Explore Group
Explore Group Limited is a ferry and tourism company located in New Zealand and Australia. The company operates in the Bay of Islands, Whitsunday Islands, Hauraki Gulf and Waitematā Harbour. Explore operates sailing experiences on former Americas Cup Yachts, excursions and public transport ferry services for Auckland Transport.
History
In 2014 Explore began an Auckland to Waiheke Island service. However, in 2016, plagued by infrastructure and passenger number issues, the company was forced to end the service, leaving Fullers Group the sole passenger ferry company operating services to the island.Explore began expanding in July 2021 by buying Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands.
Following the announcement from Fullers Group that on 1 October 2023, ferry services to Birkenhead, Te Onewa/Northcote Pt and Bayswater would be suspended, Explore Group announced on 15 September 2023 that Auckland Transport had contracted them to take over operations of Fuller's cancelled routes - marking Explore's reentry into the public transport industry.