Shore Excursions Group
Waiheke Island Explorer
Waiheke Island Explorer
In the heart of Auckland’s sparkling Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. Waiheke is just a picturesque 35 to 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and has an international reputation for food and arts.
To begin your Waiheke excursion, you’ll cruise to Waiheke through the glorious Hauraki Gulf and board a double-decker bus for a hop-on, hop-off tour that will offer you a taste of the people, culture, and history that make up the diverse island of Waiheke.
Waiheke Island has become known as New Zealand’s “island of wine,” home to a dedicated group of winegrowers who have successfully matched the maritime climate and ancient soil structures to the selection of classical grape varieties to produce red and white wines with distinctive varietal character.
Hop on and off as much as you like at any of its convenient stops, which include vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy the scenic tour of the island.
The double-decker buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots, including Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, Allpress, Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Oneroa Village, Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards, and more.
The knowledgeable tour drivers and the on-board host ensure you’ll receive the most informative commentary as you travel around and you can get all the local tips and tricks for how best to enjoy Waiheke!
Please Note: This is not a transfer tour. The tour does not drop off at the airport, and the buses cannot accommodate luggage. This tour includes the ferry to Waiheke and a bus route. There are 15 stops on the bus route, and it takes approximately 85 minutes to complete the route without getting off. The bus runs every 30 minutes. The ferry takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes each way and departs every 30 minutes on weekends and peak times or every hour on weekdays. First and last tour times will be detailed in your electronic ticket.
The route includes the following stops:
- Mudbrick Vineyard
- Cable Bay Vineyard and Allpress
- Waiheke Community Art Gallery
- Oneroa Village-Ocean View Road opp Tui Street
- Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards
- Ostend-22 Belgium Street
- Wild Estate/Stoneyridge/Soho/Te Motu Vineyards
- Postage Stamp/The Heke
- Onetangi Beach-3rd Ave, Charlie’s, Three Seven Two
- Waiheke Museum
- Opposite Wild Estates/Stoneyridge/Soho/Te Motu Vineyards
- Batch Winery/Waiheke Wings
- Ostend Shopping-before RSA
- Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards
- Oneroa Village-Ocean View Road at Tui Street
To see a map of the stops on this tour, please CLICK HERE.
| Day 1 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 04/09/27 |
Starting At $78 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to step on and off the boat and the bus. Fold up wheelchairs can be accommodated.
