Waiheke Island FAQ
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Answers to the questions we are asked most about our Waiheke Island tours and walks.
When do you offer your tours?
When do you offer your tours?
We offer tours and experiences year-round, with departures available daily except on 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January.
Our multi-day tours are unavailable from 20 December to 31 January. Shared tours are subject to minimum numbers, while private tours offer greater flexibility with departure times.
Visit our individual tour pages to check availability or contact our friendly team to plan your experience.
Our multi-day tours are unavailable from 20 December to 31 January. Shared tours are subject to minimum numbers, while private tours offer greater flexibility with departure times.
Visit our individual tour pages to check availability or contact our friendly team to plan your experience.
What sort of walking/hiking tours do you offer?
What sort of walking/hiking tours do you offer?
We offer a range of guided day walks and multi-day hiking adventures, designed to suit different interests, fitness levels and abilities.
Our Waiheke Island day walks explore spectacular coastlines, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards, while our multi-day experiences, including the Best of Waiheke and Te Ara Hura, offer guided and self-guided options for those wanting to explore more deeply.
Walking is also an integral part of many of our personalised tours across Auckland, Matakana and Northland, allowing guests to experience nature, wildlife and local history at their own pace.
Discover more about Walking on Waiheke Island and Why Walk With Us.
Our Waiheke Island day walks explore spectacular coastlines, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards, while our multi-day experiences, including the Best of Waiheke and Te Ara Hura, offer guided and self-guided options for those wanting to explore more deeply.
Walking is also an integral part of many of our personalised tours across Auckland, Matakana and Northland, allowing guests to experience nature, wildlife and local history at their own pace.
Discover more about Walking on Waiheke Island and Why Walk With Us.
Do you offer corporate experiences?
Do you offer corporate experiences?
Absolutely! We specialise in creating premium, bespoke experiences for corporate groups, conferences, incentive programmes, team building and special events across Auckland, Waiheke Island, the Hauraki Gulf, Matakana and Northland.
From exclusive sailing adventures, guided nature walks and immersive Māori cultural experiences to exceptional food and wine, art and conservation activities, we create memorable experiences that bring people together.
Our expert guides, strong regional partnerships and luxury transport ensure a seamless, personalised experience for groups of up to 100 guests.
Discover more in our Corporate, Conference and Incentive Experiences brochure or contact our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
From exclusive sailing adventures, guided nature walks and immersive Māori cultural experiences to exceptional food and wine, art and conservation activities, we create memorable experiences that bring people together.
Our expert guides, strong regional partnerships and luxury transport ensure a seamless, personalised experience for groups of up to 100 guests.
Discover more in our Corporate, Conference and Incentive Experiences brochure or contact our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
Where do your Waiheke Island tours/experiences go?
Where do your Waiheke Island tours/experiences go?
Our Waiheke Island experiences take you beyond the usual tourist trails to discover spectacular coastlines, secluded beaches, native forests, vineyards, sculpture parks, art galleries and historic sites.
From guided coastal walks and wildlife encounters to exceptional food and wine experiences, our expert local guides share the island's hidden gems, fascinating stories and natural beauty.
Our private tours can be customised to your interests, allowing you to explore Waiheke at your own pace.
From guided coastal walks and wildlife encounters to exceptional food and wine experiences, our expert local guides share the island's hidden gems, fascinating stories and natural beauty.
Our private tours can be customised to your interests, allowing you to explore Waiheke at your own pace.
What types of tours and experiences do you offer on Waiheke Island?
What types of tours and experiences do you offer on Waiheke Island?
Our Waiheke Island experiences include guided coastal and bush walks, food and wine tours, art tours, history and heritage experiences, birdwatching, stargazing, guided e-biking, forest bathing and conservation and tree planting experiences.
We also offer exclusive sailing adventures exploring the Hauraki Gulf, multi-day walking experiences and bespoke private tours.
Led by our passionate, expert local guides, our experiences reveal Waiheke's hidden gems, natural beauty and fascinating stories, connecting guests more deeply with the island's landscapes, people and culture.
We also offer exclusive sailing adventures exploring the Hauraki Gulf, multi-day walking experiences and bespoke private tours.
Led by our passionate, expert local guides, our experiences reveal Waiheke's hidden gems, natural beauty and fascinating stories, connecting guests more deeply with the island's landscapes, people and culture.
Where do your Waiheke Island tours and experiences begin?
Where do your Waiheke Island tours and experiences begin?
Most of our Waiheke Island tours begin at Matiatia Wharf, where our friendly local guides will welcome you on arrival.
Waiheke Island is just a scenic 35-minute ferry journey from downtown Auckland, with regular services operated by Fullers360 and Island Direct. Ferry tickets are generally booked separately and are not included in your tour price.
For private tours, alternative pick-up arrangements may be available, including collection from your Waiheke accommodation. Our team can also assist with ferry bookings or arrange exclusive transfers by water taxi or helicopter.
Waiheke Island is just a scenic 35-minute ferry journey from downtown Auckland, with regular services operated by Fullers360 and Island Direct. Ferry tickets are generally booked separately and are not included in your tour price.
For private tours, alternative pick-up arrangements may be available, including collection from your Waiheke accommodation. Our team can also assist with ferry bookings or arrange exclusive transfers by water taxi or helicopter.
How many guests are on your tours?
How many guests are on your tours?
Group sizes vary depending on the tour or experience. Our shared walking and sailing adventures are kept small and intimate, while most private tours cater for couples, families and small groups, typically from 2–12 guests.
We also specialise in customised experiences for larger groups, including corporate events, conferences and incentive programmes, accommodating up to 100 guests.
Please check the individual tour pages for specific group sizes, or contact our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
We also specialise in customised experiences for larger groups, including corporate events, conferences and incentive programmes, accommodating up to 100 guests.
Please check the individual tour pages for specific group sizes, or contact our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
Are your Waiheke Island experiences group tours, private tours, or both?
Are your Waiheke Island experiences group tours, private tours, or both?
We offer both shared small-group tours and private experiences on Waiheke Island.
Our shared walking, sailing and selected touring experiences bring together like-minded travellers on carefully curated adventures led by our expert local guides.
Our private tours offer a more exclusive, personalised experience, with itineraries tailored to your interests and pace. We also cater for larger corporate, conference and incentive groups with bespoke experiences for up to 100 guests.
Our shared walking, sailing and selected touring experiences bring together like-minded travellers on carefully curated adventures led by our expert local guides.
Our private tours offer a more exclusive, personalised experience, with itineraries tailored to your interests and pace. We also cater for larger corporate, conference and incentive groups with bespoke experiences for up to 100 guests.
Do you offer private tours on Waiheke Island?
Do you offer private tours on Waiheke Island?
Absolutely! Our private Waiheke Island experiences offer a personalised way to discover the island's stunning coastlines, native forests, vineyards, art and wildlife.
From guided walks and sailing adventures to food and wine, heritage and wellbeing experiences, our expert local guides bring the island's hidden gems and fascinating stories to life.
With the flexibility to tailor your experience to your interests and pace, you'll enjoy a memorable journey that connects you more deeply with Waiheke's nature, people and culture.
From guided walks and sailing adventures to food and wine, heritage and wellbeing experiences, our expert local guides bring the island's hidden gems and fascinating stories to life.
With the flexibility to tailor your experience to your interests and pace, you'll enjoy a memorable journey that connects you more deeply with Waiheke's nature, people and culture.
Who are your Waiheke Island guides?
Who are your Waiheke Island guides?
Our Waiheke Island guides are passionate locals who love sharing the island they call home.
With expertise spanning native flora and fauna, conservation, Māori culture and heritage, art, food and wine, and sailing, they bring a wealth of knowledge and personal insights to every experience.
From hidden coastal trails to fascinating local stories, our expert guides make each adventure personal, memorable and deeply connected to Waiheke's people and natural environment.
Get to know our wonderful team on our Meet Our Guides page.
With expertise spanning native flora and fauna, conservation, Māori culture and heritage, art, food and wine, and sailing, they bring a wealth of knowledge and personal insights to every experience.
From hidden coastal trails to fascinating local stories, our expert guides make each adventure personal, memorable and deeply connected to Waiheke's people and natural environment.
Get to know our wonderful team on our Meet Our Guides page.
Do you offer multi-day tours and experiences on Waiheke Island?
Do you offer multi-day tours and experiences on Waiheke Island?
Absolutely! Waiheke Island is a wonderful destination to slow down, explore more deeply and reconnect with nature.
Our Best of Waiheke Walking Tour and Te Ara Hura Walking Tour offer guided and self-guided options through spectacular coastal landscapes, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards.
We also offer exclusive multi-day sailing charters exploring the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
For something more personalised, we can create bespoke multi-day experiences combining walking, nature, art, food and wine.
Our Best of Waiheke Walking Tour and Te Ara Hura Walking Tour offer guided and self-guided options through spectacular coastal landscapes, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards.
We also offer exclusive multi-day sailing charters exploring the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
For something more personalised, we can create bespoke multi-day experiences combining walking, nature, art, food and wine.
Who are your tours for?
Who are your tours for?
Our experiences are designed for curious travellers who value authentic, meaningful connections with nature, culture and place. We welcome couples, families, small groups, nature lovers, soft adventure seekers and those with a passion for food, wine, art and culture.
From private luxury experiences and special celebrations to corporate, incentive and conference groups, we offer both shared and customised tours to suit a range of interests, ages and abilities.
From private luxury experiences and special celebrations to corporate, incentive and conference groups, we offer both shared and customised tours to suit a range of interests, ages and abilities.
What types of walking and hiking tours do you offer on Waiheke Island?
What types of walking and hiking tours do you offer on Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is a wonderful destination to explore on foot, and walking is at the heart of what we do.
Our guided day walks take you through spectacular coastal landscapes, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards, while our multi-day walking adventures, including the Best of Waiheke and Te Ara Hura, offer guided and self-guided options for those wanting to explore more deeply.
Walking is also an integral part of many of our private touring experiences, allowing you to discover the island's hidden gems at your own pace.
Our expert local guides share their knowledge of Waiheke's native flora and fauna, conservation, history and culture, bringing the island's stories to life.
Discover more about Walking on Waiheke Island and Why Walk With Us.
Our guided day walks take you through spectacular coastal landscapes, native forests, secluded beaches and vineyards, while our multi-day walking adventures, including the Best of Waiheke and Te Ara Hura, offer guided and self-guided options for those wanting to explore more deeply.
Walking is also an integral part of many of our private touring experiences, allowing you to discover the island's hidden gems at your own pace.
Our expert local guides share their knowledge of Waiheke's native flora and fauna, conservation, history and culture, bringing the island's stories to life.
Discover more about Walking on Waiheke Island and Why Walk With Us.
What is the difference between a private tour and a normal tour?
What is the difference between a private tour and a normal tour?
Our shared tours are small-group experiences where you join other like-minded travellers on a carefully curated itinerary, led by one of our expert local guides.
Private tours offer a more personalised experience, with a dedicated guide and the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests, preferences and pace. Whether you're looking for a special occasion or simply a more exclusive experience, our private tours allow you to explore your chosen destination your way.
Private tours offer a more personalised experience, with a dedicated guide and the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests, preferences and pace. Whether you're looking for a special occasion or simply a more exclusive experience, our private tours allow you to explore your chosen destination your way.
Do you offer tours for families on Waiheke Island?
Do you offer tours for families on Waiheke Island?
Absolutely! Waiheke Island offers wonderful opportunities for families to reconnect with nature, explore the outdoors and create special memories together.
Popular options include our personalised private tours, guided coastal and bush walks, birdwatching experiences and Hauraki Gulf sailing adventures.
Our expert local guides can tailor private experiences to suit your family's interests and pace, combining nature, wildlife, culture and adventure for a memorable day together.
Popular options include our personalised private tours, guided coastal and bush walks, birdwatching experiences and Hauraki Gulf sailing adventures.
Our expert local guides can tailor private experiences to suit your family's interests and pace, combining nature, wildlife, culture and adventure for a memorable day together.
What is the best way to book your tours?
What is the best way to book your tours?
The easiest way to book is through our website at www.terraandtide.co.nz. Simply explore our range of experiences, select your preferred tour and click ‘Book Now’ on the tour page to make your booking through our secure online booking system.
For private, customised experiences or group bookings, our friendly team is happy to assist. Contact us at [email protected] or +64 21 669 722, and we’ll help create an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs.
For private, customised experiences or group bookings, our friendly team is happy to assist. Contact us at [email protected] or +64 21 669 722, and we’ll help create an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs.
Do you offer sailing experiences from Waiheke Island?
Do you offer sailing experiences from Waiheke Island?
Absolutely! Join us aboard Pacific Star, our beautiful 41-foot sailing catamaran, to explore the spectacular islands, secluded bays and marine wildlife of the Hauraki Gulf.
Our Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure offers an intimate, shared experience, including a guided island walk and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. Our exclusive private sailing charters accommodate up to 12 guests, with itineraries tailored to your interests and weather conditions.
All day sailing experiences include a delicious lunch featuring local produce, snacks and refreshments, hosted by our experienced crew, who share their passion and knowledge of the Gulf's unique marine environment and conservation.
Tours depart from Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island, with ferry tickets purchased separately.
Our Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure offers an intimate, shared experience, including a guided island walk and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. Our exclusive private sailing charters accommodate up to 12 guests, with itineraries tailored to your interests and weather conditions.
All day sailing experiences include a delicious lunch featuring local produce, snacks and refreshments, hosted by our experienced crew, who share their passion and knowledge of the Gulf's unique marine environment and conservation.
Tours depart from Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island, with ferry tickets purchased separately.
What are your terms and conditions for bookings?
What are your terms and conditions for bookings?
Our cancellation policy applies to all tours, including private groups:
Cancellation fees apply to individuals and groups, and changes in group numbers may require a revised quote.
For further information, please refer to our full booking terms and conditions or contact our friendly team at [email protected].
- 8–30 days before your tour: A 10% cancellation fee applies.
- 48 hours–7 days before your tour: A 50% cancellation fee applies, unless you rebook (subject to availability).
- Within 48 hours or no-shows: No refund is available, although rebooking may be offered depending on circumstances and availability.
Cancellation fees apply to individuals and groups, and changes in group numbers may require a revised quote.
For further information, please refer to our full booking terms and conditions or contact our friendly team at [email protected].
What sort of transport do you offer on Waiheke Island?
What sort of transport do you offer on Waiheke Island?
Explore Waiheke Island in comfort and style in our fleet of luxury electric and low-emission Mercedes vans, with our expert local driver-guides sharing their knowledge of the island along the way.
We offer private transport and transfers for couples, families and larger groups, with convenient pick-ups from Matiatia Wharf or your Waiheke accommodation by arrangement.
For a different perspective, join us aboard Pacific Star, our beautiful 41-foot sailing catamaran, for an unforgettable adventure exploring the islands and secluded bays of the Hauraki Gulf.
Getting to Waiheke is easy, with regular ferries from downtown Auckland. Ferry tickets are generally purchased separately, and our team is happy to assist with travel arrangements.
We offer private transport and transfers for couples, families and larger groups, with convenient pick-ups from Matiatia Wharf or your Waiheke accommodation by arrangement.
For a different perspective, join us aboard Pacific Star, our beautiful 41-foot sailing catamaran, for an unforgettable adventure exploring the islands and secluded bays of the Hauraki Gulf.
Getting to Waiheke is easy, with regular ferries from downtown Auckland. Ferry tickets are generally purchased separately, and our team is happy to assist with travel arrangements.
Can tour itineraries be customised?
Can tour itineraries be customised?
Absolutely! We specialise in creating personalised experiences tailored to your interests, preferences and pace. Whether you'd like to explore hidden gems, discover local art and culture, enjoy exceptional food and wine, or immerse yourself in nature, our knowledgeable expert guides can help bring your ideal itinerary to life.
We also create bespoke experiences for families, private groups, special celebrations and corporate events. Simply get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your ideas.
We also create bespoke experiences for families, private groups, special celebrations and corporate events. Simply get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your ideas.
Do you provide food on your Waiheke Island tours?
Do you provide food on your Waiheke Island tours?
Absolutely! Waiheke Island is renowned for its exceptional food, wine and artisan produce, and many of our experiences celebrate these local flavours.
Lunch is included on our guided day walks, Food & Wine Tours, Art Tour, Personalised Tours, guided e-biking and sailing adventures.
Shorter experiences such as our birdwatching, stargazing and forest bathing generally offer snacks or light refreshments rather than a full meal. Our History & Heritage Tour also offers an optional vineyard lunch upgrade on private bookings.
Each tour page outlines what's included, and we're happy to assist with dietary requirements when advised in advance.
Lunch is included on our guided day walks, Food & Wine Tours, Art Tour, Personalised Tours, guided e-biking and sailing adventures.
Shorter experiences such as our birdwatching, stargazing and forest bathing generally offer snacks or light refreshments rather than a full meal. Our History & Heritage Tour also offers an optional vineyard lunch upgrade on private bookings.
Each tour page outlines what's included, and we're happy to assist with dietary requirements when advised in advance.
Where do we catch the ferry to Waiheke?
Where do we catch the ferry to Waiheke?
The ferry terminal is at the bottom of Queen Street in downtown Auckland. See our Getting to Waiheke page for further information.
What time do we catch the ferry to Waiheke island?
What time do we catch the ferry to Waiheke island?
Please catch the 9am Fullers ferry from Auckland.
What time will we get back to Auckland?
What time will we get back to Auckland?
Depending on the speed of the group, we will return you to the ferry terminal on Waiheke in time for the 3pm or 4pm sailing, arriving in Auckland at 3:35pm or 4:35pm.
How will we find our tour guide when we get to Waiheke?
How will we find our tour guide when we get to Waiheke?
On disembarking from the ferry at Waiheke, look to the left where you will see our guide and welcome board displaying your name (before entering the ferry terminal).
How fit do I need to be?
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be able to walk for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
What do I need to bring?
What do I need to bring?
Bring a daypack, sun glasses, sunscreen, hat and a rain jacket. Please wear good walking shoes.
Do you pick up from accommodation on Waiheke?
Do you pick up from accommodation on Waiheke?
For shared walking tours (except Bush & Beach) and sailing experiences we are unable to pick up. Pickup for private walking tours on Waiheke is by arrangement only. Private driving tours include pickup from accommodation; surcharges may apply where further travel is required.
Please contact us if you have any queries at all. We are happy to help.
Still have a question?
We’re happy to help
+64 21 669 722
[email protected]
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