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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
From its remote eastern corners, rugged coastal headlands and forested interior to its more inhabited western side with picturesque vineyards, swimming beaches and vibrant artisan community there is plenty to explore on Waiheke Island. This trip offers a glimpse into its diversity with a selection of nature walks with stunning views, fine food and wine to sample, and visits to galleries plus a sculpture park. The charm and tranquility of the island is exuded in abundance. Staying at the same centrally-located accommodation every night there is no need to pack up your luggage until the day you leave, meaning you explore with only a daypack each day and have plenty of time to relax. Your guide is brimming with local knowledge to share and knows all the special corners of the island as well as some local characters. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke is easily accessible and well worth including in any New Zealand North Island itinerary.
19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(76kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Make your own way to Auckland and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. The city is New Zealand's largest, both in area and population and hence is often mistakenly thought of as the country's capital. Spend some time exploring the gardens and open spaces of The Domain, wander through the fascinating War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture, visit the Sky Tower for spectacular 360 degree views, visit an art gallery, cruise the harbour, wander the foreshore or explore the shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Ferry to Waiheke Island, walk Matiatia to Onetangi Beach (19km, 4.5 - 6 hrs)
Take the 9:00am ferry this morning from Auckland to Waiheke Island. On arrival at the Matiatia wharf, your guide will be waiting on your left as you leave the ferry, just before the terminal building. Your luggage will be transferred to your trip accommodation so that you can commence walking right away. (You will need to be prepared with your requirements for the day already packed in your daypack.) The walk today follows the northern coastline around headlands, up and down hills, beside secluded bays and along beautiful sand beaches. Enjoy stunning views of Hauraki Gulf islands and the Coromandel Peninsula and take a refreshing swim at one of several beaches along the way. Pass through reserves where native vegetation regeneration is underway and by vineyards that produce award-winning wines before reaching the white sands of Onetangi Beach. The longest beach on the island, this is where your accommodation for the next three nights is located. Settle in and relax.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Walk Rocky Bay to Onetangi via Te Whau Peninsula, with olives and vineyards (20 km, 5 - 6 hrs)
After a short transfer this morning, begin walking from historic Rocky Bay. The trail is undulating and is both on and off road, weaving in a loop around Te Whau Peninsula back to Onetangi including forest, coastline and pretty bays of the south west of the island. Explore the Whakanewha Regional Park containing forested streams, significant ancient pa sites (fortified Maori settlements) and important dotterel nesting grounds. Wander through small communities tucked away in the bush, visit a sculpture park (own expense), sample some local olive oil (own expense), and taste some signature Waiheke wines (own expense). Walk back to Onetangi at leisure to round out the day. It is possible to shorten the day by not visiting Whakanewha Regional Park; this option involves more road walking. An additional winery can also be added (tastings own expense) if desired.
Day 4
Walk Onetangi to Orapiu (25km, 5 - 7 hrs)
Although longer in duration, today's walk starts from your accommodation and is a gentle gradient for much of the day. Mostly following ridgelines inland a little and alongside the road, superb views abound. Exploring the remote eastern end of the island you will encounter places of historical significance, rural vistas with fewer inhabitants, wildlife corridors, wetlands and isolated beaches. There may be time for an optional detour to historic Stony Batter Reserve (own expense) before taking time to admire the white sands of Man-o-War Bay and the nearby stands of magnificent kauri trees. Enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch at the beach and maybe some wine tasting (own expense, subject to winery opening times). There is much history in this area from Maori settlement to logging operations. Continuing to the south east corner of the island, there are amazing views and some fascinating stories which your guide will share about the smaller offshore islands you can see. On arrival at the Orapiu wharf, you will be transferred back to your accommodation for a final night.
Day 5
Explore Oneroa's galleries and visit resident artist studios (5km / 5 hrs). Return to Auckland.
Enjoy a leisurely pace today while gaining a fascinating insight into the artisan culture of Waiheke Island. Starting with the Community Art Gallery in Oneroa, visit a number of other galleries as well as an outdoor sculpture park and the studios of painters, sculptors and shoemakers where the artists are actively working (subject to their availability). Delight in lunch at the beautiful residence and studio of painter Gabriella Lewenz and wander through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve, finishing at the Matiatia ferry wharf. Your luggage will be waiting at the terminal for your return journey to Auckland, departing at 4:00pm. Trip arrangements end on arrival in Auckland.
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
This involves walking on a formed public access road or track which is either sealed (tarmac) or unsealed (fine gravel or shingle surface). Roads may be narrow and just wide enough for two small vehicles to pass. Pavements are wide enough for two people to pass side by side. You may encounter the occasional car or farm vehicle (small truck or tractor) on the roads so do be aware of traffic.
A narrow formed trail that is approximately a single person width. These are usually smooth, compacted earth surfaces which can be pleasant underfoot in dry weather but muddy and slippery in places after rain. This type of path can also include wooden bridges, stone or timber steps, uneven surfaces with tree roots, small rocks, and sometimes large boulders to scramble around or over.
This includes reasonably wide mown grass paths, similar to a clipped lawn, with the path denoted by distinctive red and white Te Ara Hura markers. This may also include paths through vineyards.
Some sections of coastal track follow the beach where tides permit. Beaches are mostly sandy and this can be either soft or firm and compact underfoot depending on the tide level. Shallow estuary crossings may be necessary at low tide and some rock-hopping around headlands may also be required.
Accommodation is on a twinshare basis in modern rooms with tea and coffee facilities. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property has an inhouse restaurant and is also conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks, points of interest and the ferry terminal. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.
These are comfortable, spacious units with a modern but relaxed style. They have beach access (across the road) and provide all the facilities of a home away from home. Apartments all have private bathrooms, with all linen provided. Kitchens are well-equipped with refrigerator, microwave, hotplates, crockery and cutlery, pots and pans, coffee plunger, laundry facilities, heating and cooling, hair dryer, TV and DVD player. Private lounge and outdoor seating areas allow room to spread out and offer a comfortable homely touch. There is wi-fi and mobile phone reception. Apartments may be upstairs or downstairs and have either ocean or garden views.
INTRODUCTORY These trips involve walking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) four times a week for three months leading up to your departure. Hill or stair walking with a full daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Introductory
6Days
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging