Guided Bush Hike, Wine Tasting

A 5-hour small-group Waiheke Island outing run by Terra & Tide, rated 4.9 from 53 reviews.

Overview

This Terra & Tide tour pairs a guided bush walk across Waiheke Island with tastings at two of its well known vineyards. The day starts at Matiatia Ferry Wharf at 9:45am, once the morning ferry from Auckland has come in. From there a guide trained in local flora, fauna, conservation and Māori history leads the way on foot, heading through the Atawhai Whenua Reserve before reaching Cable Bay Vineyards and then Mudbrick Vineyard for the tastings. The walk covers roughly 4 to 6 km over 2.5 to 3 hours of walking, graded Easy.

Lunch is built into the day: a picnic of a sandwich from a local partner, a sweet treat and two pieces of fruit, made with local ingredients. Several reviewers described the picnic as well timed between the two tastings, with one noting a beach side setting. Tasting costs at both vineyards are covered in the tour price; ferry fares and any extra tastings are not.

The tour finishes back at Matiatia Wharf around 3pm, in time for an afternoon ferry to Auckland. Groups are capped at 12 guests, the minimum age is 8, and walkers need to be 18 or over with photo ID for the wine tastings. It suits travellers who would rather see the island on foot than from a bus, provided they are comfortable on trails that one reviewer found muddy after rain.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Matiatia WharfMeet at the Fullers360 Matiatia ticket office, 1 Ocean View Road. The tour starts at 9:45am; the guide holds a Terra & Tide sign to your left as you disembark the ferry.
2. Atawhai Whenua ReserveA 30 minute pass through the reserve at 150 Church Bay Road, where the guide points out native plants and birds along the way.
3. Cable Bay VineyardsA 30 minute stop for the first included wine tasting, with tasting costs covered by the tour.
4. Mudbrick VineyardA 30 minute stop for the second included wine tasting, also covered, passing views of the Hauraki Gulf, Tīkapa Moana and Matiatia Bay.
5. Finish at Matiatia WharfThe walk ends back at Matiatia Ferry Wharf around 3pm, in time for the 3pm or 4pm ferry depending on group pace.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this tour fits your day on Waiheke.

• Getting there. Ferry fares between Auckland and Waiheke are not included. The listing says to catch the 9:00am Fullers ferry from downtown Auckland, a crossing of about 35 minutes, and the guide meets you at Matiatia before the terminal.
• Pace and fitness. The walk is 4 to 6 km with 2.5 to 3 hours of walking, graded Easy. One reviewer called it moderately challenging but very doable, and another said the guide checked that the pace suited the group.
• What to wear. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, plus a raincoat if rain is forecast. A reviewer who walked in on and off rain reported muddy trails and recommended waterproof clothing and hiking shoes.
• Food and drink. A picnic lunch is included: a sandwich from a local partner, a sweet treat and two pieces of fruit, made with local ingredients. Two wine tastings are also included; additional tastings beyond these are at your own cost.
• Group feel. Groups run to a maximum of 12 guests, minimum age 8. Several reviewers enjoyed the small walking format as an alternative to bus or bike tours, and one found themselves the only guest that day.
• Weather. The tour runs in all weather unless conditions are extreme. If it is cancelled for extreme weather the operator offers a full refund or a new date.

Common issues. Ferry fares are not included, so budget for the Auckland crossing separately. The route is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Children under 8 cannot join, and walkers must be 18 or over with photo ID to take part in the tastings. One reviewer encountered muddy trails after rain, so footwear matters. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund.

Before You Book