• Qualmark Award upgrade for Terra & Tide

We have big news:

Terra & Tide has achieved a Silver-level rating in the Qualmark Sustainable Business Evaluation.

Our team had achieved a Bronze rating in 2017, but this is a big step up, recognising our outstanding performance, policies and processes in 26 areas, under the following categories:

  • Economic
  • Environment and Culture
  • Social / People
  • Health and Safety

“A Silver Award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Proactive leadership and management ensure that a culture of high performance is evident throughout the entire business. The business will have a real focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to ensure the tourism product they deliver is a genuine, constantly improving sustainable experience.”
– Qualmark

Our commitment to sustainable tourism

Gabrielle Young, founder of Terra & Tide

Gabrielle Young, founder of Terra & Tide

Terra & Tide founder Gabrielle Young is Chair of Project Forever Waiheke, an organisation committed to sustainable community and tourism development on Waiheke Island.

She started Friends of Hekerua which looks after Department of Conservation reserve and council land in the Hekerua Bay catchment. She runs a stoat-trapping and rat-baiting programme there, which is part of Predator Free Waiheke, and the WBN team actively volunteers on this project.

Terra & Tide has also been involved in community planting days and reforestation projects including Awaawaroa catchment to protect the giant banded Kokopu.

With a background like that, it’s no surprise that Terra & Tide is in the forefront of environment awareness and protection on Waiheke Island. As the latest Qualmark evaluation report notes:

“Customers are educated on the environmental stance of the business via a designated page on the business website detailing the commitment the business has made to have a positive impact on the local environment. As part of the confirmation process, walkers are reminded to pack their own water bottle. Meals provided are from various restaurants that are selected for their sustainable practices. No consumable or single use items are provided as part of the tour.”
– Qualmark report

Terra & Tide guides also share a respect for the human elements in our environment, and demonstrate manaakitanga (unique New Zealand hospitality).

“Current and historical cultural information and commentaries are shared including marae protocols, the various settlers of the island and information on the Ngāti Pāoa people. All information is obtained from direct and referenced sources. The business places a high emphasis on providing a very personal, memorable and bespoke experience for every guest. Guides are trained to read the needs of guests and adapt the tours accordingly.”
– Qualmark report

We look forward to welcoming you to Waiheke Island, and sharing our wonderful environment and award-winning service. Contact us anytime to find out about our range of walks, including beaches, forests, vineyards and art studios.

Qualmark Silver Certified

“It is fantastic to see a business driven purely by passion, which has so many benefits to health and wellbeing, provides a memorable visitor experience, with a minimal environmental impact.”
– Heather Bailey, Qualmark

Learn more about the Qualmark rating system

14 November 2019

  • star rating  Relaxed Day - Gabrielle"s wealth of knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island was amazing. Even though the weather meant plans had to change it was a most enjoyable day hiking... read more

    margaretg511
    14 March 2023

    star rating  A great day out - I really enjoyed my day out. Lucie was a great guide, offering lots of information about the history of the island and the flora and fauna. The meet and greet... read more

    Surreyonsea
    1 March 2023

    star rating  Excellent four and introduction to Waiheke Island. - Fantastic tour! Walking and hiking with coastal views, and on a trail through the forest. Then an absolutely delicious picnic lunch on the Mudbrick winery estate before a lovely... read more

    karenbQ4590RK
    3 March 2023
  • star rating  Sailing - Fab journey, Bruce and Gabrielle great hosts
    Anchored up and swam, not much wind but all good, great food :)

    Bazzacam
    27 February 2023

    star rating  A Day on Waiheke Island - We had a wonderful day on Waiheke Island. Our guide, Nydia, was terrific. She was friendly, she told us all about the flora and fauna as well as... read more

    bergelsonjeff
    14 March 2023

    star rating  What an amazing experience exploring the beautiful Waiheke Island with Gabrielle, a passionate nature lover with in depth knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island. Gabrielle also... read more

    Anthony N
    11 March 2023
  • star rating  Loved our tour with Gabrielle - We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ is... read more

    Karen B
    28 March 2023

    star rating  Excellent first day in NZ tour of Waiheke. - Having a lunch with my guide on the sandy beach. As it turned out, I was the only guest for the tour time and date I had chosen. ... read more

    Peter B
    9 March 2023

    star rating  Wonderful experience on Waiheke Island! - Although the weather was dull with light rain at the beginning of our hike, our wonderful guide Tyler engaged our attention right away with her knowledge of the flora and... read more

    John M
    26 February 2023
  • star rating  Perfect day away from the Hustle and Bustle - We really enjoyed the stunning views and bays of Waiheke isl. Tyler guided us during the walk and shared her great knowledge about the beautiful nature. Towards the end of... read more

    Enjoylifetooshort
    6 March 2023

    star rating  A rewarding hike. - We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ... read more

    BCistg
    25 February 2023

    star rating  Nydia was a lovely tour guide. The scenery was amazing. We had a tight schedule due to a flight and they modified the tour time to accommodate us. Great people... read more

    Abbey B
    4 March 2023
  • star rating  The perfect way to explore the Hauraki Gulf - We had a fabulous day out on board Pacific Star with skipper Bruce and walking guide Lucie. Can’t think of a better way to explore and learn about the history... read more

    AniHaf
    6 March 2023

    star rating  Really knowledgable local guide and beautiful walk. Local history, geography, flora, fauna and current regeneration projects. Well worth it.

    EmmiTYR
    1 April 2023

    star rating  Great Tour of Waiheke Island! - We had most of a day to devote to touring Waiheke island and Gabrielle was an EXCELLENT guide! Very accommodating to our schedule, very knowledgeable about the island, a... read more

    Rick S
    7 March 2023
  • star rating  Great walk - We took the vineyards and bush walk around Waiheke. I don't really like bus tours and this was a nice option. A little longer walk than advertised but... read more

    swelgus
    6 March 2023

    star rating  Great time. - The hiking tour we took of Waiheke Island was one of our highlights to the Auckland NZ area. Tyler, our guide was knowledgeable, energetic and FUN! I highly recommend... read more

    Curious271653
    29 March 2023

    star rating  Sailing Waiheke with Blue Penguins - My husband and I had such a lovely time touring the islands around Waiheke for our honeymoon! Bruce and Gabrielle were such lovely hosts and we had an amazing time... read more

    Anston25
    11 March 2023
Terra & Tide - Tourism Export Council
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