WAIHEKE ISLAND – An island paradise only 40 minutes from Auckland.
About the island
This stunning island just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kms of beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native bush and laid back seaside villages. It’s a great day out from Auckland as well as a superb holiday destination.
Island tours
A good way to make the most of a day trip is to combine your ferry ticket with one of our great value island tours – see below.
Wine tasting
With over 30 vineyards on the island, Waiheke offer visitors excellent opportunities for wine tasting (as well as first class vineyard restaurants). Our Waiheke Vineyard Tour visits three of the leading vineyards on the island and includes return ferry travel (see right).
Beaches
Waiheke has several beautiful beaches, but the best ones for swimming are at Oneroa (the island's main town, close to the ferry terminal) and at Onetangi, which is a 20 minute bus ride away. Buses meet all ferries - follow the signs at the terminal to the bus stop. Fullers offer an AllDayBusPass, which is a cost effective way to get around.
Coastal walks
The Waiheke coastline boasts many beautiful walks with stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Coromandel. Two walks start right at the ferry terminal - just follow the coast left or right as you leave the wharf and follow the yellow and green signs. A walking leaflet is available at i-sites and at the Waiheke ferry terminal, or click here.
Activities
Other activities on the island include ocean kayaking and mountain biking as well as shopping and eating out in one of the many superb vineyard restaurants.
Length of ferry journey
35-45 minutes (some ferries go via Devonport which makes the journey slightly longer).
Departures from Auckland
Departures are on the hour between 9am & 5pm (with extra early morning and evening sailings). The 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm sailings go via Devonport. See timetable.
How much time is needed to visit the island?
Allow at least half a day for a visit to Waiheke, but a day is best.
Return ticket prices
Adult $28.50 Child $14.30 Senior $25 Family $75
Child = 5-15 years inclusive (under 5's travel free)
Family = 2 adults and up to 4 children or 1 adult and up to 5 children
Proof of age must be shown.
WAIHEKE ISLAND SCENIC TOUR.
About the tour
Combine your ferry travel to Waiheke with our 1½ hour scenic tour of the island, plus unlimited bus travel for the rest of the day. It’s a great way to make the most of a day trip to Waiheke, offering you flexible and cost effective transport, while introducing you to the island's best sights.
Tour itinerary
You board the ferry from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal and enjoy the scenic 35 minute cruise to WaihekeIsland through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. On arrival, your friendly local driver will greet you as you leave the ferry and direct you to your air conditioned tour coach.
Throughout your tour, your driver will talk to you about the island’s history and culture. You'll see Waiheke’s most stunning coastal vistas, as well some of the island's hottest properties; you'll pass beautiful hillside vineyards, look down on sweeping sandy beaches and get a real insider view of island life.
When the tour is over you can take advantage of the complimentary all day bus pass allowing you to further explore the island on island's scheduled bus service.
Tour departure times
Tours depart from Auckland City daily at 10am & 12pm. Extra tours at 11am & 1pm on weekends from 1-24 Dec and daily from 26 Dec to 27 April 2008.
How much time is needed to do the tour?
The actual tour lasts 4 hours including ferry travel to and from the island, but you are able to stay longer and use your all day bus pass.
Tour prices (ferry & tour plus all day bus pass)
Adult $44 Child $22
WAIHEKE ISLAND VINEYARDS TOUR.
About the tour
Combine your ferry travel to Waiheke with our popular vineyard tour, which includes wine tasting and tours at three leading island vineyards and an olive growing estate, plus a light lunch and an all day bus pass.
Tour itinerary
You board the ferry at Auckland ferry terminal or Devonport wharf and enjoy a pleasant cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to WaihekeIsland. On arrival you will be greeted at the wharf by your tour driver and directed to your coach.
Your first visit is to Stonyridge Vineyard, where you will enjoy a tour and tastings, plus a light lunch of a large filled roll, fruit and cheese. You then depart for Rangihoua Estate, which introduces you to Waiheke’s olive growing industry (including olive oil tasting). A stop at 'Wild on Waiheke' offers optional beer tasting as well as wine, and your tour is concluded with final tastings at the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard before returning to the ferry terminal.
Once the tour is over, you can either board the next ferry, or use your AllDayBusPass, allowing you to further explore the island.
Tour departure times
Tours depart from Auckland downtown ferry terminal at 11am (departs Devonport at 11.10am). Tours are daily from 1 Dec to 27 April. Weds to Sun in November. Sat, Sun & Public Holidays only from 28 April to 31 October. No tours Chirstmas Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday or ANZAC Day.
How much time is needed to do the tour?
The actual tour lasts 5½ hours including ferry travel to and from the island, but you can stay longer and use your all day bus pass.
Tour prices (ferry & tour plus all day bus pass)
Adult $90 (not recommended for children)
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