Viewpoint – Ferry has potential if supported

The Gulf Harbour ferry service remains an important transport connection for our community, and while reliability challenges still occur, there has been a significant improvement from the post-covid period when cancellation rates at times exceeded 50 per cent.

Although disruptions continue to frustrate commuters, the service is becoming more stable and dependable overall. In 2026, cancellation rates have ranged between 5 per cent and 23.02 per cent, with two months sitting around the 5 per cent mark. Importantly, of the 116 cancelled sailings recorded in March, around 90 were weather related.

Reliability remains critical to rebuilding public confidence. As commuters know all too well, when services cannot consistently run as scheduled, people begin looking for alternative ways to travel. Patronage then declines, subsidy pressures increase, and confidence in public transport suffers further.

While unexpected disruptions still leave some passengers scrambling for buses, arranging alternative transport, notifying employers they will once again be late due to last-minute cancellations, or stranded in the CBD and unable to collect children from childcare, improving reliability is already encouraging more people back onto the service.

What is important to recognise however, is that patronage is improving. While not yet back to the pre-covid figures of around 17,000 “bums on seats” per month, increasing reliability will naturally encourage more people to return to the service.

There are also operational costs that deserve closer consideration. Currently, the ferry makes its first morning journey from Auckland to Gulf Harbour, and its final nightly trip back to Auckland, without carrying regular paying commuters.

Historically, the ferry was moored overnight at Gulf Harbour, with staff travelling there for the first morning sailing and returning home after docking the ferry there at the end of the day. Revisiting this model could help reduce unnecessary operating costs.

Likewise, removing underutilised sailings and ensuring timetables better reflect actual passenger demand will further improve efficiency. Combined with continued improvements in reliability, this would help restore public confidence, increase patronage, and reduce the subsidy burden shared by both local and central government.

At the same time, opportunities still exist. For years, locals have called for weekend ferry sailings to support families, tourism, hospitality, and recreational travel. Trialling weekend sailings during the summer months, when demand is traditionally higher, could help rebuild confidence and demonstrate the wider value the ferry service brings to both the community and local economy.

The Gulf Harbour ferry service has been a valued asset to the Hibiscus Coast community for more than 30 years, connecting people with work, family, education and recreation. With continued improvements, community support, and long-term commitment, we hope it will continue serving the community for the next 30 years and beyond.