Overview
The 36th America’s Cup, presented by Prada, is almost here! The first round of racing is taking place on the Waitematā Harbour from 17th December through to March 2021.
The first event affecting ferry services is the America’s Cup World Series and Christmas Race taking place from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th December.
To steer clear of the racing and spectators on the Harbour, speed restrictions are in place for ferries from midday until 7pm on race days. This will mean some changes to service times and timetables, increased travel times, and delays when the harbour is busy before, during and after racing.
We have worked closely with Auckland Transport to deliver a custom race day timetable for Devonport and Waiheke, and AT contracted services, in order to provide consistent frequency and resilience over the America’s Cup period.
The timetables have been designed to accommodate mandatory speed restrictions in place from midday each race day to increase safety on the water.
Timetable changes will be in operation for the first round of racing, the ‘Christmas Cup’ - starting Thursday 17th December – Sunday 20th December.
We will be operating a 45-minute service frequency for the Waiheke Island service and a 20-minute frequency for the Devonport service over this time. Both timetables will provide the most capacity and frequency we have available to service our customers.
Race day timetables
On race days our services will operate as follows:
- Waiheke: From midday the Waiheke ferry will operate with a 70min journey time until 6.45 PM in time for speed restrictions lifting at 7pm. From 2pm the ferry service will operate every 45minutes.
- Devonport: From midday Devonport operates a 20-minute frequency with approximate 15 – 20minutes journey time until 8pm
- Gulf Harbour will operate by bus during race days
- There will be some additional services in play for Hobsonville, Half Moon Bay and Birkenhead
- Tiritiri Matangi and Rangitoto have a minor timetable changes – leaving later and coming back later to avoid key race time congestions
- There are no timetable changes to Coromandel and Rotoroa Island
- There are no timetable changes to Bayswater
- There are no changes to our WBC operations
For 2020 Waiheke timetables please download here.
For 2020 Devonport timetables please download here.
Please note, these timetables and race day timetables throughout the America’s Cup period are subject to change.
If you can’t be flexible with your travel, we suggest seeking travel outside of race days, including the upcoming Christmas Cup on 17 – 20th December.
Tips for travel on race days:
- Check timetables before travelling with us
- Download MyFerry app and opt in to Travel Alerts for your destination
- Keep an eye on the Fullers360 and AT website for updated travel information
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your service
- Allow extra time for navigating foot traffic in downtown Auckland.
With over 200,000 visitors expected in the Auckland CBD over the America’s Cup period, Auckland Transport are advising all Aucklanders and visitors to plan their journeys in advance, expect longer travel times and allow extra time for navigating foot traffic in downtown Auckland.
If possible, you may want to consider re-scheduling your travel outside of race day periods, as journey times will be longer and may be subject to delays on the day as well.
For more information about the 36th America’s Cup and race courses please visit: americascup.com/en/events.
For information on impacts to ferry services visit: at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/ferry-changes-due-to-the-americas-cup-world-series-regatta-and-christmas-race/.
Thank you to our customers for your cooperation patience during a busy period.
See you on the water.