FAQs

The ferry company is not owned or operated by Ananda Tours, therefore we cannot guarantee sailing times or a seat on a particular sailing. Ananda Tours does not take any responsibility for your onward travel plans if you are unable to board a particular ferry sailing departing the Island so if you need to be back on the mainland at a particular time we recommend you call us to discuss the best option for you. We may recommend a private tour rather than our shared group tour as this way we have more control over the time we return back to Matiatia Wharf. Wait times for the ferry can vary daily and there are sometimes ferry cancellations and boats that reach capacity so we suggest departing the Island an extra hour earlier than the ferry you need to be on, just to be safe.

Yes, if our tour cannot operate due to government imposed restrictions then we can reschedule to a future date, convert your booking into a gift voucher, or offer a full refund if you can't travel at a later date.
If you are travelling from overseas and our New Zealand Border is closed or not allowing travelers in from your country we also offer a full refund.

Yes. All of the vineyards on Waiheke charge for wine tastings, and these costs are included in our shared group tour prices.

The cost of lunch is include in all our shared group tours. With our private custom tours, some do and some don't so please refer to your custom itinerary or ask one of our team if you are not sure.

Ferry tickets are not included in our tour price, however we can arrange them for you at an additional cost. Current price if ferry tickets is $42 pp for an open round trip sailing.

Yes, we can pick up from Waiheke Island accommodation. contact one of our team to arrange a pick up time.
We do not pick up from any Auckland hotels or accommodation as we are only base on Waiheke Island.

Our shared group tours are for persons 18 years and over. If you are travelling with kids though, get in touch with one of our team and we can put together a private tour for you and the family, which gives you more flexibility to include some child friendly activities and go at your own pace.

We recommend arriving at the wharf 1 hour prior to your ferry time to leave you plenty of time to board. Ferries in the summer months can be very busy and they are operated on a first come first serve basis.
If you do still miss the ferry, call us straight away and we can arrange for someone to come and meet you to join you up to the tour. There will not be a refund if you miss the first tasting though.

With bad weather, we can still operate the tour if it’s raining. Our vehicles have umbrellas onboard and we can drive quite close to the venues.
The only reason we would cancel is if there was severe/ gale force Northerly winds and the ferries were cancelled or look like they may cancel later in the day. If this was the case, we would contact you and ask if you would like to reschedule or would like a refund.

For the Gourmet's Food and Wine Tour - Please catch the 9am Fullers sailing from Downtown Auckland.


For the Essence of Waiheke Tour - Please catch the 10am Fullers sailing from Downtown Auckland.


For the Afternoon Artisan Tour - Please catch the 12.00pm Fullers sailing from Downtown Auckland. Time table subject to change.


Your ferry to Waiheke will depart from pier 11 or 12 (old pier 2) at the downtown ferry terminal, located at 99 Quay St. If you have purchased ferry tickets as part of your booking, we will email you a booking reference number shortly, which you will need to quote at the ticket office on the day.


Otherwise, you do not need to book this ferry but make sure you turn up at least 20 minutes prior to departure time. (30 mins in the weekends) If you have not purchased ferry tickets with this order, you will require a return Waiheke ferry ticket which will cost $46.00 pp purchased from either the Fullers ticket offices located on the Wharf.


The ferry to Waiheke takes 35-45 minutes. When the ferry arrives at Matiatia (the Waiheke Wharf) our Ananda Tours Driver will meet you with a sign welcoming you.