Auckland-Coromandel ferry returns with daily summer service.

Popular ferry connection returns for Labour Weekend, with a direct Friday afternoon service and daily ferries from late November.

Auckland marine tourism operator Explore Group is bringing back its Auckland–Coromandel ferry from Friday 23 October, ahead of Labour Weekend, running Friday to Monday, with an expanded timetable to follow, including daily services from 27 November through until Easter.

The expanded timetable builds on the return of the ferry in October 2025, when Explore Group reinstated the connection after a three-year absence.

During the height of summer, the move to a daily service will make it easier for Aucklanders to reach the Coromandel without the car, while giving Coromandel residents greater flexibility to travel to and from Auckland.

Explore Group Managing Director William Goodfellow says the expanded timetable is about giving travellers more choice and flexibility.

“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.”

To make onward travel easier, Explore Group is partnering with Mad Campers to offer a range of land transport options, including a shuttle between Hannaford’s Wharf and Coromandel Town, which is included in the ferry fare. Mad Campers are providing additional transport options from Coromandel Town, including 50cc scooters, rental cars, local tours and eventually campervans.

CEO Andy Haslett is “excited to be part of this initiative connecting Auckland with Coromandel and allowing those wanting a longer stay to explore more of what the region has to offer.”

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Peter Revell welcomes the ferry’s return.