Fullers announces half-price return fares to Waiheke during off-peak times

Brian from Mount Roskill

From April 2, visitors travelling to the island will be able to get a 50 percent reduced ticket price of $24.75 if travelling to Waiheke after 1pm and returning after 7pm.
The fares are applicable to adult fares booked online more than 24 hours in advance.
Fuller360 CEO Mike Horne said it is the cheapest return fare in 15 years and that by reducing fairs in off-peak times, they are hoping they can spread the demand out across the day.
He said there is an ongoing shortage of skilled maritime workers in New Zealand which means the ferry service does not have the staff numbers to increase its daily trips.
"We expect the pricing reduction will help to smooth out demand for our services throughout the day and improve the overall experience for all those who rely on our services."
Horne said that in an average week only 30 percent of the seats are used and then during the ferry's peak times, on weekends between 9am-12pm and 4pm-7pm, demand jumps up to 200 percent.
He said that although they'd like to simply hire more staff, this problem goes above their heads.
"While we continue to upskill our teams and engage with Government to seek changes to immigration settings, we anticipate these changes to our off-peak ticket pricing will make a positive difference for our passengers," said Horne.
Waiheke Island off-peak ferry tickets will be available on fullers.co.nz from April 2.
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