Waiheke Island Cultural Tour: A Deep Dive into Maori Traditions and History
5.0
14 Ratings
Auckland
Immerse yourself in Maori traditions and history on a cultural tour of Waiheke Island. Explore stunning landscapes, learn about carving and tattooing, and discover the impact of colonization on the Maori people.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Waiheke Island - Spend a day exploring Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. First is an orientation around Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and the Pacific Ocean. You will visit pristine white sand beaches and hear the history and stories of the places you visit and see. You will visit the focal point of the Māori community on Waiheke, learn about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalisation of Māori language and the impact of colonisation on Māori people.
Lunch is at a local cafe with delicious food and coffee.
During a guided walk through native bush, your guide will explain the traditional and medicinal Māori uses of native plants and take you to the summit of a pa (fortified village) site with archaeological remains of kumara pits, shell middens and defensive terraces. You will also likely see our native birds tui, kereru and piwakawaka.
Your guide will drop you back to the wharf in time for the return 4pm ferry. Or, if you wish to stay on the island longer you can be dropped in Oneroa, the main village and make your own way back to the ferry by either a 15 minute walk or short bus ride.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
What's Not Included
- Ferry to/from Waiheke Island. Tickets can be purchased from us at $42/adult return.
- Lunch
- Wine and olive oil tasting
Additional Information
This tour takes in all that Waiheke has to offer while also getting you off the beaten tourist trail. To truly understand our land is to understand it through the eyes of us, the indigenous people.
You will be greeted by your local guide at the wharf upon your arrival. First is an orientation around Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and the Pacific Ocean. You will visit pristine white sand beaches and hear the history and stories of the places you visit and see.
You will visit the focal point of the Māori community on Waiheke, learn about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalization of Māori language and the impact of colonization on Māori people.
Location
Fullers360 Matiatia ticket office
Ocean View Road
Your tour begins on Waiheke Island. We do not do hotel pickups. If you are travelling from Auckland on the 9am ferry, your guide will be holding a sign and standing on your left as you leave the ferry at Waiheke Island (approximately 9.45am).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Tbar_atl
Apr 16, 2024
Optimal tour for a meaningful overview of Waiheke Island and NZ in general - The Waiheke Island History and Heritage Tour was a fabulous way to start our vacation. Gabrielle and team are extremely knowledgable about all aspects of NZ and Waiheke Island in particular. We learned a ton about the history, people and culture. And in particular, I found the information on the environmental conservation aspects fascinating. It was such a pleasure to have a guide that was both knowledgeable and passionate. I highly recommend a visit to Waiheke Island and a tour with Gabrielle and Terra & Tide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Minoo_e
Mar 17, 2024
Best Part of My Trip! - Best part of my Auckland was my tour of Waiheke Island! Loved the art coastline hike, visit to Piritahi Marae, picnic at Oneroa Beach, wine tasting at Mudbrick, olive oil tasting at AllPress and shopping. We did a hike at Whakanewha Park, saw the historic maori living sites.
Justine was the BEST guide we had so much fun. As a local resident she had so many insights and history. Definitely need to go back for a stay! Thanks Justine & Terra Tide!
Review provided by Viator
Marioshay
Mar 1, 2024
Fabulous private tour with vineyard lunch - Our day with Nicky was wonderful! We were excited to find out it was a private tour! Nicky drove us all around the island and showed us so much in a day!
We stopped at a vineyard for lunch which was superb and enjoyed a wine tasting at another vineyard! After the tour she gave us some recommendations to stay on the island for a drink so we did and took a later ferry back to Auckland. We loved the island. Nicky was friendly and informative. We couldn’t have had a better start to our time in Auckland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander46764672326
Jan 22, 2024
A day on Waiheke Island NZ - I went on a great tour with Justine. She was very knowledgeable and very pleasant. We saw the important Maori places, and learned so much about the history and the culture of the Maori. We also saw beautiful beaches, an art gallery and where people live on the island. There was a winetasting and a wonderful lunch.
I would recommend this tour highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightsee05332886624
Jan 9, 2024
Take the cultural tour of Waiheke Island! - Our guide Justine did an amazing job of showing us around Waiheke Island and introducing us to the Māori culture. We enjoyed learning about the history and seeing the beautiful island. Justine was happy to make accommodations for the group (2 separate small families). We had a delicious lunch and enjoyed both an olive oil tasting and a wine tasting. 10/10 would recommend this tour and Justine!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari49216731800
Jan 4, 2024
HIghly recommend - This excursion was one of our favorites during our trip. We were half an hour late because our college-age kids slept in and missed the ferry schedule and Justine was very understanding and patient to wait for us (as was the other family who was on the excursion). Justine made sure to give us historical, wildlife and cultural information so we walked away learning and not just riding around seeing gorgeous sights (although that was wonderful in and of itself). My family was tempted to sleep in and miss this excursion as it was our last one and we were all happily exhausted from sightseeing but everyone was very glad they didn't. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour22438802746
Nov 6, 2023
Excellent experience on Waiheke Island! - The tour was absolutely amazing! Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. She explained the local cultural experience in a way that was both informative and meaningful. We loved the combination of walking along beautiful paths, while also experiencing the wineries, olive oil tasting and shops combined.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W3363tajoane
Nov 3, 2023
Waiheke Cultural Experience - Dell was a great tour guide - very knowledgeable re Māori history, the trees and plants, and the local wines. She made a special stop at our request so we could try out their beloved Hokey Pokey Ice Cream.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
247kellil
Sep 22, 2023
Beautiful Island - Was expecting to be part of a group tour and was surprised to be on my own. Justine was a lovely guide and had a clear understanding of the history of Waiheke and the Māori culture.
The island is beautiful, the walk was very tranquil and the wine tasting was delicious. The restaurant chosen for lunch was lovely.
Thanks Justine for a great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Docchavez
Aug 2, 2023
Great one! - Gabrielle was a great guide; she made the best in spite of rainy day. She is very knowledgeable about the culture and enjoyed sharing this with us. Our tour included some wine tasting that was awesome. Lunch was delicious. Great spot. Also plenty of photo opportunities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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