Guided Small-Group History & Heritage Tour with Scenic Walk & Tasting
Experience Waiheke from a Māori perspective on an immersive cultural walking tour. Take in panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City, and the Pacific Ocean with your local guide. Delve deeper into Māori culture, learning about traditional carving, tattooing, language revitalisation, and the impact of colonisation. Taste locally-made wine and olive oil at a vineyard and trek through native bush to discover traditional Māori plant uses and historical pā sites. This tour offers an authentic insight into Waiheke Island, away from the usual tourist path, providing a unique perspective through the eyes of the indigenous people.
Inclusions
- Valid for one child (8–15) or one adult (16+) (*minimum two people required to book)
- Waiheke History & Heritage tour
- Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation
- Admission to all venues
- Wine (18+ only) or olive oil tasting
- Available every day: 9.45am–3pm (approximately)
- Your guide will bring you to the wharf in time for the return 4pm ferry. If you wish to stay on the island longer you can be dropped in Oneroa, the main village and make your own way back to the ferry by either a 15-minute walk or short bus ride
- Meeting point: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
- Note: Ferry tickets to and from Waiheke Island are not included. Guests must catch the 9am ferry to arrive in time for tour
Tour Highlights:
- Hear stories of the indigenous people who made Waiheke their home
- Learn about the impact of colonisation on Māori
- Discover the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and how it acts as a foundation for NZ’s development today
- Visit the local Marae to learn about its importance to the community and Marae protocol
- Walk to the summit of a pā site and see evidence of cultural living sites, kumara pits and fortified terraces
- Enjoy a bush walk and learning about the traditional use of plants in Rongoa – Maori medicine
Pricing & availability
Things to know
- Return ferry tickets to Waiheke Island
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Water
- Raincoat (depending on forecast)
Every day
Availability:
- Available every day: 9.45am–3pm (approximately)
- Departure Point: Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Please see below for travelling to Waiheke Island:
- Guests must make their own way to/from Waiheke Island (own expense)
- Please catch the 9am ferry to arrive in time for this tour (the trip to Waiheke Island takes approximately 35–45 minutes)
- Ferries can be booked online or at ticket machines at the Auckland ferry terminal: 99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
- The walk starts at 9.45am from the Ferry Terminal at Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island. When leaving the ferry, look for your guide who will be standing on your left just before you enter the Ferry Terminal. Your guide will be holding a Terra & Tide sign
Important:
- Exclusions: Meals, drinks and ferry fares to/from Waiheke Island are not included in the tour price. Please arrange for your ferry transport separately
- Any additional personal expenses must be paid directly to vendor(s)
- Please book well in advance to avoid disappointment
- Please allow up to six hours for the duration of this tour, including travel time
- This is a walking tour, please ensure you wear weather appropriate footwear and clothing for the day
Terms & Conditions:
- Minimum two people required to complete the booking. Bookings of one person will not be accepted
- Maximum group size per tour is 12 people
- Must be aged 18+ for alcohol consumption and provide valid ID upon request
- Itinerary is subject to change depending on availability, trail and weather conditions
- All tours operate rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, Terra & Tide will refund or rebook. Other extreme circumstances leading to a cancellation will be subject to discussion at the time
Cancellations:
- Cancellations made more than 7 days before tour departure date: a 10% cancellation fee will be deducted
- Cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours before tour departure day: a 50% cancellation fee will be deducted unless you re-book (subject to availability)
- Cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies and no refund
Changes to Booking:
- 7 days’ notice is required to change a booking you have made. Rescheduling fees may apply, payable directly to Terra & Tide
Please Note:
- Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
- Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
Important:
- The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
- We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website
Terra & Tide
Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with Terra & Tide, the ultimate guide for explorers looking to immerse themselves in Waiheke Island’s natural wonders. With award-winning sustainability practices and expert guides, Terra & Tide offers guided walks that unveil the hidden treasures of the Hauraki Gulf and beautiful Waiheke.