Waiheke Island Cultural Tour

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Highlights & inclusions

Learn about the arrival of Māori in NZ
Learn about the indigenous people who made Waiheke their home
Enjoy a bush walk and learning about the traditional use of plants
Walk to the summit of a pā site and see evidence of middens, kumara pits and fortified terraces
Visit the local Marae to learn about its importance to the community and Marae protocol
Visit local beaches and a local vineyard and taste the local wine
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From
$441.60AUD

1. Select date

October 2024

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Hot Deal
Last minute deal

2. Select participants

Adult
0
Child (8-17yrs)
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What you can expect

Spend a day exploring Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. 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 revitalisation of Māori language and the impact of colonisation on Māori people.

Lunch is at a local cafe where you will have an opportunity to mix with the locals and experience delicious food and coffee. The sub-tropical Waiheke climate has allowed for award-winning wine and olive oil industries to be established on the island. You will be able to taste both as an option when visiting a local vineyard.

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 historical pa site with archaeological remains of kumara pits, shell middens and defensive terraces. You will also likely see our native birds tui, kereru and piwakawaka.

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. Your guide will drop 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.

Location

What you need to know

How It Works
  • Start: 9:45am, Ferry Wharf in Matiatia
  • When leaving the ferry, look for your guide who will be standing on your left just before you enter the Ferry Terminal. Your guide will be holding a Terra & Tide sign
  • Finish: 4:00pm, Ferry Wharf in Matiatia
  • Minimum number of tour participants: 2
  • Maximum number of tour participants: 12 plus guide
Inclusions
  • Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation
Exclusions
  • Ferry fares from Auckland
  • Lunch (can be purchased separately on the tour at a local cafe)
Highlights
  • Learn about the arrival of Māori in NZ and specifically on Waiheke
  • Learn about the indigenous people who made Waiheke their home
  • Learn about the impact of colonisation on Māori
  • Learn about the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and how it acts as a foundation for NZ’s development today
  • Learn about what has happened in recent times – the revitalisation of the Māori language, treaty settlements, the growth of the Māori economy and how the Treaty is being interpreted and applied to the modern NZ context
  • Visit the local Marae to learn about its importance to the community and Marae protocol
  • Visit local beaches and a local vineyard and taste the local wine
  • Walk to the summit of a pā site and see evidence of middens, kumara pits and fortified terraces
  • Enjoy a bush walk and learning about the traditional use of plants in Rongoa – Maori medicine
Time
  • This experience begins at 9:45am and finishes at 4:00pm
Duration
  • This experience is approximately 6 hours in duration
Departure Location
  • This experience departs from Ferry Wharf in Matiatia
What To Bring
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
  • Water
  • Raincoat (depending on forecast)
Additional Information
  • Minimum number of tour participants: 2
  • Maximum number of tour participants: 12 plus guide
Cancellation Policy
  • More than 7 days before tour: a 10% fee will be deducted
  • Within 48 hours of tour or if you ‘no show’: no refund
  • For tours except private groups: Between 7 days and 48 hours before tour: a 50% fee will be deducted unless you rebook (subject to availability)
  • For private groups: between 7 days and 48 hours before tour: a 30% fee will be deducted unless you rebook (subject to availability)
  • For private groups rebooking may be offered depending on circumstances and availability and any change in numbers may require a re-quote
Booking Information
  • Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
  • Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
  • For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements