Auckland ferry use at highest level since 1959

Six million passengers used Auckland's ferries this year. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Six million passengers used Auckland's ferries this year, a milestone not reached since 1959 when the harbour bridge opened.

Auckland Council's transport division said ferry use dropped off after 1959 because the harbour bridge made it easier for cars to cross from the North Shore to the city.

However, ferry use has again been rising in recent years, including a 7 per cent growth in passenger numbers this year.

Auckland councillor Chris Darby expects ferries to become as popular as before the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened when more than 10 million passengers regularly used their services each year.

"We're coming back to that now, due to the phenomenal demand," he said.

"It's an integral service in the overall public transport network, they all work together, as does walking and cycling."

The growth in passengers comes as a new ferry terminal at Half Moon Bay is set to be completed early this morning and as Auckland Transport conducts a complete review of ferry services over the next six months.

Auckland Transport is also in the process of re-tendering its ferry contracts.

- AAP