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How long do you get at Man O’ War Bay?
Time ashore ranges from 3 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes, depending on the sailing. The late morning weekend departure allows just over three hours for lunch or a tasting, while the 9:15am summer departures generally provide more time for several activities. Until 23 October 2026, the scheduled visit is 3 hours 55 minutes. Allow time to walk back to the wharf before your return ferry.
What can you do at Man O’ War?
Visit the beachfront Tasting Room for a guided wine tasting or a meal, then relax on the lawn overlooking Man O’ War Bay. Families can use the playground and beach, and visitors can bring a picnic or swim during their time ashore. For a lunch package that includes the ferry, see Man O’ War Cruise & Dine.
Forest Flight adds 90 minutes of adventure, with three dual ziplines and a guided walk through native kauri forest. It requires a separate booking with the standard ferry ticket. The Man O’ War Cruise, Zipline & Lunch package combines return ferry travel, Forest Flight and lunch.
Food and bookings at Man O’ War
Reserve a restaurant table or guided wine tasting directly with Man O’ War, ideally when arranging your ferry, particularly for weekends and public holidays. Book Forest Flight in advance too, and choose a session that leaves enough time for the activity and your return sailing. The wharf is approximately a five-minute walk from the Tasting Room and Forest Flight check-in.
A picnic by the bay is an option if you prefer to bring your own food. A picnic does not reserve restaurant seating; book a table if you want to dine at the Tasting Room. If you would rather arrange lunch with the ferry as one booking, consider Man O’ War Cruise & Dine.
Is the Man O’ War ferry suitable for kids?
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.
Where does the Man O’ War ferry leave from?
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.
- 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.
