Waiheke History & Heritage Tour

Spend a day exploring Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. 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 revitalisation of Māori language and the impact of colonisation on Māori people.

Lunch is at a local cafe where you will have an opportunity to mix with the locals and experience delicious food and coffee. The sub-tropical Waiheke climate has allowed for award-winning wine and olive oil industries to be established on the island. You will be able to taste both as an option when visiting a local vineyard.

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 historical pa site with archaeological remains of kumara pits, shell middens and defensive terraces. You will also likely see our native birds tui, kereru and piwakawaka.

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. 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.