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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
With the freedom of choosing your own daily rhythm while discovering the character of Waiheke Island, this trip is the perfect island escape. 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. You may even bump into some of New Zealand's well-heeled and famous folk who call the island home. Walk a variety of terrain from gentle local footpaths to narrow bush tracks across hill slopes. Everywhere there are wonderful vistas. The Te Ara Hura (which means "Discover the Way") is a continuous route around the island made up of numerous tracks, trails and paths linked together. By walking a different section of the route each day, entirely at your leisure, it is possible to truly discover the diversity of this place, one day at a time. Returning to the same centrally-located accommodation every night there is no need to pack up your luggage until you leave, meaning you walk with only a daypack and have plenty of time to relax. Located just a short ferry journey from the city hum of Auckland but feeling a world away, it is no wonder people return again and again.
16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(79kg 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 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, explore Oneroa Village (the main settlement on the island) with its cafes, boutique shops and galleries, 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 you will find your accommodation for the next four nights. Settle in and relax.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Walk Onetangi to Orapiu (25km, 5 - 7 hrs)
Although longer in duration, today's walk starts from your accommodation and is a gentler gradient than yesterday. Mostly following ridgelines inland a little and alongside the road, more superb views abound. Exploring the remote eastern end of the island you will encounter fewer inhabitants, places of historical significance, rural vistas, wildlife corridors, wetlands and isolated beaches. Take 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). Please check winery opening times, some venues may be closed on weekdays and/or outside of the peak season. 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 about the smaller offshore islands you can see. You will be met this afternoon and transferred back to your accommodation for the night.
Day 4
Walk Orapiu to Putiki-O-Kahu (Trig Hill) (18km, 5 hrs)
After a good breakfast, transfer to Orapiu where you finished walking yesterday. There are some steep sections on today's walk and it is considered the most strenuous on the Te Ara Hura route. The exertion is worth it, however, with the rewards being beautiful forest, birdlife, a marine reserve, delectable wines (optional, own expense) and the exhilaration of standing at the highest point on the trail (155m) with uninterrupted views all around. Maunganui (231m), the highest point on the island, can be seen nearby before descending into the picturesque Awaawaroa Valley and completing the journey on the other side at Trig Hill (Putiki-O-Kahu). Transfer from there back to your accommodation for a well-deserved swim, shower and evening of relaxation.
Day 5
Walk Putiki-O-Kahu (Trig Hill) to Te Toki Reserve (20.5km, 5 - 6.5 hrs)
Begin walking today from where you left off yesterday, at Trig Hill. The trail is undulating and is both on and off road, weaving around the 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), learn the importance of historic Rangihoua pa and discover the most popular bay to moor a houseboat. Of course there are magical coastal views throughout the day and flowering native trees add to the spectacle in season. Complete today's adventure at Surfdale Beach after walking through the secluded Te Toki Reserve wetlands. Return to your accommodation to soak up the Waiheke atmosphere for a final night.
Day 6
Walk Te Toki Reserve to Matiatia, ferry to Auckland (12km, 3.5 - 4 hrs)
The last day of walking is relaxed and is the easiest day on the route. After packing your luggage and checking out of your accommodation, you will be transferred to Surfdale once again. Commence walking from here to Te Huruhi Bay where it is worth visiting a Maori cemetery and the beautifully decorated Piritahi community Marae (meeting place). The Marae is not a tribal one and while respecting Ngati Paoa (the original inhabitants of Waiheke) it welcomes people from all races. The beach in this area is a significant godwit (migratory wading bird) feeding ground, their arrival and departure in September and March marking the extended summer season for locals. Indulge in some final wine tasting (own expense) with a view from the well-regarded Cable Bay or Mudbrick Vineyards and pass by Church Bay where some of the grandest mansions on the island are located. You can shorten the day if required or walk the full length of the route around beautiful headlands to the Matiatia ferry wharf. Your luggage will be waiting here for your return journey to Auckland, departing at 4:00pm. Trip arrangements end on arrival in Auckland. ** PLEASE NOTE: You cannot enter a Maori cemetery as it's tapu (sacred) or enter the Marae without a formal welcoming ceremony. You are welcome to view both from the outside.
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 twin share 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 TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walking each day is over a variety of terrain including flat pavements, sandy beaches and hills with uneven track surfaces. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections that have a loose surface and are slippery when wet. A very good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills or sand dunes on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.
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
Moderate
Introductory
6Days
Moderate to Challenging