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Waiheke IslandOutdoor activities

Our most recommended Waiheke Island Outdoor activities

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

1. Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

Discover the magic of Waiheke with a combined ferry and hop-on hop-off bus tour. Travel from Auckland harbor on a ferry and board a double-decker bus to attractions like Oneroa Village, Oneroa Beach, and several local wineries. It’s the most flexible and cost-effective tour option on the island, introducing you to the island’s top spots. Hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 16 convenient stops, which include vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a scenic tour of the island. The buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, and more. The knowledgeable tour drivers, and the addition of an 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. The Explorer Hop-on Hop-off departs from each location approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day in summer and every 60 minutes throughout the day in winter.

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

2. From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

Start by hopping on a morning boat to Waiheke Island from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal, enjoying a 35-minute boat ride with views of historical Devonport and Rangitoto Island on the way.  Meet your guide once you reach the island, and head on your way to 4 of the island’s finest wineries. Savor tastings at each of the 4 wineries, with an extended lunch break for your own free time at one of them. As a bonus, see why the island is famous for its beaches and see the rolling hills of vines, with your guide’s commentary accompanying.  At the end of the tour, either choose to take a transfer back to the port for an afternoon ferry back to Auckland, or choose to remain in the village and stroll back to the ferry on a 15-minute walk.

Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

3. Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Hosted on Waiheke Island, just 30 minutes by fast ferry from central Auckland, this 3-hour zipline adventure offers nature lovers a thrilling, state-of-the-art dual zipline flight over native forest. Enjoy a mini-tour of Waiheke's beaches, million-dollar properties, and boutique wineries en route to the zipline site, where you'll be geared-up for one of New Zealand’s most exciting eco activities. Soar along 3 dual ziplines, each more than 650 feet (200 meters) long. Glide smoothly, side-by-side with a partner or friend, over a working vineyard and stunning tracts of original and regenerating native New Zealand bush. Catch views of Auckland, Rangitoto, and the Hauraki Gulf, as you zip. On completion of the 3rd line, enjoy a spectacular interpretive walk back to the visitor center, while guides share stories of the local flora and fauna, and Maori and European history of Waiheke.

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Boutique Rustic Wine Tour

4. From Auckland: Waiheke Island Boutique Rustic Wine Tour

If you’re looking for a world-class experience close to Auckland, look no further than Waiheke Wine Tours. Visit 3 of Waiheke Island’s world-renowned vineyards for wine tastings and one lunch stop; Sample a wide range of artisan wines; Learn about the island from your local guide’s engaging commentary! Discover the flavours of Waiheke Island on our shared group vineyard tour. Be picked up from the Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, just a short 40-minute sailing from downtown Auckland, and travel through the scenic beauty of the Waiheke vineyards. Relax in a modern vehicle as your guide shares insight into the island’s history and world-famous wines. You will visit three cellar doors on this tour and sample award-winning wines. Learn about the island’s unique conditions and the challenges winemakers must overcome. 12pm – Lunch at Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island with spectacular views and north-facing sun-soaked hillsides of vines, including terraces of traditional elegant vines. 2pm – Wine Tasting at Stonyridge Vineyards, nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees, colourful vines, and the aromas of the south of France. 3pm – Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard, an idyllic setting with spectacular sea views out across the Waitemata Harbour to Auckland city. 3.45pm – Depart Waiheke on Fullers sailing to Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal. Our lunch venue is the gorgeous Thomas Batch with wrap-around views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf for miles! You will experience a delicious meal to be chosen on the day – one main and a complimentary drink. We will be there for 1.5 hours or longer if tastings are held at this venue. All tastings are included; lunch is at your own cost and is to be paid directly to the restaurant. Your tour will end with your safe delivery back to the Matiatia Ferry Terminal

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

5. From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Experience a tour itinerary focused on tantalizing the taste buds, with some food pairings to compliment your Waiheke wine tasting experience. Enjoy award-winning olive oil, as well as other locally produced delights whilst sipping on world-famous award-winning wines at three boutique vineyards, followed by a shared platter lunch with a glass of wine. Meeting Point: Matiatia Wharf Waiheke Island If you are staying in Auckland you will need to take the 9am Fullers ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island (ferry tickets can be purchased down on the wharf on the day). On arrival to Waiheke, one of our tour guides will be waiting with a signboard. Sample Itinerary: 8:15 AM: Arrive at Downtown Auckland ferry terminal for your 9:00 AM sailing to Waiheke 9:00 AM: Depart Auckland on Fullers ferry sailing to Waiheke Island or pickup from your Waiheke accommodation 9:45 AM: Ferry arrives at Waiheke island 9:50 AM: Embark on the start of your tour 10:00 AM: Enjoy a coffee kickstarter at one of the local hot spots 11:00 AM: Visit Mudbrick vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting 12:00 PM: Visit the Batch vineyard and enjoy a food pairing with wine tasting 1:00 PM: Visit Casita Miro vineyard and enjoy a food pairing and wine tasting 2:00 PM: Continue on your journey to Stonyridge vineyard and savour a shared platter lunch and a glass of wine 4:00 PM: Finish your tour by departing Waiheke on Fullers sailing to Auckland or drop-off at your Waiheke accommodation

Waiheke Island:Taste & Graze with Platters and Dessert

6. Waiheke Island:Taste & Graze with Platters and Dessert

Spend a day exploring the Island of Waiheke. Visit multiple vineyards and enjoy tastings of wine, snacks, and olive oil throughout. Catch the ferry from Auckland City to Waiheke Island. Meet your guide when you step off the ferry and begin your island adventure. Start with Casita Miro, a Spanish-style vineyard with the chance to try wine and food pairings. Then, stop at Waihekeana Store for honey and olive oil tastings. Move onto either Stonyridge Vineyard or Cable Bay Vineyard, here, you will try the finest blends to accompany your gourmet platters of food. The final stop will be Cable Bay Vineyards’ cellar door, exploring various Waiheke Island and Marlborough–produced, hand-picked and harvested award-winning wines to accompany beautiful decadent fresh dessert offerings.

Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

7. Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

Delight in a 45-minute scenic flight offering the best of both worlds: the natural splendor of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and the iconic urban skyline of the city of Auckland. Take off from Waiheke Airport, nestled among the vineyards, and instantly get amazing views of Waiheke Island’s coastline, beaches, and many vineyards. Follow the coastline before breaking off to track toward Auckland. Admire fantastic views of Motuhie and Browns Islands before cruising past downtown Auckland. In the city, enjoy a half-orbit of the famous Sky Tower to take some awesome photos. Then, fly past the Harbour Bridge, Davenport Naval Base, and North Head Volcano. Next, marvel at New Zealand’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto, and peer into its crater as you are flown just 500 feet (152 meters) above its summit. Finally, head back to Waiheke to land.

Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

8. Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

Enjoy this stunning day out on a premium sailing experience from Waiheke Island. After boarding you will stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Your guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands, history and people. You’ll learn about the oceanography of the Gulf, the resident and migratory species which make the Gulf their home and current conservation efforts on land and sea 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 to 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.

Waiheke Island: Premium Vineyard, Wine Tasting and Bush Walk

9. Waiheke Island: Premium Vineyard, Wine Tasting and Bush Walk

See the best of Waiheke Island with a guided nature walk starting from the ferry terminal. Discover the beautiful forests and vineyards of the island on a small-group tour.  Enjoy stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula. Spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. Explore the Atawhai Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve while learning about the various conservation projects on the island. Learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and walk through rolling hills to Mudbrick Vineyard and Cable Bay Vineyards. Sample some of their award-winning wines, then enjoy a coffee and a bite, at your own expense, before returning to the ferry terminal.

Waiheke Island: 5-Hour Guided Art Exploration Walk

10. Waiheke Island: 5-Hour Guided Art Exploration Walk

Join a guided art walking tour on the beautiful Waiheke Island. The island is home to a wonderful range of artists as the island supports a lively creative community. Take a ferry from Downtown Auckland to Matiatia Ferry Wharf on Waiheke Island. Your guide will be meeting you at the pier, or if you are already on Waiheke Islands, meet your guide at the Community Art Gallery.   The community is committed to conserving the unique environment of the island by minimizing its carbon footprint. Be inspired by the surrounding creativity and beauty of nature on Waiheke island as you visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artist collective, the Community Art Gallery, and an artist goldsmith. Make a stop at a local sculpture park and learn about this intriguing array of outdoor art. Meet glass artists and painters in their studios and even an artisan shoemaker. In the afternoon, savor lunch at the Church Bay Studio, the spectacular home of artist Gabriella Lewenz. After lunch, walk through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve and admire its native flora and fauna. The tour ends back at the Community Gallery, where your guide bids you farewell.

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Frequently asked questions about Waiheke Island Outdoor activities

What are other things to do than Outdoor activities that are worth visiting in Waiheke Island?

The other unmissable things to do in Waiheke Island are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Waiheke Island

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What people are saying about Waiheke Island

I am a local Waihekean & have had family visiting. ZIPLINE, ARCHERY, STONY BATTER TUNNELS, BEER TASTING. Am so very impressed with every event we went to. Superb staff & the running of these events, excellent. Each place remembered out names, were totally professional AND friendly.

Awesome activity, the staff are excellent. Dave the bus driver very friendly and obliging. Our instructors/guides Olivia and Beth were fantastic. The walk out of the valley was very enjoyable and the information Beth relayed to us during the walk was very interesting.

Our guide, Michelle was full of great ideas and stories about the island. The wine was good but the sights and views were outstanding. Lunch was excellent at Batch.

Excellent enjoyable day visiting wineries on the island whilst seeing also the main sights with excellent guide

Excellent day. Well organised, knowledgeable guide, good wine and great scenery