Three Hauraki Gulf islands that each run on their own calendar, and one weekday commuter crossing to the North Shore.
Most Auckland visitors meet the Gulf on the big Waiheke boats, which this site leaves aside. The services covered here are smaller. Belaire's ferry to Rākino is the residents' boat, with dated sailings and no bookings; the Rotoroa Island ferry and the Tiritiri Matangi boat are day trips to conservation islands, booked ahead with Explore Group, and each keeps its own seasonal timetable.
The odd one out stays inside the harbour. The Bayswater ferry is an Auckland Transport route paid with a HOP card, weekdays only, linking the North Shore marina with the downtown terminal; on marked dates the Rākino boat calls at the same wharf. All three island landings ask for clean footwear and sealed bags; Rākino welcomes dogs on a lead, while Tiritiri Matangi bans pets outright.