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Waiheke Island Bush & Beach Walking Tour with Lunch, Auckland

Offered by Terra & Tide

From

$445.00 per person

4.9 (55 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

5 hours (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a five-hour exploration of Waiheke Island, a serene escape in the Hauraki Gulf just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. This tour offers a rich blend of the island’s natural environments, from vibrant bushland to tranquil beaches.

Begin your journey with a stroll through the Whakanewha Regional Park, where the air is scented with the salty tang of the sea and the earthy freshness of the forest. Here, the towering Pohutukawa trees and elegant Nikau Palms create a verdant canopy, providing shade and a habitat for local wildlife. As you traverse the park, listen for the calls of native seabirds, who find sanctuary in these undisturbed nesting grounds.

Continuing to the Glenbrook Reserve, the path leads you to stunning coastal viewpoints. From these vantage points, you can gaze across the gulf, taking in panoramic views of Waiheke Island’s rugged coastline and the distant Auckland skyline.

The tour also visits the Te Whau Peninsula, known for its sweeping vistas and an ideal spot to reflect on the island's unique geological and cultural tapestry.

As the walk winds down, you'll move towards the Rocky Bay area, learning about the local lifestyle and the community’s connection to this idyllic setting. The journey culminates at a nearby beach, where you have the opportunity to cool off with a swim or simply relax with a packed lunch along the shore, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

This tour is not just a walk; it's an invitation to experience the harmony of nature and community spirit that defines Waiheke Island.

What's Included

  • Pickup from the ferry or Oneroa, 30 minutes prior, for those who require it
  • Walk led by a guide trained in Waiheke's flora, fauna, conservation and Māori history and culture
  • Picnic lunch at Whakanewha Regional Park

Not Included:

  • Ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland

    Auckland – catch the 9am Fullers ferry from downtown Auckland.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Waiheke Island

    Waiheke Island – arrive via ferry, approximately 35 minutes crossing.

    35 minutes

  3. 3

    Matiatia Ferry Terminal

    Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke Island (meeting point) – meet your guide at 9:45am, off the 9am ferry from Auckland.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4
    Walk through regenerating native forest, home to Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms. Visit the Whakanewha Māori pā site, with traditional plant and medicine knowledge. Spot native birdlife, including the protected dotterel nesting grounds. Stop for a picnic lunch, with an optional swim at Palm Beach depending on tides.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

  5. 5
    Te Whau Peninsula – scenic views over the island and back to Auckland.

    Pass by without stopping

  6. 6
    Rocky Bay – charming seaside villages and historic boat sheds.

    Pass by without stopping

  7. 7

    Matiatia Ferry Terminal

    Matiatia Ferry Terminal (end point) – finish at 3:00pm.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Fullers360 Matiatia ticket office

1 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1081, New Zealand

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Meet at Matiatia Ferry Terminal. If travelling from Auckland, catch the 9am Fullers ferry (approximately 35 minutes) and look for your Terra & Tide guide

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not suitable for children under 8
  • Recommended for ages 8 and over. Child rate is 75% of the adult price, up to age 14
  • Maximum of 12 guests per departure
  • Must bring: walking shoes, water, day pack, raincoat, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
  • Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Meet at Matiatia Ferry Terminal. If travelling from Auckland, catch the 9am Fullers ferry (approximately 35 minutes) and look for your Terra & Tide guide
  • The optional swim at Palm Beach is tide dependent
  • Clients must provide their own car restraints for children under 7 if using the pickup service

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.