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Experience the best of Waiheke Island from Auckland

Discover Waiheke Island in a way that perfectly fits your day—from flexible hop-on hop-off adventures and simple ferry rides to adrenaline-fueled ziplines and gourmet wine and food tours. Every experience is uniquely crafted to showcase the island’s pristine beaches, vineyards, and vibrant culture.
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Slide 1 of 12, Hop-on hop-off bus touring Waiheke Island with lush greenery and a vineyard in the background.
Hop-on hop-off bus touring Waiheke Island with lush greenery and a vineyard in the background.

Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers

Explore at your pace
1 more

  • Begin your tour on a hop-on hop-off bus with a mobile app for live tracking. This will help you plan stops at beaches and wineries.

  • Grab a one-day pass for a swift escape to Waiheke’s wineries, beaches, and markets or choose a two-day pass for relaxed tastings and scenic coastal views.

  • Travel along the Western Explorer Route with stops at local harbors, coastal villages, and key island attractions for informed visits.

  • Upgrade to include round-trip ferry transfers from Auckland to Waiheke, ensuring clear departure and arrival times.

More details

  • Begin your tour on a hop-on hop-off bus with a mobile app for live tracking. This will help you plan stops at beaches and wineries.

  • Grab a one-day pass for a swift escape to Waiheke’s wineries, beaches, and markets or choose a two-day pass for relaxed tastings and scenic coastal views.

  • Travel along the Western Explorer Route with stops at local harbors, coastal villages, and key island attractions for informed visits.

  • Upgrade to include round-trip ferry transfers from Auckland to Waiheke, ensuring clear departure and arrival times.

from
NZ$68
Slide 1 of 6, Ferry cruising near Waiheke Island with lush green hills and clear blue water.
Ferry cruising near Waiheke Island with lush green hills and clear blue water.

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Ferry Tickets

40 mins
1 more

  • Step aboard a fast ferry at Downtown Auckland for a smooth Waiheke Island transfer with flexible seating.

  • Cruise for around 40 minutes across the Waitematā Harbour, passing coastal views and surrounding islands.

  • Enjoy a comfortable ride with indoor cabins, outdoor decks, and onboard facilities like cafés and W-iFi

  • Take in panoramic city skyline views from the observation deck as you travel to and from Waiheke Island.

More details

  • Step aboard a fast ferry at Downtown Auckland for a smooth Waiheke Island transfer with flexible seating.

  • Cruise for around 40 minutes across the Waitematā Harbour, passing coastal views and surrounding islands.

  • Enjoy a comfortable ride with indoor cabins, outdoor decks, and onboard facilities like cafés and W-iFi

  • Take in panoramic city skyline views from the observation deck as you travel to and from Waiheke Island.

from
NZ$31.50
Slide 1 of 10, Friends enjoying wine at Stonyridge Winery, Waiheke Island, with scenic vineyard views.
Friends enjoying wine at Stonyridge Winery, Waiheke Island, with scenic vineyard views.

Waiheke Island Wine and Dine Experience at Stonyridge

Explore at your pace
2 more
  • Begin with a return ferry from Auckland; board the hop‑on hop‑off bus along the Western Explorer Route using live tracking to plan your day.
  • Enjoy a multi‑course lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard where you select your glass of wine and share a platter featuring Italian charcuterie and New Zealand cheeses.
  • Explore Stonyridge, a boutique winery famed for its Bordeaux‑style Larose and innovative winemaking, built on 6 hectares of fertile vines.
  • Use your 1‑day hop‑on hop‑off pass to visit Waiheke’s key stops, including golden beaches, charming olive groves, and scenic vineyard views along the route.
  • Relax on the Veranda Café amid rows of olive trees and colorful vines; enjoy outdoor seating with clear views of the valley, evoking a South‑of‑France feel.
More details
  • Begin with a return ferry from Auckland; board the hop‑on hop‑off bus along the Western Explorer Route using live tracking to plan your day.
  • Enjoy a multi‑course lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard where you select your glass of wine and share a platter featuring Italian charcuterie and New Zealand cheeses.
  • Explore Stonyridge, a boutique winery famed for its Bordeaux‑style Larose and innovative winemaking, built on 6 hectares of fertile vines.
  • Use your 1‑day hop‑on hop‑off pass to visit Waiheke’s key stops, including golden beaches, charming olive groves, and scenic vineyard views along the route.
  • Relax on the Veranda Café amid rows of olive trees and colorful vines; enjoy outdoor seating with clear views of the valley, evoking a South‑of‑France feel.
from
NZ$176
Slide 1 of 9, Women toasting with wine at Mudbrick Winery, Waiheke Island, with scenic vineyard view.
Women toasting with wine at Mudbrick Winery, Waiheke Island, with scenic vineyard view.

Taste of Waiheke: Wine and Gourmet Food Tour

7 hrs
2 more
  • Hop aboard the ferry from Auckland and sail into a day of vineyard-hopping. Your private coach awaits at Matiatia–your gateway to Waiheke's world-class wine scene.
  • At Allpress, taste liquid gold crafted from Waiheke's volcanic soils. Their hand-pressed oils capture the island's sunny microclimate in every drop.
  • Savor a seasonal two-course lunch at Batch Winery, located at Waiheke's highest point. Panoramic Gulf views and premium wines.
  • Continue your flavor adventure at Cable Bay and Mudbrick, where award-winning pours complement the views across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf to Auckland's skyline.
  • This seven-hour wine-lovers dream handles all the details – ferry tickets, tastings, lunch, and transfers – so you can focus on what matters: savoring every sip.
More details
  • Hop aboard the ferry from Auckland and sail into a day of vineyard-hopping. Your private coach awaits at Matiatia–your gateway to Waiheke's world-class wine scene.
  • At Allpress, taste liquid gold crafted from Waiheke's volcanic soils. Their hand-pressed oils capture the island's sunny microclimate in every drop.
  • Savor a seasonal two-course lunch at Batch Winery, located at Waiheke's highest point. Panoramic Gulf views and premium wines.
  • Continue your flavor adventure at Cable Bay and Mudbrick, where award-winning pours complement the views across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf to Auckland's skyline.
  • This seven-hour wine-lovers dream handles all the details – ferry tickets, tastings, lunch, and transfers – so you can focus on what matters: savoring every sip.
from
NZ$305
Slide 1 of 11, Whale near a tour boat on a Half-Day Safari Cruise from Auckland.
Whale near a tour boat on a Half-Day Safari Cruise from Auckland.

From Auckland: Half-Day Whale & Dolphin Safari Cruise

4 hrs 30 mins

  • Step aboard a purpose-built vessel at Viaduct Harbour for an Auckland whale watching cruise with spacious viewing areas

  • Cruise for around 4.5 hours into the Hauraki Gulf in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds

  • Listen to live commentary from expert crew and marine biologists as you learn about the region’s wildlife

  • Move between indoor cabins and open decks for fresh air and uninterrupted views during wildlife sightings

More details

  • Step aboard a purpose-built vessel at Viaduct Harbour for an Auckland whale watching cruise with spacious viewing areas

  • Cruise for around 4.5 hours into the Hauraki Gulf in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds

  • Listen to live commentary from expert crew and marine biologists as you learn about the region’s wildlife

  • Move between indoor cabins and open decks for fresh air and uninterrupted views during wildlife sightings

from
NZ$225
Slide 1 of 11, Sailboat on Auckland Harbour at sunset during a dinner cruise.
Sailboat on Auckland Harbour at sunset during a dinner cruise.

Auckland Harbour Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Drinks

2 hrs 30 mins
1 more

  • Step aboard a premium vessel at Viaduct Harbour for an Auckland Harbour dinner cruise with reserved restaurant-style seating

  • Cruise for 2.5 hours across the Waitematā Harbour with views of the Auckland skyline and Harbour Bridge by night

  • Enjoy a freshly prepared multi-course dinner served at your table in a relaxed setting with attentive onboard service

More details

  • Step aboard a premium vessel at Viaduct Harbour for an Auckland Harbour dinner cruise with reserved restaurant-style seating

  • Cruise for 2.5 hours across the Waitematā Harbour with views of the Auckland skyline and Harbour Bridge by night

  • Enjoy a freshly prepared multi-course dinner served at your table in a relaxed setting with attentive onboard service

from
NZ$174.98
Slide 1 of 16, Cruise ship on Auckland's Tikapa Moana, passengers enjoying ocean views.
Cruise ship on Auckland's Tikapa Moana, passengers enjoying ocean views.

From Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins & Islands Cruise

6 hrs 45 mins

  • Go on a 7-hour Tikapa Moana whale, dolphin & island cruise experience.

  • Cruise through the Hauraki Gulf as expert crew search for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the wild.

  • Enjoy informative onboard commentary while taking in scenic island views and coastal landscapes.

  • Stop at a selected island to relax or explore, with options including Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island.

  • Benefit from a marine mammal sighting guarantee, with a free return cruise if no wildlife is spotted.

More details

  • Go on a 7-hour Tikapa Moana whale, dolphin & island cruise experience.

  • Cruise through the Hauraki Gulf as expert crew search for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the wild.

  • Enjoy informative onboard commentary while taking in scenic island views and coastal landscapes.

  • Stop at a selected island to relax or explore, with options including Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island.

  • Benefit from a marine mammal sighting guarantee, with a free return cruise if no wildlife is spotted.

from
NZ$210
Slide 1 of 8, Auckland harbour cruise boat with city skyline and Sky Tower in the background.
Auckland harbour cruise boat with city skyline and Sky Tower in the background.

Auckland Scenic Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary

1 hr 30 mins

  • Step aboard for a scenic cruise across the Waitematā Harbour, offering a fresh perspective of the city from the water.

  • Sail past iconic highlights like the Auckland skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Devonport, and Rangitoto Island, with photo opportunities along the way.

  • Enjoy engaging live commentary from the friendly crew as they share stories, and local insights, all while you relax with access to a fully licensed bar and light snacks onboard.

  • Soak in the atmosphere on your return with indoor and outdoor seating, music, and a fun, easy-going vibe as you cruise back through the harbour.

More details

  • Step aboard for a scenic cruise across the Waitematā Harbour, offering a fresh perspective of the city from the water.

  • Sail past iconic highlights like the Auckland skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Devonport, and Rangitoto Island, with photo opportunities along the way.

  • Enjoy engaging live commentary from the friendly crew as they share stories, and local insights, all while you relax with access to a fully licensed bar and light snacks onboard.

  • Soak in the atmosphere on your return with indoor and outdoor seating, music, and a fun, easy-going vibe as you cruise back through the harbour.

from
NZ$45
Slide 1 of 7, Auckland Harbour cruise boat at sunset with city skyline in background.
Auckland Harbour cruise boat at sunset with city skyline in background.

Auckland Harbour Sunset Cruise

2 hrs

  • Step aboard a comfortable vessel for a 2-hour Auckland sunset harbour cruise experience.

  • Cruise across the harbour as the skyline glows at golden hour, with views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and surrounding waterfront.

  • Relax with access to a fully licensed bar offering wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and light snacks available for purchase.

  • Move between indoor lounges and open-air decks for fresh air and uninterrupted sunset views across the Waitematā Harbour.

More details

  • Step aboard a comfortable vessel for a 2-hour Auckland sunset harbour cruise experience.

  • Cruise across the harbour as the skyline glows at golden hour, with views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and surrounding waterfront.

  • Relax with access to a fully licensed bar offering wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and light snacks available for purchase.

  • Move between indoor lounges and open-air decks for fresh air and uninterrupted sunset views across the Waitematā Harbour.

from
NZ$49

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What our guests say

Kaye W

Australia
Couple
4 days ago
On time leaving & arriving back. Great commentary. Friendly hosts. Nature did not excel but nothing could be done about that. Lovely coming back to the lights. Well done to all.

Auckland Harbour Sunset Cruise

Susan G

United Kingdom
Family
4 days ago
As visitors from England, we found it an enjoyable and interesting experience. The captain gave s very informative commentary and we had the extra bonus of seeing Jeff Bezos' super yacht and a huge RORO coming into harbour and being nudged into berth. An excellent way to appreciate Auckland; even my daughter, who lives in Tauranga, found it an interesting experience. We didn't have the lunch but bought drinks and found the crew very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this cruise.

Auckland Scenic Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary

Christopher W

Couple
May 2026
Incredible Island and excellent guides! Both drivers on the day went out of their way to make us feel welcomed and make it a memorable day!

Western Explorer: Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Ferry Transfers

Grant C

New Zealand
Couple
May 2026
Lovely day, great crew - very passionate about the dolphins and whales, and some surprising scientific insights. Wonderful day out

From Auckland: Half-Day Whale & Dolphin Safari Cruise

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