Waiheke Island History and Heritage Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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
Ferry to/from Waiheke Island. Tickets can be purchased from us at $42/adult return.
Lunch
Wine and olive oil tasting
Options
Waiheke Island History and Heritage Tour
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Waiheke tour
Cruiser54949728954,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Dell our guide. We learned about the Māori history including information about local plant medical uses. As an extra. Dell brought us to an olive oil tasting.
A perfect day on Waiheke
Z5678HIbarbaras,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I shared our tour with one other couple, whom we didn’t know. Dell met us at the ferry and began by explaining the Māori custom of introducing oneself by explaining one’s lineage, so that’s how we began our time together. Dell’s openness and good vibes set the tone for the day, and we proceeded to have a marvelous time with her and the other couple. We learned a lot about Waiheke Island, about NZ culture and ecology, about Māori, and about each other. Dell offered us choices throughout the day, which made us feel welcomed and cared for. We chose to taste wine rather than olive oil, to have lunch at Mudbrick Winery rather than a picnic, and to stop for ice cream later in the afternoon. It was a wonderful day. I highly recommend Terra & Tide, and Dell specifically, for touring Waiheke.
Great way to spend the day!
Barb B,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria was an excellent guide she personable fun and highly knowledgeable about the island and its culture.
Waiheke is a must!
LynneK139,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I absolutely loved the Waiheke history and heritage tour. We had thought we had booked a walking tour but this provided us the opportunity to see much more of the Island. Dell was so pleasant and knowledgeable of the history of the Māori people in the area. Enjoyed a wine tasting and a picnic lunch on a local beach as well! Thanks Dell for a lovely day!
Terra and Tide History and Heritage tour: Two thumbs up!
N6335LEcarolh,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A 30-minute ferry ride took us to Waiheke Island where Cindy picked us up for the tour. During the short orientation at the ferry terminal she figured out we enjoyed hiking, so she modified her plan for us. We toured the east end of the island, with vistas from high points. She was well-prepared with stories about Maori and European settlers, the transformation of the landscape over the last 2 centuries, and explanations about wildlife. We walked through forests and along beaches, with a stop to pick up a picnic lunch along the way.
Awesome tour with Dell!
GrandTour32894987584,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our Waiheke Island Heritage & History tour with the magnificent Dell! She was fun, knowledgeable, and intent on showing us the best that the island has to offer. We would highly recommend this tour and we encourage everyone to request Dell as your guide. She is awesome!
My Day on Waiheke Island
Barry F,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience with Justine was very impressive. She is very knowledgeable, kind, considerate and flexible. We enjoyed a diverse day including observing and exploring highlight locations of the beautiful island. Justine displayed a deep understanding of the traditions, culture and history. Her presentation was very interesting and informative. I would highly recommend Justine for a tour of the island...She also took us to a fabulous restaurant on the beach. It was beautiful, romantic an deicious. Can't say enough what a wonderful day I experienced with Justine! Barry Fishman
Gorgeous and Informative Tour of Waiheke Island
TamoraK1164,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private tour of Waiheke Island with our guide Dell. She was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable about the island and its history. Dell is a native of the area, and her pride and love for the island were obvious. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Dell.
Amazing day on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
janetgS9837OS,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the history and culture tour of Waiheke Island. Everything went exactly as planned from the ferry ride to meeting our guide Dell at the dock. We were on the island from 10am - 4pm. Dell has a wealth of knowledge about the island and the Māori people that she shared with us. We felt very cared for throughout the day. All our needs and questions were met. We are so glad we had this tour.
Great Maori Intro
hessmund,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dell showed us all around Waiheke Island and did a fantastic job. She was very knowledgable, personable, considerate and fun. She was especially good at introducing us to the Maori culture which was a perfect start to our New Zealand journey. I think Dell would be a fine guide for all groups of all ages!
From NZ$615.00
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