, please call our Customer Service Team on 0800 SEALINK (0800 732 546).

Do you charge a surcharge on public holidays?

We do not put a surcharge on our on board refreshments over the public holidays at SeaLink

Do you serve alcohol at Easter?

We do not serve alcohol on board any of our ferries on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Can I heat my own food onboard the ferry?

Travellers cannot use our cafe equipment to heat food that has not been purchased from onboard cafe. Non public use of catering equipment, such as cafe microwaves, is part of our standard operating procedures. We cannot risk any contamination from any outside food source within our café environment. All food prepared on site (including our staff meals) are regulated via our Food Control Plan. Where a traveller has extreme dietary requirements where no alternative is available, or warming up baby formula  the cafe equipment can be used.  

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Travel insurance, unaccompanied, dangerous goods 

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances when travelling. 

Are there cancellation fees?

SeaLink reserves the right, in the event of a confirmed/paid booking being cancelled by a passenger, to charge a cancellation fee. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

If a confirmed/paid booking is cancelled by a passenger, we may have to charge a cancellation fee.  Insurance is highly recommended. Cancellation fees apply to the total booking value and are as follows:

  • Cancellation received more than 7 days prior to sailing will be either $10 or 10% of the fare whichever is greater.
  • Cancellation received between 7 days and 24 hours prior to sailing will be either $10 or 20% of the fare whichever is greater.
  • Cancellation received less than 24 hours prior to sailing will be either $10 or 50% of the fare whichever is greater.
  • Cancellation less than one hour prior to sailing and/or failure to board – 100% of the fare.

What is an unaccompanied minor?

We strongly recommend that a parent or guardian accompany passengers under 14 years of age on all services. Children under the age of 7 years must be accompanied by an adult passenger at all times. Children aged between 7 and 12 years inclusive may travel alone when a Parent and or Guardian completes an 'Unaccompanied Minor Application for Travel form before travel will be allowed. 

Do you accept unaccompanied vehicles?

On certain sailings, we will accept unaccompanied vehicles if you are dropping off at one terminal and you have someone picking up on the other side. Loading and unloading fees apply per vehicle, including an additional charge during peak (December, January, and public holiday) periods. To book, please speak to our call centre on 0800 732 546.

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods can include Petrol, Diesel, Paint, Bleach, LPG, car batteries, bees and hay. If these goods are not handled with care, they can be hazardous to our health and the environment and are therefore classified as dangerous goods and extra care is required when we’re transporting them.

For your personal safety as well as the safety of others, it’s important that dangerous goods are correctly identified, declared, packaged, and handled. Dangerous goods can only travel on certain sailings and more information can be found on our dangerous goods page. 

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How do I apply for sponsorship?

If your organisation is eligible to apply for support, you may submit an 'Application for Sponsorship' using our online form. Applications will be accepted when Auckland enters lockdown Alert Level 2. 

What areas does SeaLink support for sponsorship?

SeaLink’s sponsorship activity supports the following areas of interest.

  • Waiheke and Great Barrier Community – support for community projects that add real value to society and benefit those in greatest need, whether it be social, educational, cultural or environmental
  • Health & Safety – support for organisations that provide health and wellbeing services and that promote safe behaviour
  • Natural Environment – support to protect and enhance the land, waterways, flora and fauna of the Hauraki Gulf

Do I need to apply for sponsorship annually or is it ongoing?

A SeaLink sponsorship is generally for a fixed term, determined by a time frame, occasion or event. Ongoing sponsorship is at the discretion of SeaLink and is not guaranteed.

What is SeaLink’s sponsorship policy?

All approved sponsorships must provide significant geographical or target market reach and must be measured against a strict set of criteria and as such all requests to the business must be directed to head office for review and approval. Please find the full sponsorship policy here prior to applying for sponsorship.

Are there any blackout dates for Sponsorship?

SeaLink will not fulfil any sponsorship requests for travel during December and January.

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SeaLink Logistic's Freight Services

Can I send freight to Waiheke Island?

Yes, with our fleet of trucks, trailers and hi-ab we can cater to all your Waiheke Island freight needs. We have daily services to the island. You can track your deliveries online 24/7 for live updates on the status of your delivery.

Can I send freight to Great Barrier Island?

Yes, we offer regular depot to wharf freight services to Great Barrier Island. We send a chiller/freezer truck for your grocery needs, along with a general truck or trailer for all other freight items. Your freight can be picked up in person from the wharf or by one of the local operators on the island on your behalf.

What kind of freight services do we offer?

  • General freight temperature controlled goods

  • Building supplies

  • Courier

  • Furniture delivery and removals

  • Hi-ab and specialised delivery service

  • Palletised products

  • Dangerous goods

  • Fragile freight

Can I just drop freight off to the depot?

We prefer if you can either email or call us to let us know to expect your goods.

How do I send freight to the islands?

Drop all freight off at our Auckland depot, located at 25 Springs Road, East Tamaki. Freight will not be accepted at the ferry terminals.

If you can’t drop off to our depot and require a pick up around the Auckland area you can give us a call on (09) 300 5900 or make a booking by email. We can arrange to pick up your freight and forward to Waiheke or Great Barrier.

When do I need to drop off freight to go to Waiheke?

If you’re sending freight to Waiheke Island, you can drop off between 6.30am and 5pm weekdays.

When do I need to drop off freight to go to Great Barrier?

If you’re sending freight to Great Barrier Island, please ensure this is with us by midday the day before the sailing. Product needs to be packaged correctly and clearly addressed, with a phone number for the receiver.

How much will it cost me?

We quote and charge based on the weight or cubic metre (length, width and height) whichever is the greater. Just request a quote from our team online.

How can I send dangerous goods (DG) freight?

There are specific sailings dedicated to the transportation of dangerous goods. Give us a call to ensure you book on the right sailing to both Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands. 

If you are not sure if your goods are classified as DG look at our dedicated Dangerous Goods guide here for additional information. Please note that you will need to complete a dangerous goods declaration form.

See here for further information about SeaLink Logistics and requesting a quote.


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