What to do and see in Waiheke Island, North Island: The Best Tours

This 5 hour, Maori-led private walking tour of Waiheke Island introduces you to the area’s natural and cultural history. Start off from the ferry terminal and meander along winding trails to coastal headlands for panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf. Hear authentic Maori stories of the island, visit an award-winning vineyard for wine tasting and indulge in a shared platter from a winery or, a gourmet picnic lunch at the beach.

Inclusions: Professional Maori guide, Wine tasting, Juice, soda, or water for children, Gourmet picnic lunch or shared platter provided on PRIVATE tours only

Exclusions: Extra food and drinks, Ferry fares

This 5-hour walk combines the best of Waiheke Island bush and beaches. Fabulous coastal views, seabird nesting grounds and lush forest trails will make this an adventure to remember! Experience some of the most majestic forest reserves on the island, including the magnificent Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms of the Whakanewha Regional Park, Glenbrook Reserve and Te Whau Peninsula. Enjoy fabulous views of Waiheke Island and back to Auckland. Learn about island life in the Rocky Bay area. Finish in time for a swim or packed lunch at the beach.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Pickup from the ferry or Oneroa 30-minutes prior, for those who require it, Lunch

Exclusions: Ferry fares

Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place. On this tour you’ll discover the best of its arts scene, and meet talented artists, with the help of an expert local guide. Here's just some of what we'll do: Visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artists’ collective and the Community Art Gallery. Tour the local sculpture park and learn about this intriguing array of outdoor art. Visit sculptors and painters in their studios - and even get to meet an artisan shoemaker! Have lunch (included in the price) at an artist's home. Walk through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest & Bird Reserve to the Ferry Terminal or Community Gallery where we finish. Our Art Walk takes approximately five hours and is done at a very leisurely pace so you can enjoy both the art and the scenery around you. You will come away feeling inspired by what you have seen, the artists you have met and the beauty you have enjoyed while wandering through bush tracks and local roads.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Lunch at artist’s home and studio

Exclusions: Ferry fares

This spectacular walk has a little bit of everything – bush, beach, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard or Cable Bay Vineyards – with tasting options to suit all budgets.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, 2 wine tastings

Exclusions: Ferry fares, Lunch and additional wine tasting

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides! Northern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. We’ll stop for lunch at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or have a picnic on the beach with food you’ve purchased or brought with you. Southern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy view of the city and sea.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk and expert guiding and interpretation, Walking maps, Lunch, Return transfers to the ferry (or your island accommodation)

Exclusions: Ferry fares

With its magical sandy beaches, Waiheke Island makes a favourite destination for an unforgettable getaway. Join us on this mesmerizing flight over the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf as we land on the tranquil waters of Man O’ War Bay. Relax and wind down by enjoying a full range of award winning wines with a lunch platter. The Man O’ War vineyard provides a one-of-a-kind first class wine-tasting experience that is sure to leave you wanting to return again.

Inclusions: Scenic Flight, Lunch, Wine tasting, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Extra beverages and food can be brought.

Full day privately guided e-bike tour of Waiheke Island This tour starts and ends in Auckland central city with your guide accompanying you throughout the experience. Meet at our city base for a safety briefing and introduction to your e-bike. From here, the journey begins with a short ride to the Downtown Ferry Terminal (just 5 mins from our central city base) and a relaxing sailing to Waiheke Island by ferry. Further instruction on how to ride the e-bike will be provided before the riding begins in earnest, following a lovely cycling route visiting peaceful beaches and gladed seaside communities. A gourmet picnic and wine tasting at an iconic boutique winery on the island is included. The e-bikes make the many hills of Waiheke a breeze. This tour is not suited to unconfident people and participants are advised the route does include a mix of on-road and off-road riding.

Inclusions: Private guide who will accompany you throughout the whole day, E-Bike and helmet rental, Wine Tasting, Picnic lunch, Bottled water, Local taxes, Lunch

Exclusions: Personal expenses and gratuities, Any additional food and beverage requests, Hotel pickup and drop-off

If you're after a relaxed pace day, with a small group of people this afternoon tour is a great option for you. The tour offers some of Waiheke’s scenic highlights, a visit and tastings at three boutique vineyards, a micro-brewery and an excellent platter lunch. Enjoy an entertaining and informative commentary along the way.

Inclusions: Lunch (Vineyard Platter), Wine tastings at 3 vineyards and 1 Micro Brewery, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Pickup and drop-off from Waiheke accommodation, Local taxes, Small group tour (shared with others) Minimum 2 people - Maximum 10 pax people, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Ferry Tickets (these can be purchased at the Fullers ferry terminal at 99 Quay st), Gratuities

IMPORTANT: TO BOOK THIS CHARTER, PLEASE SET THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS = 1. YOU CAN BRING UP TO 11 FRIENDS WITH YOU! Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. Your charter is for exclusive use of the yacht with two crew (captain and host). We can stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Inclusions: Stand-up paddleboard, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions: Ferry to/from Waiheke Island (tickets can be purchased from us)

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. We’ll stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Inclusions: Stand-up paddleboard, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Guided walk on a pest-free island

Exclusions: Ferry to/from Waiheke Island (tickets can be purchased from us)