Waiheke Island Private Cultural Experience: Maori Cultural Heritage and Scenic Views Tour
4.3
3 Ratings
Auckland
Immerse yourself in the rich Maori cultural heritage of Waiheke Island on this private tour. Explore scenic views, learn about traditional practices, and discover the impact of colonization on the indigenous people.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Waiheke Island - Spend a day with your private group exploring Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. First is an orientation to Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and the Pacific Ocean. 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 take 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
What's Not Included
  • Ferry to/from Waiheke Island. Tickets can be purchased from us at $42/adult return.
  • Wine and olive oil tasting (optional cost will not exceed $50)
  • Lunch
Additional Information

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.

Location
Fullers360 Matiatia ticket office
Ocean View Road
Your tour begins on Waiheke Island. We do not do hotel pickups. If you are travelling from Auckland on the 9am ferry, your guide will be holding a sign and standing on your left as you leave the ferry at Waiheke Island (approximately 9.45am).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Evdwrotterdam
Feb 27, 2024
Highly enjoyable introduction to cultural and natural highlights of the island. - Justine was super friendly and accomodating, and knowledgable about Maori culture and history as well as nature. She drove us to some interesting locations on the island, and after an enjoyable walk through a magical fern-and Manuka forest we arrived at the Mudbrick vineyard for a wine tasting. We had another nature walk at a quiet beach, admired the 500 year old NZ Christmas tree, and then had a nice fresh lunch together. The day was relaxed, we could chat and learn about culture and history, and simply had a great day together. Highly recommended for a one day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion67228462093
Aug 18, 2023
Unforgettable - The views were amazing. We were myself (dad), my son and his pal. Justine adjusted our private tour effortlessly as these 16 year old adventure seekers wanted more of the danger, less vineyard beauty. Notwithstanding, she was able to connect with them as well as “adult” me and we were able to do both. I have never had such a wonderful guide and ill never forget it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcia_a
Feb 6, 2024
Not a cultural tour - The view on Waiheke Island is magnificent but this is not a cultural experience. We saw a Maori welcome hut but could not go in because no one was there to welcome us. As we traversed the island we were told about Māori rituals and life but saw nothing in person. Justine, our tour guide, was fantastic - she showed us the island and told us all about the customs - but that is not at all what we expected. The day before we toured Auckland on the same kind of tour for 1/4th the price. That is what this tour was worth.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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