Explore Group is reinstating its Auckland–Coromandel ferry from Friday 23 October, with daily services to follow from late November through Easter.
The marine tourism operator will initially run Friday-to-Monday services ahead of Labour Weekend, expanding to a daily timetable from 27 November. The route crosses Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which spans more than 1.2 million hectares of marine habitat.
The connection was absent for three years before Explore Group revived it in October 2025. Managing director William Goodfellow says the move to a daily timetable reflects demand from travellers on both sides of the gulf.
"Moving to a daily timetable this summer gives people far more flexibility in how they use the connection. For Aucklanders, it's an easy way to enjoy a day trip or longer stay in the Coromandel without taking the car, while for Coromandel residents it provides more options for travelling into Auckland and choosing when they return."
Daily departures leave Auckland's Viaduct at 9.15am. Weekend travellers gain a direct Friday afternoon service departing at 4.45pm, arriving Hannaford's Wharf at 6.45pm, with a return sailing at 7pm.
A shuttle to Coromandel Town is included in the fare. Explore Group has also partnered with Mad Campers to arrange onward transport, including scooters, rental cars and local tours, with campervans planned as a future addition. CEO Andy Haslett says the initiative allows visitors "to explore more of what the region has to offer."
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Peter Revell welcomes the return, noting that "arriving by sea is a pretty special way to begin a visit to our district." The district council has worked with Explore Group to restore the service.
