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North Island

Start: Viaduct Harbour, Key Street, Auckland
Location: Auckland
Duration: 6-8.3 Hours

The Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry is a return trip from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour via Rotoroa Island to Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island. Each crossing takes about 90 minutes. Depending on the sailing, you have 3 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes ashore, making the full trip 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes. It runs Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from May to late October, then daily from late October to April. Return ferry travel and access to the beachfront vineyard, restaurant and beach are included; meals and wine tastings are separate. It suits families, wine lovers and visitors who want to explore at their own pace.

Man O' War Vineyard Ferry Timetable

The ferry leaves Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour and travels via Rotoroa Island to Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island. Each crossing takes approximately 90 minutes. From 24 October 2026, the service has daily departures, with an additional late morning sailing on weekends and public holidays.

PeriodOperating daysDepart AucklandArrive Man O’ WarDepart Man O’ WarArrive AucklandTime at Man O’ War
May–23 October 2026Wednesday–Sunday and public holidays9:15am10:45am2:40pm4:10pm3 hours 55 minutes
24 October 2026–April 2027Monday–Thursday9:15am10:45amApprox. 4:05pm5:35pm5 hours 20 minutes
24 October 2026–April 2027Friday9:15am10:45am3:05pm4:35pm4 hours 20 minutes
24 October 2026–April 2027Saturday, Sunday and public holidays9:15am10:45am4:05pm5:35pm5 hours 20 minutes
24 October 2026–April 2027Saturday, Sunday and public holidays11:30am1:00pm4:05pm5:35pm3 hours 5 minutes

The ferry travels via Rotoroa Island and takes approximately 90 minutes each way. Check the sailing times supplied with your booking. For other island routes, see Auckland Hauraki Gulf Island Ferries.

Passenger ferry moored at a Waiheke Island wharf with coastal hills in the background.

Experience Man O’ War?

Sip Man O’ War wines at a guided tasting, enjoy a meal at the beachfront Tasting Room, then unwind on the lawn overlooking the bay. Make time for a swim, bring a picnic, or let the children enjoy the playground and beach. For an easy lunch escape, choose Man O’ War Cruise & Dine, combining your ferry travel and lunch in one booking.

Couple enjoying wine and food on an outdoor deck at a Waiheke Island winery.

Add a thrill to your island getaway with Forest Flight—90 minutes of adventure featuring three dual ziplines and a guided walk through native kauri forest. Book Forest Flight separately when travelling on a standard ferry ticket, or enjoy the convenience of Man O’ War Cruise, Zipline & Lunch, bringing return ferry travel, Forest Flight and lunch together in one package.

  • Scenic return cruise through the eastern Hauraki Gulf to Man O’ War Bay.
  • Access to beachfront cellar door & restaurant
  • Swim in the calm, clear waters of Man O’ War Bay
  • Air-conditioned ferry

Not included

  • Meals and wine tastings at the Tasting Room restaurant
  • Forest Flight with three tandem ziplines through towering native forest and connecting bush walks.
  • Adults: 16 years and older
  • Children: 5-15 years old
  • Infants (free): 0-4 years
  • More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
  • Within 24 hours: No refund

**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

The ferry journey from Auckland Viaduct Harbour to Man O’ War takes approximately 90 minutes each way, travelling through the eastern Hauraki Gulf and via Rotoroa Island. The ferry itself is part of the experience, with views across the gulf and surrounding islands along the way. Once you arrive at Man O’ War Bay, you’ll have free time to enjoy the waterfront setting at your own pace before returning to Auckland.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time at Man O’ War, whether you prefer food, wine, swimming or simply relaxing by the water. Visit the beachfront cellar door for wine tasting, enjoy lunch overlooking the bay at the Tasting Room, or unwind on the expansive lawn. You can also swim at Man O’ War Bay or, for something more adventurous, take part in the optional Forest Flight zipline experience through native forest.

The standard Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry includes return ferry travel and access to the beachfront cellar door and restaurant, but meals and wine tastings are not included in the standard fare. Wine flights and tasting options can be arranged directly with Man O’ War, and advance bookings are recommended. The destination is known for its range of wines, making a tasting a popular way to experience the vineyard while enjoying views across Man O’ War Bay.

Yes, swimming at Man O’ War Bay is included as one of the activities available during your time ashore. The bay provides a beautiful coastal setting for cooling off after exploring the area or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon beside the water. You can also spend time on the beachfront lawn, have a picnic or explore the surrounding destination. Remember to allow enough time to return to the departure point for your scheduled ferry back to Auckland.

Forest Flight is an optional adventure experience combining three dual ziplines with a guided walk through native forest. The 90 minute experience takes you through towering native bush and includes connecting boardwalks with coastal views. The Forest Flight option can be combined with the Man O’ War ferry and a meal at the Tasting Room through the Cruise, Zip & Beachfront Bites package. Participants must meet specific height and weight requirements, so check the requirements before booking.

Yes. Child ferry fares apply to ages 5–15, children under five travel free, and passengers 16 and over pay the adult fare. The lawn, playground and beach give families options beyond the Tasting Room; food and drinks are separate from the standard ferry fare.

For Forest Flight, the child ticket category starts at age 7. Every participant must be at least 125 cm tall and weigh 30–125 kg; children under 16 must take part with an adult aged 18 or over. Check these requirements for each child before booking the zipline and lunch package.

Board at the Explore Booking Kiosk in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, at the end of Quay Street, diagonally opposite the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure. The ferry travels through the eastern Hauraki Gulf via Rotoroa Island before reaching Man O’ War Bay; a visit ashore on Rotoroa is a separate ferry experience.

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