Auckland Transport (AT) has launched its new weekend ferry service trial between Pine Harbour Marina and Downtown Auckland.
The trial will run until Monday April 25 and will also operate all four days over the Easter weekend.
The trial, which began on March 19, is operated by SeaLink using vessels with capacity for 99 seated passengers and a maximum of six bikes.
Currently, there is a popular public transport ferry service between Pine Harbour Marina and Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal, but it only operates on weekdays.
Franklin Local Board’s Malcom Bell said the weekend service has long been advocated for by the Franklin Local Board.
“The weekend service will allow people from the Maraetai, Beachlands, and Pine Harbour areas the option to use public transport to visit the city centre (and beyond) instead of driving to the city centre,” said Bell.
The board’s deputy chair Angela Fulljames agrees.
“They will be able to enjoy a faster, easier and more direct journey by ferry. This will also allow Pine Harbour to become a destination for people wanting to visit from the greater Auckland area,” she said.
Depending on the success of the trial, AT said it will investigate the introduction of a permanent weekend service later this year.
AT’s ferry services manager Gareth Willis said that the provision of a weekend ferry service from Pine Harbour has been on AT’s radar for some time.
“This trial is important to not only gauge community interest in a weekend service, but for us to also test the operational viability,” Willis said.
“Funding has been secured to undertake the trial in order to learn important lessons before a permanent service can be offered. This trial is possible due to the co-operation of SeaLink Pine Harbour Limited, funding from Auckland Transport/Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi.
“We thank the local board for its support and urge everyone to use the service. Kids will travel free at weekends, there will be regular sailings and this weekend service opens the area up as a day trip destination for Aucklanders.
“It’s really exciting for us to be able to offer this trial and we hope you’ll head out for a trip on a weekend soon.”
