• Best Beach Walk

This 5-hour walk around tranquil Te Whau Peninsula and Rocky Bay combines the best of Waiheke bush and beaches. Fabulous coastal views, seabird nesting grounds and lush forest trails make this an adventure to remember!

$395/person 

Book Now

Experience some of the most majestic forest reserves on the island, including the magnificent Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms of the Whakanewha Regional Park, Glenbrook Reserve and Te Whau Peninsula.

Learn about birdlife on the island, including the protected dotterel nesting grounds, before stopping for a rest at the beach, where there is time for a swim or to eat your picnic lunch.

About this walk

  • Catch the 9:00am Fullers ferry from downtown Auckland (trip to Waiheke takes approx 35 minutes)
  • Start: 9:45am, Ferry Wharf in Matiatia (or contact us to arrange free 9:15am pickup in Oneroa)
  • When leaving the ferry, look for your guide who will be standing on your left just before you enter the Ferry Terminal. Your guide will be holding a Terra & Tide sign
  • Finish: 3:00pm, Ferry Wharf in Matiatia
  • Maximum number of walkers: 8

Highlights

  • Visit some of the island’s amazing trees including magnificent Pohutukawas and Nikau Palms
  • Enjoy scenic Te Whau Peninsula with fabulous views of the island and back to Auckland
  • Explore the tracks of Whakanewha Regional Park and learn about the protected dotterel nesting grounds
  • Learn more about island life in the Rocky Bay area
  • Finish in time for a swim or packed lunch at the beach

Includes

  • Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation
  • Pick up from Oneroa 30 mins prior, for those who require it
  • Lunch

Not included

  • Ferry fares

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
  • Water
  • Raincoat (depending on forecast)

 

Book Now

 

Getting to Waiheke Island

Browse all of our walks

 

Walking Map & Elevation Profile

Distance: Approx 9 – 10 km
Time: 5 hours (approx 3 hours walking time)
Difficulty: Intermediate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bush and Beach Walk

Bush and Beach Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 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  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

    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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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
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