Waiheke Island Maori Cultural Tour with Wine, Lunch & Sacred Sites
Board the ferry, meet your Māori guide and spend a day where ancestral stories, coastal lookouts and vineyard terraces converge. This small-group tour on Waiheke Island pairs sacred-site storytelling with wine tastings and a seaside lunch.
The Experience
Before You Go
Take the 9:00 a.m. ferry from Auckland
Plan your arrival to meet at Pier 2, Matiatia by 9:40 a.m.; the guide begins with a karakia and won’t wait for latecomers.
Bring sun protection and a wind layer
North-facing vineyards are exposed; a hat and SPF plus a lightweight jacket keep you comfortable during seaside breezes.
Comfortable shoes for short uneven paths
Walks are mostly easy but include compact dirt and beach sand — closed-toe walking shoes are best.
Notify dietary needs in advance
Lunch and tastings are included; inform the operator ahead of time to accommodate allergies or restrictions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short walk behind Three Seven Two to quieter coves near Onetangi for marine sightings
- •Oneroa village lanes where local artists sell ceramics and prints away from main shops
Wildlife
- •Kererū (native wood pigeon)
- •Dolphins and occasional whales offshore
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to respect sacred sites and stay on marked paths; local operators support regenerative vineyard practices and marine protection efforts.
Waiheke’s Māori history includes seasonal occupation and resource use; many sites visited were important for fishing and navigational knowledge prior to European settlement.
Photographer's Notes
- • Matiatia Bay pier (arrival framing)
- • Batch Winery lookout over north-facing slopes
- • Onetangi beachfront looking west
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Support and traction for paved lanes, boardwalks and beach sand.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated during walks and tastings; refill points are limited.
Sunhat and sunscreenEssential
Protect against strong UV on open vineyard slopes and beaches.
Light rain/wind shell
A compact layer for sudden coastal wind or showers.
Common Questions
How do I get to the meeting point?
Take the 9:00 a.m. passenger ferry from Auckland to Matiatia Wharf and meet the guide at Pier 2 by 9:40 a.m.
Is lunch and wine included?
Yes — all tastings and lunch at Three Seven Two with a glass of wine are included in the tour price.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The operator lists wheelchair access for key areas; contact them with specific mobility needs to confirm arrangements.
Can children join the tour?
Yes — the tour accommodates families, and infants can be in strollers; check in advance for child meal options.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs in most conditions; the cancellation policy allows full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand.
How large are the groups?
Group size is capped at 17, keeping the experience small and conversational.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks under 3 km and modest elevation to the vineyard
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