Maungawhau Mt Eden on an Auckland day tour, one of Terra & Tide's private Auckland tours
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Auckland & Matakana FAQ

Practical answers for our Auckland city, Waitākere and Matakana Coast tours.

What are your terms and conditions for bookings?

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Our cancellation policy applies to all tours, including private groups:
  • 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.
Our tours operate rain or shine. If extreme weather affects our operations, we will offer a refund, reschedule your tour or arrange an alternative experience.

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].

Can tour itineraries be customised?

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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.

When do you offer your tours?

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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.

Do you offer corporate experiences?

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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.

Where do your Auckland tours/experiences go?

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Our Auckland experiences explore the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, volcanic landscapes, spectacular harbours, native rainforests and stunning coastlines.

From the cultural and historic landmarks of central Auckland to the lush Waitākere Ranges, rugged West Coast beaches and beautiful Matakana Coast, our tours bring together nature, Māori and Pacific culture, heritage, art and exceptional food and wine.

Our expert local guides bring each destination to life, sharing fascinating stories, local insights and hidden gems, with private tours tailored to your interests and pace.

What types of tours and experiences do you offer in Auckland?

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Our Auckland experiences bring together nature, Māori and Pacific culture, history, art, food and wine, and soft adventure.

Explore our personalised Auckland tours, Signature Auckland experience, Māori cultural journeys, food and wine tours, Waitākere Ranges walking adventures, and Matakana Coast experiences showcasing spectacular coastal scenery, art and local cuisine.

We also offer immersive Pacific cultural experiences and bespoke Matakana tours.

Led by our expert local guides, our premium, personalised tours uncover hidden gems, fascinating stories and authentic experiences, with itineraries tailored to your interests and pace.

Where do your Auckland tours and experiences begin?

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Our Auckland tours generally begin with a convenient pick-up from your Auckland hotel or accommodation, where you'll be welcomed by one of our expert local guides.

Depending on your chosen experience, we can also arrange pick-ups from other agreed locations, including for our Matakana Coast adventures.

Private tours offer greater flexibility, with pick-up times and locations tailored to your itinerary wherever possible. Full details will be confirmed when booking.

How many guests are on your tours?

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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.

Are your Auckland experiences group tours, private tours, or both?

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Our Auckland experiences are primarily private tours, offering a personalised journey with our expert local guides. Itineraries can be tailored to your interests, preferences and pace.

We also specialise in bespoke experiences for larger groups, including families, corporate events, conferences and incentive programmes, accommodating up to 100 guests.

Do you offer private tours in Auckland?

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Absolutely! Our private Auckland tours offer a wonderful way to discover the region's natural beauty, rich culture and hidden gems.

From immersive Māori cultural experiences and guided walks through native forests to exceptional food and wine, art and heritage, our expert local guides bring Auckland's landscapes, people and stories to life.

We can tailor your experience to your interests, preferences and pace, creating a memorable journey that connects you more deeply with the places you explore.

Who are your Auckland guides?

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Our Auckland experiences are led by passionate, expert local guides who love sharing the region's rich history, Māori and Pacific culture, natural landscapes and hidden gems.

With a wealth of local knowledge and a genuine love for the places they explore, our guides bring Auckland's stories to life, creating memorable experiences that connect you more deeply with its people, culture and environment.

Get to know our team on our Meet Our Guides page.

Do you offer multi-day tours and experiences in Auckland?

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Yes! We can create bespoke multi-day experiences across Auckland and the Matakana Coast, thoughtfully curated around your interests, preferences and pace.

From personalised Auckland touring to exploring the Matakana Coast, our expert local guides bring together nature, culture, history, art, food and wine to create memorable journeys.

We also offer a two-day Matakana and Northland Explorer, combining spectacular landscapes, local stories and hidden gems.

What types of walking and hiking tours do you offer in Auckland?

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Our Auckland experiences offer wonderful opportunities to explore the region's spectacular natural landscapes on foot, from lush native rainforests to rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes.

Our Waitākere Ranges Explorer combines guided walking with scenic discoveries, while our Matakana Coast experiences offer opportunities to explore beautiful coastal trails and native bush.

Walking is also an integral part of many of our private Auckland tours, allowing you to connect more deeply with nature, culture and place. Our expert local guides tailor walks to suit your interests, fitness level and pace, and can incorporate them into bespoke multi-day itineraries.

Who are your tours for?

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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.

Do you offer tours for families in Auckland?

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Absolutely! Our Auckland experiences are wonderful for families and multi-generational groups looking to explore, discover and create lasting memories together.

Popular options include our Personalised Auckland Tour, combining nature, culture and history, and our Matakana Coast experiences, featuring beautiful beaches, sculpture parks and local artisan discoveries.

Our expert local guides can tailor private itineraries to suit different ages, interests and abilities, creating memorable experiences for the whole family.

What is the difference between a private tour and a normal tour?

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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.

What sort of transport do you offer in Auckland?

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Explore Auckland in comfort and style in our fleet of modern luxury Mercedes vehicles, including electric and low-emission vans, reflecting our commitment to caring for the environment.

Our experienced local driver-guides provide comfortable, personalised touring, with convenient pick-ups from your accommodation or an agreed location.

We cater for couples, families and small private groups, as well as larger corporate and incentive groups of up to 100 guests, with additional transport arranged as required.

For something extra special, we can also arrange exclusive transfers by helicopter, private plane or water taxi.

Discover more about our Auckland tours and experiences.

What is the best way to book your tours?

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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.

Do you provide food on your Auckland tours?

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Absolutely! Food is an important part of many of our Auckland experiences, celebrating the region's exceptional local produce, artisan food makers and wonderful dining destinations.

Lunch is included on our Personalised Auckland Tour, Auckland Food & Wine Tour, Auckland Signature Tour, Waitākere Explorer and Matakana Coast experiences.

Shorter experiences, such as our Ki Uta Ki Tai cultural journey, may include refreshments rather than a full meal.

Each tour page outlines what's included. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.

Where do Auckland tours start?

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Auckland tours start at 9:00am (8:00am for the Signature Tour, 8:30am for the Pacifica Tour) with pickup from your Auckland hotel or accommodation, and finish back at the same place.

Do you pick up for Matakana tours?

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Yes. Matakana tours pick up at 8:30am Auckland CBD, 9:00am Te Arai and 9:30am Matakana, returning in reverse order with Auckland CBD drop-off at approximately 5:00pm.

How many people can join a private Auckland tour?

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Private tours are for 2 – 12 guests in one of our luxury Mercedes vans. Larger groups can be accommodated across our fleet of 60+ seats; please enquire.

Is lunch included on Auckland tours?

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Yes. Each tour page lists what is included: a restaurant, vineyard, picnic or café lunch depending on the tour, plus all entry fees.

Can you combine Waiheke and Auckland in one itinerary?

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Yes. We regularly design multi-day itineraries across Waiheke, Auckland, Matakana and Northland. Contact us with your dates and interests.

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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Terra & Tide catamaran Pacific Star sailing in a sunlit Waiheke Island bay

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