Waiheke Island Explorer

4.9 / 5 | 9 Reviews Review This Tour

Price: $65.00

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Summary

Shore Excursion Size

Standard

Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Water/Beach

Shore Excursion Duration 1 Day

Activity Level

Easy

Shore Excursion Leaves From

A 5 minute walk from the cruise pier.

Food/Beverage Provided Not Included

Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are suggested. Some guests may appreciate a light jacket.

Restrictions Guests must be able to step on and off the boat and the bus. Fold up wheelchairs can be accommodated.

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 Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, Matiatia Wharf, 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 13 stops on the bus route, and it takes approximately 90 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. First and last tour times will be detailed in your electronic ticket.

The route includes the following stops:

Oneroa Village - Ocean View Road at Tui Street
Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards
Ostend shopping - 22 Belgium Street
Stonyridge/Te Motu/Wild Estate
Tantalus Vineyard/Waiheke Museum
The Heke
Onetangi Beach - 3rd Avenue, Charlie's, Three Seven Two
Tantalus Vineyard/Waiheke Museum
Stonyridge Vineyard
Batch Winery/Waiheke Wings
Allpress Olive Groves
Ostend shopping - by RSA
Goldie and Kennedy Point Vineyards
Oneroa Village - Ocean View Road at Tui Street
Mudbrick Vineyard

To see a map of the stops on this tour, please CLICK HERE.

4.9 / 5 | 9 ReviewsReview This Tour

Pleasant and relaxing

May 19, 2023

We scheduled this excursion after our previous one was canceled. What a pleasant surprise! Not only was the scenery beautiful but the whole trip was relaxing as well. Great price too!

Reviewer: Ann G

Waiheke island Explorer Excursion

May 17, 2023

Was really nice excursion including ferry ride to island to get your bus…little confusing at ticket station….perfect timed tour for enjoyment and enhanced our visit to 🇳🇿

Reviewer: Judy Jones

Ferry to Waiheke Island

February 26, 2023

The instructions for getting to the ferry were very clear. The ferry ride was comfortable and it was easy to find the Hop on-Hop off bus. This was a great way to get around the island and there was so much to see. The art gallery was worth a visit, there were many wineries, breweries, distilleries with wonderful views and great menus. A full day's outing. Our only disappointment was that EFTPOS went down in many shops, so purchases could only be made with cash!

Reviewer: Sue

Waiheke

April 02, 2020

Excellent excursion, the buses we all on time and not overcrowded. Great views of the Island and Auckland along the way. Lots of spots and wineries to check out.

Reviewer: Ed

Great day at Waiheke Island

March 06, 2020

Short walk to the ferry and we were off to Waiheke Island. Hop-on-hop-off buses worked well for us to visit several wineries. Batch Winery has beautiful views. Easy to walk between Tantalus, Te Motu and Stonyridge. Mudbrick is a must see. Less expensive than excursion offer by cruise, more flexibility and fewer people. Bus attendants were informative and entertaining.

Reviewer: Susan Zwer

A Day Well Spent

December 28, 2019

A short walk to the ferry from the ship and a nice sail across Auckland Harbour. The hop on hop off bus is right at the ferry terminal on Waiheke. The hoho bus gives you a schedule and their times are pretty accurate. We picked just one Winery did the wine tasting and had a great lunch in their pub. Be aware that any of the wineries that have a restaurant are reserved for meals well in advance. We went to the Tantilus Winery and then went to the second to last stop on the return to the ferry terminal and had a short and pleasant downhill walk back from there to the ferry terminal for our return.

Reviewer: David

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