Rangitoto from Auckland?

[wallflower07]

We have a port day in Auckland, 8am - 5pm, and we were wondering how plausible it is to squeeze in a day trip over to Rangitoto Island.

 

The morning ferry leaves at 9.15am. Are we likely to make it? We've never done a cruise before so not sure if 8am means passengers can start disembarking at 8am or if thats when the ship pulls up and it usually takes an hour or so before people can start docking.

 

If we don't book seats in advance just in case, is it likely to be sold out? Will be over the Xmas holidays. 

 

How long before departure should we try and be back on the ship? We were looking at the 2.20pm ferry back from Rangitoto. If we miss it the next one is 4pm so we would be stuffed.