A scenic ferry ride runs from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay Marina is on the Tāmaki River, near Auckland City; ferries run from there to Auckland City and Waiheke Island, as well as in the reverse direction. For planning, it is useful to consider the ferry terminal, the marina’s amenities and the nearby paths as separate elements.
Arriving by ferry
The ferry ride from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to Half Moon Bay takes 35 minutes. The journey from Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal, Pier 1 at 99 Quay Street, to the terminal at Half Moon Bay Marina on Ara-Tai Road takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Ferries run from the marina to Auckland City and Waiheke Island, with return trips also available. Check the current timetable for your travel day, as services and times may change.
The bus and ferry terminal is at the end of Half Moon Bay Marina. There you will find tickets, information about transport options and tourist information. This provides a useful point of reference when planning the next leg of your trip after arrival. First decide on your destination, then check which connection suits your travel plans.
The marina, river and waterfront amenities
Half Moon Bay Marina was first developed in the early 1970s. More than 500 boats are moored in the marina; this number may change. Together with its location on the Tāmaki River, near Auckland City, the marina and its boats give the area its maritime character.
Visitor amenities in Half Moon Bay include waterfront restaurants, cafés and bars. This means you can combine time at the marina with a meal or a break, rather than planning your stay solely around the ferry trips. The waterfront amenities and the connections from the ferry terminal are separate considerations for planning your day.
The boardwalk and paths at Bucklands Beaches
A 230-metre-long boardwalk connects the southern end of Little Bucklands Beach to Half Moon Bay Marina. It provides access to the Marina Shopping Centre for pedestrians and cyclists. If you plan to use this route, check the current conditions locally.
Nearby, the Bucklands Beach Path runs alongside Little Bucklands Beach and Big Bucklands Beach. The route descriptions focus on different things: the boardwalk description names its endpoints and access to the shopping centre, while the Bucklands Beach Path description covers its route along two beaches. For planning, you can decide whether to focus on the connection to the marina and shopping centre or a path along the beaches.
Choose the right base for your stay
If you plan to use the ferry connections to Auckland City or Waiheke Island, factor the timetable and return trip into your plans. If the marina and its waterfront amenities are your priority, set aside time for them. For a walk, the boardwalk and Bucklands Beach Path offer different points of reference. This way, you can make your choice based on your own plans for the day.
Discover more destinations: Stanmore Bay, Sandspit, Bombay, Manukau, Great Barrier Island, Silverdale, Tuakau, Mangere
For the main travel overview: Auckland.
