Better signage and increased marketing coverage will be used to improve promotion of the ferry links from downtown Auckland through to Coromandel Town.

It is part of a push to encourage more commuters and tourists to use ferry links between Auckland into Coromandel, and potentially continue travelling on through to Mercury Bay and Thames.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is wanting to create a "blue highway" between Auckland and the Coromandel through improved promotion of the ferry links. Photo: Destination Coromandel

Thames-Coromandel District Council Economic Development Programme manager Ben Dunbar-Smith says Auckland Tourism, Events And Economic Development is supportive of the concept.

'ATEED sees a great potential in a blue highway between Auckland and the Coromandel,” says Ben.

'We have concepts in development including the viability of a food trail and encouraging more day visits from the increasing number of people arriving through the international cruise ship market.”

Ben says to help stimulate this they are looking at developing improved signage in the 360 Ferry, which travels between Auckland and Coromandel Town.

Visitor-friendly signage will also be installed at Hannafords Wharf welcoming people onto the Coromandel.

'In the past year our council has been developing a closer relationship with ATEED which is an Auckland Council controlled organisation.”