Off we went for a grand day out yesterday to Coromandel by 360 Discovery Ferries, a dinky boat braving the Hauraki Gulf, Tamaki Strait and Firth of Thames. $69 return from Orapiu to Coromandel town was not too excessive, especially it's far more scenic, and actually faster, than by car or coach.
It seems to cater for tourists and locals alike, offering Coromandelites a fast-ish way to the big smoke and a timetable that allows for a good day out shopping.
On the return trip it called in at Pakatoa and Rotoroa Islands, both off-limits to mere mortals.