Waiheke Island locals could be about to see prices drop for ferry services with a new operator undercutting its rival's fare.
It was announced on Sunday family-owned Island Direct would provide a ferry between downtown Auckland and Matiatia Wharf in Waiheke, making up to 18 crossings a day on a 50-passenger vessel.
In its first big move in the market, Island Direct offered return tickets for $50. This is almost half the price of what rivals Fullers offer with its new 'Waiheke Reserve' service costing $95 for adults and children.
Passengers will get the opportunity to pre-book the date and departure time to guarantee a seat, with both services.
Fullers also offers walk-up prices, costing $59 or $54 if purchased online while Island Direct is still $50. Fullers also offers an off-peak return ticket for $29.50 for customers who leave Auckland after 1pm and return after 7pm.
People can also buy tickets for $10 if they buy a monthly pass or 40-trip ticket.
Island Direct said multi-pass concessions are currently under development.
Owner David Todd said Island Direct's focus would be "entirely on our customers, providing a friendly, reliable service and delivering a high degree of value and experience".
"We couldn't be more excited to announce Island Direct and to provide a new means of getting to and from the island we call home," he said in a statement.
The chief executive of Fullers, meanwhile, welcomed Island Direct's arrival and did not think any of its business would be taken.
"I'm anticipating it's going to be a really, really busy summer and we are looking at sorts of ways to spread that load," Mike Horne told the NZ Herald. "And another competitor at that time, fantastic."
In recent months, Fullers had come under fire for below-par customer service and cancellations - blamed on staff shortages. In March, a crisis meeting was called by then-Immigration Minister Michael Wood about what settings could be reviewed to address those shortages.
Island Direct's services were due to start mid-next month.
