Matiatia Ferry Terminal, on Ocean View Road in Matiatia Bay, is the main gateway to Waiheke Island, where Fullers360 passenger ferries from downtown Auckland tie up, and it holds a 4.4 Google rating. A ferry terminal is really a set of timings: sailings thin out in the evenings and on public holidays, so check the timetable both ways before committing to a day trip. Summer weekends bring queues for tickets and car parks, so early boats are calmer. Matiatia sits at sea level below Oneroa village, and the walk up the hill takes about twenty minutes with luggage, though island buses generally meet arriving sailings. Gulf weather can delay or occasionally cancel winter crossings, so regulars keep a flexible return plan. Few arrivals beat stepping off at Matiatia with the bay opening out around you.