Maori Walking Tour with Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

This 3-hour, Maori-led walking tour of Waiheke Island introduces you to the area’s natural and cultural history. Start off from the ferry terminal and hike along winding trails to coastal headlands for panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf. Hear Maori stories of the island and visit an award-winning vineyard for wine tasting.

Your tour of Waiheke Island begins at the Matiatia ferry terminal on arrival from Auckland (ferry ticket is your own expense). You will be met by your guide when you disembark from the ferry.

Start off with a gentle, scenic walk along the beach then up through a regenerating native forest. Your walk continues with a steady climb to a headland that boasts sweeping views around the island, including a vista of Auckland. This portion of the tour takes about 1.5 hours at an easy pace, including photo stops and Maori stories about the region.

On arrival at a Waiheke Island vineyard, indulge in wine tasting (children may enjoy juice, water, or soda) with time to relax and take in the scenery. You may choose to end your tour here — it's a perfect place for lunch (own expense) and just a 25-minute downhill stroll to the ferry terminal with alternative tour end points at Oneroa village and Matiatia ferry terminal.

Review by:   chrisdorton,    May 2016
Our local guide was Jacquelyn, who is ½ Maori. There was little she didnt know about the native culture. We were fortunate that we had her to ourselves as there was no one else on the tour._br/_ She happened to be the current chairwoman of the local forest and bird society. She was most knowledgeable regarding the local flora and many seabirds._br/_ She met us at the pier and we began the hike up through the forest to the overlooking cliffs which offered a wonderful prospect of the harbor and ocean beyond._br/_ This tour is not for someone that is out of shape or has mobility problems. I wouldnt describe it as strenuous, but is a steady climb up the cliff with some fairly steep stairs cut into the hillside._br/_ The reward for the effort was lunch at a winery where you can picnic on the grounds with killer views that go on forever!_br/_ Jacquelyns sunny can do disposition merely added to what was already a highlight of our stay in New Zealand. GREAT job Jacquelyn and thank you!