Activities in Hauraki Gulf Islands
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Ananda Tours
Offers a food and wine tour ($95) and a Wine Connoisseur’s Tour ($190). Small-group, informal tours can be customised, including visits to artists’ studios.
reviewed
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Fullers
Runs a Wine On Waiheke Tour (adult $115, 4¾ hours, departs Auckland 1pm) that visits three of the island’s top wineries and includes a platter of nibbles. Taste Of Waiheke (adult $112, 5½ hours, departs Auckland 11am) also includes three wineries plus an olive grove and light lunch. There’s also a 1½-hour Explorer Tour of the island (adult/child $48/24, departs Auckland 10am, 11am and noon). All prices include the ferry and an all-day bus pass.
reviewed
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Ross Adventures
It’s the fervently held opinion of Ross of Ross Adventures that Waiheke offers kayaking every bit as good as the legendary Abel Tasman National Park. He should know – Ross has been offering guided kayak trips for over 20 years. Experienced sea kayakers can comfortably circumnavigate the island in four days, exploring hidden coves and sand spits inaccessible by land.
reviewed
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Aotea Sea Kayaks
Aotea Sea Kayaks runs harbour ($50, two hours), sunset ($60, two hours), snorkelling ($90, four hours) and phosphorescent night paddles ($90). Kayaks (per day $40 to $60) and snorkelling equipment (per day $25) can be hired, as well as sea kayaks kitted out with lines and tackle for fishing (per day $80).
reviewed
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Poderi Crisci
Recently purchased by the Italian-born patriarch behind Non Solo Pizza, we expect great things from the soon-to-come cafe. Italian varietals (Montepulciano, Nebbiolo) and olives have been planted alongside the existing pinot grigio and merlot.
reviewed
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Wild On Waiheke
If you like to shoot stuff after a few drinks, this winery and microbrewery offers tastings, archery, clay shooting, pètanque and a giant chess board.
reviewed
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Hooked on Barrier
Hooked on Barrier sells and hires out diving, snorkelling, fishing, surfing and kayak (both from $35 per hour) gear.
reviewed
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Stonyridge
Famous organic reds, an atmospheric cafe, tours ($10, 35 minutes, 11.30am Saturday and Sunday) and the occasional dance party.
reviewed
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Goldwater Estate
Waiheke’s wine pioneers, Goldwater has been producing wine from these 21 acres for over 30 years.
reviewed
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Golf Course
reviewed
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Golf Course
reviewed
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Tramline Track
A more challenging tramp is the Tramline Track (five hours), which starts on Aotea Rd and follows old logging tramlines to Whangaparapara Harbour. The track is hilly and in some parts the clay becomes slippery after rain.
reviewed
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Kaitoke Hot Springs Track
A very popular walk is the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track. The natural hot pools in a bush stream can be reached from Whangaparapara Rd (45 minutes).
reviewed
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Harataonga Coastal Walk
The 11km Harataonga Coastal Walk (five hours) heads from Harataonga Bay to Whangapoua.
reviewed
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Tryphena Charters
You can dive from a beach or charter a boat through Tryphena Charters.
reviewed
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Waiheke Auto Rentals
Waiheke Auto Rentals offers rentals, but you must be over 21 and pay 65c a kilometre for cars or 4WDs. The insurance excess (deposit) is $1000.
reviewed
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Waiheke Island Adventures
Scenic tours ($25), vineyard tours ($25), or Stony Batter tours ($35) in a 15-seater bus. Art and beach tours also available.
reviewed
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Waiheke Executive Transport
Short tours (from $15), wine tours (half-day/day/premium $55/71/95), arts and crafts tours ($71) and walking tours (from $25).
reviewed
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Waiheke Bike Hire
The island has 12km-, 25km- and 70km-loop bicycle routes, but prepare for a lot of hills. Mountain bikes (half-/full day $20/30) can be hired at Waiheke Bike Hire, or you can cheat on the inclines with electric bikes.
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