The Rawene Ferry in Northland carries cars and passengers from Rawene on the south side of Hokianga Harbour to the north side just south of Kohukohu. The ride is very scenic, especially when the harbour is still, most likely in the early morning or evening. Taking the boat there and back as a walk-on passenger is very cheap.
The 15-minute ferry ride is a time-saving option for travellers intending to drive the westerly routes from Dargaville via Hokianga to Aripara or Kaitaia. It avoids a long trip around the Hokianga Harbour, which reaches almost halfway from the west coast to the east coast of Northland and takes an extra 90 minutes.
The ferry takes 15 minutes and sails at least every hour from both ends, with extra service early in the morning and during busy holidays. The earliest options are around 7 am to 7.30 am, and the latest are 7.30 pm to 8 pm, depending on direction. You pay by card on the boat, and there is no need to book. If you arrive early, visit the cafes and galleries in Rawene or Kohukohu.
The full timetable and prices are published here.
