Massive queues form as people wait to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. Photo / Dean Purcell
Massive queues form as people wait to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. Photo / Dean Purcell
A Waiheke ferry service that earlier saw people queue for over two hours in Auckland has suffered a mechanical issue and affected an evening of sailing.
Auckland Transport announced this afternoon that two Waiheke Island ferry services have been cancelled due to the issue.
The following Waiheke Island Ferry services have been cancelled due to a mechanical issue: 16:30 Auckland to Waiheke 17:30 Waiheke Auckland ^CL pic.twitter.com/2MswEJI35Y
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) December 30, 2022
A long line of holidaymakers formed at Auckland’s ferry terminal this morning, all waiting to catch the next trip to Waiheke Island.
One of the passengers told the Herald he had to wait two hours at the terminal and then had only a 60 per cent chance he would get on the next ferry.
There have also been widespread disruptions across all harbour ferry services this afternoon and into the evening, with many being delayed or cancelled.
A total of eight ferry services across Auckland have been cancelled and will be replaced by buses or taxis.
Commuters are asked to allow extra travel time and plan their journey ahead.
The following Hobsonville / Beach Haven Ferry services will be cancelled: 14:25 Auckland to Hobsonville 15:05 Hobsonville to Auckland 19:05 Auckland to Hobsonville 19:45 Hobsonville to Auckland ^CL pic.twitter.com/qr7XqUtyU8
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) December 30, 2022
Last week, Fullers 360 chief executive Mike Horne said services might be disrupted over the holiday period.
“This is our busiest time of year and we expect demand to be high.
“As such, we continue to encourage customers to make the most of their summer travels by travelling off-peak, arriving at their departure pier early, plan ahead/check our timetables and pre-purchase tickets online,” Horne said.
A crowd of what looked like thousands were waiting in line for a slice of holiday escape.
Another ferry user told the Herald the queue stretched all the way to where the Crab Shack is at 11am and he was told it would be three hours before he could get on.
A group of four in the queue said they were contemplating whether to get on the ferry. They said the long queue was for the 1pm ferry and it was a further two-hour wait for the 2pm ferry.
Ferry staff have been handing out sunscreen and water to users waiting in the scorching sun.
“We’ve developed summer travel tips that sit on our homepage,” Horne said.
Travellers wait to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. Photo / Dean Purcell
Horne said to manage demand and incentivise travelling off-peak, Fullers360 had introduced a $35 off-peak deal.
The fare provided customers travelling off-peak with a 25 per cent discount to the standard return fare.
“Usually during the peak summer period, we would have access to backup boats to transport passengers who were unable to board their preferred service. However, due to crew shortages, we are currently unable to provide this scaled level of service. Unfortunately, it’s a matter of people, not vessels - we have the boats, but not the crews to operate more services that we would so love to deliver.”
Long queues of people waiting to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. Photo / Dean Purcell
Fullers was anticipating the Christmas weekend to be fairly busy, with people travelling for the holidays.
“As such, we have issued travel advice on our website and the MyFerry app reminding people to plan ahead, check our timetables and arrive at least an hour early to give them the best possible chance of boarding their preferred sailing.”
The peak summer timetables had been adjusted to ensure the reliable delivery of ferry services in line with the crew they had available, Horne said.
“The reality is our business has been grappling with skills shortage issues for over a year, alongside many other transport and tourism operators in New Zealand.
“We are working hard to resolve this, including launching a domestic and international recruitment campaign, increasing pay for our employees, investing in training and development and partnering with competitors to sustain our summer timetable.
“We are also actively engaging skilled workers from other markets including the Philippines, South Africa and Australia; however, there is no quick fix.”
