Bay of Islands Ferry

Paihia to Russell Ferry

Northland Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferries in the Bay of Islands, providing regular and reliable connections for the local community and visitors to the region. It’s a fun and easy way to get out on the water and get around the Bay of Islands.

See our Ferry FAQs, or for the latest information on any service disruptions or delays, please visit our Ferries Facebook page.

passenger Ferry Timetable

Crossing time: 15 minutes

7:20am

8:30am

9:30am – 9:30pm ferry departures on the half hour

10:30pm (September 2023 – May 2024)

Crossing time: 15 minutes

7:00am 

7:45am

9:00am – 9:00pm ferry departures on the hour

10:00pm (September 2023 – May 2024)

Drop-offs at Waitangi are available on request (10am & 3pm sailings from Russell only)

passenger FERRY PRICES

Foot Passengers Only

Purchase your tickets at the ferry (Cash, EFTPOS, Credit Cards)

Adult - $16 (Return)

Child 5-14 years - $8 (Return)

Child 0-4 years - FREE

Family (2 Adults and 3 Children) - $36 (Return)

Bicycle - $3

For group bookings above 10 people please contact us

DEparture Points

Vehicle Ferry

The ferry service operates as a shuttle, departing approximately every 10 minutes during the day, and every 20 minutes early morning and late evening. Opua is about 7 minutes’ drive from Paihia and Okiato is about 10 minutes’ drive from Russell.

Our vehicle ferries are suitable for all vehicles including trucks, buses and campervans. Please note low tides may dictate travel time for extra-large vehicles, including oversize truck and trailer units, buses and overweight vehicles. Please contact us to confirm your requirements.

When boarding the ferry, please stay in the ferry lane and move forward as space allows. Please follow the instructions of the crew.

The speed limit on the ferry is 5km/hr. A dangerous goods declaration is required for all commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Ferry Timetable

Crossing time: 10 minutes

6:10am
First ferry

10:00pm
Last ferry

Departures every 10 minutes (approximately) between these hours

Service departs from the Opua Ferry Terminal, Beechy St, Opua.  

Crossing time: 10 minutes

6:00am
First ferry

09:50pm
Last ferry

Departures every 10 minutes (approximately) between these hours

Service departs from the wharf at the end of the Te Araroa Bypass, Okiato. 

vehicle Ferry PRICING

You can buy vehicle ferry tickets on board or at the Opua Store. EFTPOS, VISA, MasterCard and American Express are available on board.

There is no additional charge for passengers travelling in the vehicle. Prices shown are for one-way travel. 

Foot Passengers

Adult - $2.00

Child (5-14 years) $1.00

Child (0-4 years) FREE

Car / Ute (Less than 6 Metres)

$17.00

Motorcycle

$8.00

Trailers

Less than 6 metres $17.00

6 - 8 metres $28.00

8 - 10 metres $35.00

10+ metres $70.00

Vehicles (Over 6 Metres)

6 - 8 metres $28.00

8 - 10 metres $35.00

10+ metres $70.00

If you are driving a large vehicle such as a bus or truck and trailer unit, we recommend travelling within 2 hours on either side of high tide.

If you are unsure please contact us for assistance.

CAMPERVANS & MOTORHOMES

2 Berth campervan (<6m) $17.00

2 Berth toilet and shower campervan (6-8m) $28.00

4 - 6 Berth motorhomes (8 -10m+) $35.00 - $70.00

Car with a caravan from $35.00 - $70.00

Estimated cost only, vehicles are charged by length. Staff will confirm the price at boarding. Trailers are charged as individual units.

DEparture points