"We're achieving what we set out to achieve."
The company was transporting around 500-600 passengers each way during the week and around 1000 during the weekend, he said.
They had goals to increase commuter transport patronage, while also fulfilling the tourism market.
Building the confidence of Waiheke-based commuters remained crucial, he said.
"A lot of people are trying it, to see whether or not they like it - that's really what we're going through at the moment.
"Our goal is to keep increasing ... we're getting busier."
Mr Nixon said he was reluctant to provide details of the company's patronage goals for 2015. "What we're doing at the moment we're very happy with."
The new D6 vessel will allow the company to run its two bigger vessels on its scheduled services, allowing it to use its smaller Centurion vessel for back-up and to provide charter services, Mr Nixon said.
Explore Group entered the Auckland to Waiheke ferry market at the same time as Sealink began its weekend service between the two ports.
Sealink has for several years run vehicle ferries between Half Moon Bay and Waiheke, and is now using smaller 50-seat passenger vessels for 10 daily return services from central Auckland at weekends.
"Good luck to them," Mr Nixon said. "They're another service that's providing the people on Waiheke with another option and fair enough.
"I think with the increase in operators, the actual market has increased."
He said Explore Group's new timetable would run 17 services during the week, 15 on Saturday and 12 on Sunday.
Fast journey
• New D6 ferry seats 250 people (180 indoors and 70 seated outdoors).
• 26m long, three levels high.
• Top speed of 28 knots, settling to 24 knots when cruising.
• USB ports available for on-board charging.
