Escape to the bay

Cruise or Coach

Conveniently located 90 mins from downtown Auckland, the scenic journey is part of the allure. Explore Group regularly sail direct to Man O' War Bay or jump on the Man O' War coach from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal and enjoy a scenic drive across the island.

Book Coach Tickets View Schedule + Book Explore Cruise

Explore Ferry Timetable

Man O' War Bay is conveniently accessible with direct services on Explore’s premium Hauraki Gulf cruise fleet – just 90 minutes from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. The Explore ferry departs from the Explore Kiosk, located inside Auckland's Viaduct Harbour at the end of Quay St, diagonally across from the entrance to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Link to map here

Friday
Departs Auckland: 11:30am | Arrives Man O' War: 12:45pm
Departs Man O' War: 5:25pm | Arrives Auckland: 6:55pm

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 
Departs Auckland: 10:00am & 12:00pm | Arrives Man O' War: 11:15am & 1:15pm
Departs Man O' War: 4:10pm | Arrives Auckland: 5:40pm

Summer timetable (from October 28th) coming soon.

Book Ferry Tickets

Coach Timetable

The Man O’ War Experience starts the moment you step onboard our super comfortable coach. Air conditioned with suspension on every single seat, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to & from Man O’ War. 

Pick up locations:

Matiatia Ferry Terminal - inside bus parking.
Oneroa: Library bus stop
Surfdale: bus stop opposite Bisou café.
Ostend: bus stop opposite Countdown
Onetangi: 4th Ave bus stop opposite Foursquare.

Please ensure you are at the bus stop and wave out very clearly so the driver will see you.  Look out for the black, Man O' War branded coach.

SPRING '24 TIMETABLE

From Matiatia to Man O' War Experiences Centre (Forest Flight Check in) and Tasting Room
Wednesday - Sunday - 11am & 1pm

From Man O' Way Bay to Matiatia
Wednesday - Sunday - 3pm & 4.30pm

If you miss the 10am sailing for your 11am coach please call us on 0800 MANOWAR to be rescheduled on the 1pm service (subject to availability) and push your restaurant reservation back.

One Way or Return Ticket Option

To Man O' War Bay

Location

From Matiatia Ferry Terminal (with addtitional Waiheke Pick Up locations)

Cost

$10.00 each way

Duration

45 mins approx
Book Now
One Way Only

To Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Location

From Man O' Bay

Cost

$10.00

Duration

45 mins approx
Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are your payment options?

    We accept Visa and MasterCard through Payment Express for all bus ticket purchases.

    As standard practice we force all our pages to be encrypted on our website to furthermore offer peace of mind and security. Please note we do not hold any credit card information.

  • I’ve purchased the wrong ticket! What can I do?

    We appreciate accidents can happen. What we recommend doing is purchasing the correct tickets and then applying for a refund for the incorrect tickets.

    Please have your order confirmation number ready and contact the Tasting Room to process a refund.

    +64 9 372 9678

    tastingroom@manowar.co.nz

  • Can I purchase a one way ticket?

    Getting back from Man O’ War Bay without transport can be really tricky and at times Taxi’s/Shuttles can be booked out. So we made the decision to enforce a return ticket purchase.

    We understand that there are circumstances when you do only need a one-way ticket, please contact us.

  • Can I make a last minute purchase?

    We close ticket purchases 10 minutes before each service. To avoid disappointment, please purchase your Bus ticket well in advance.

  • Can I get a refund?

    If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase please get in touch with the Tasting Room. Please note we do not have to provide a refund if you have changed your mind about a particular purchase or would like to cancel your order.

    +64 9 372 9678

    tastingroom@manowar.co.nz

  • How long is the journey?

    Downtown Ferry to Matiatia Wharf is approximately 40 minutes. Which should give you ample time to disembark and make your way to the pick up destination.

    The Bus takes approximately 50-60 minutes to reach Man O’ War Bay from Matiatia Wharf.

  • Are there seatbelts?

    Seatbelts in buses are not required by New Zealand law and we are unable to guarantee availability of buses fitted with seatbelts in advance of travel.

    If you are traveling with a child in a carseat or booster seat, and the bus you travel on does not have seat belts fitted you are more than welcome to put the car seat/booster seat in the undercarriage and carry the infant or child on your knee.

  • How many seats are there?

    Our bus has 39 seats available, therefore there are ever only 39 tickets available for sale per trip, this includes pick-ups in Onetangi.

  • Is the bus air conditioned?

    Yes! However if the temperature is not comfortable, please let your driver know.

  • Can I hire the entire bus?

    Absolutely. Simply purchase all 39 tickets online for your preferred date/time. Alternatively contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

  • I’m arriving by boat. What can I do?

    Cruising into Man O’ War Bay by boat and wanting to visit the rest of the island? You can book a one-way bus ticket by contacting us or enquiring at the Tasting Room.

You're all set! Check out our Man O' War Bay Experiences

You’ve reserved a seat on the Coach from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Man O' War Bay

Please catch the ferry to Waiheke at least 45 minutes prior to your bus departure time.