Electric Bike Ride Tour of Waiheke Island from Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Hop on the ferry over to Waiheke Island to start your 5 hour, small group bike tour. This scenic route keeps it laid back and “island-style” with just a hint of adventure. No matter your fitness level, you’ll soar up rolling hills, wind down into stunning valleys, and cruise along the picturesque beachfront by electric bike. Finish your ride with a relaxing local wine tasting session before heading back to Auckland.

Your tour starts at 7:45am, where you will meet your local guide at the ferry. During the 35-minute ride, enjoy the narration as your guide points out some of the other islands of interest along the way — like Rangitoto, the youngest volcano in New Zealand.

The ferry will come into Matiatia, the main port on Waiheke Island. This was a prime spot for early settlement, and would have been an area abundant in food as well as timber and opportunities for horticulture. Your guide will point out the northern headland Mokemoke, one of Waiheke's smallest fortified Maori settlements, as well as Whetumatarau Point, which served as a large kumara pit for early Maori settlers.

Then, it’s onto the bikes and start the ride along Ocean View Road to the village of Oneroa. This is the main township of Waiheke, where the group will stop for a quick introduction and history overview.

Following Ocean View Road, enjoy the scenic route to Onetangi. You will have sweeping views of the northern side of the island and the Coromandel Peninsula, and periodic stops at lookout points above postcard-worthy Palm Beach (or Mawhitipana in Maori) — the perfect place for photo ops and a water breaks. The valley running down from the main Palm Beach crossroads is also said to be 'where the spirits dance and play' on their journey to the top of the North Island to reach Hawaiki (the place of origin as well as where you return to after death, according to Maori tradition).

Then pass through the residential area of Palm Beach to a lookout point, for a great view of Onetangi and the eastern end of Waiheke. Onetangi means 'weeping sands' and this translation has various stories explaining its origin. 

Take a break at Onetangi Beach, where you can grab lunch in one of the cafés, and maybe go for a quick swim if you need to cool off. After this rest, you will have the option of detouring for a few more stunning views of the island and Maori history with the story of Rangihoua Hill, or “the topknot of Kahu.”

The tour also passes through the industrial and administrative center of Waiheke, heading down to an old wharf and a bit of photo-friendly graffiti.  Carrying on, the tour then heads over wetlands and round the coastline, stopping for a break and lovely views of Auckland.

Finally, the tour tops off the electric morning ride at a local vineyard for a few wine tastings. A great spot to take a moment and relax before heading back to the city. From there, the tour heads back to the ferry terminal for our boat back to Auckland. However, if you wish to stay on the island longer, you’re free to take a sailing later in the day. Your guide will give you your return ferry ticket and take your bike back for you, leaving you free to explore the island independently at your leisure, by foot or using the local bus service, as bikes cannot be left behind on the island without the guide.