Add dates

Waiheke Island Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Waiheke Island Nature & adventure

Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

1. Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Hosted on Waiheke Island, just 30 minutes by fast ferry from central Auckland, this 3-hour zipline adventure offers nature lovers a thrilling, state-of-the-art dual zipline flight over native forest. Enjoy a mini-tour of Waiheke's beaches, million-dollar properties, and boutique wineries en route to the zipline site, where you'll be geared-up for one of New Zealand’s most exciting eco activities. Soar along 3 dual ziplines, each more than 650 feet (200 meters) long. Glide smoothly, side-by-side with a partner or friend, over a working vineyard and stunning tracts of original and regenerating native New Zealand bush. Catch views of Auckland, Rangitoto, and the Hauraki Gulf, as you zip. On completion of the 3rd line, enjoy a spectacular interpretive walk back to the visitor center, while guides share stories of the local flora and fauna, and Maori and European history of Waiheke.

Waiheke Island: 30-Minute Scenic Flight

2. Waiheke Island: 30-Minute Scenic Flight

Takeoff from Waiheke Aerodrome for an exclusive sightseeing tour to one of the very best locations in the North Island of New Zealand. Enjoy incredible vistas of the beaches, ocean and coastline. The flight path follows the shoreline of the island for the best views of its magical beaches and the surrounding islands. See the wineries and secret coves from the sky, and get a real feel for the island's charm. For 30 minutes, forget about the real world and marvel at the beautiful lush, green and volcanic landscapes formed centuries ago by moving tectonic plates. Immerse yourself into the beauty of the world from a bird's eye view.

Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

3. Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

Delight in a 45-minute scenic flight offering the best of both worlds: the natural splendor of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and the iconic urban skyline of the city of Auckland. Take off from Waiheke Airport, nestled among the vineyards, and instantly get amazing views of Waiheke Island’s coastline, beaches, and many vineyards. Follow the coastline before breaking off to track toward Auckland. Admire fantastic views of Motuhie and Browns Islands before cruising past downtown Auckland. In the city, enjoy a half-orbit of the famous Sky Tower to take some awesome photos. Then, fly past the Harbour Bridge, Davenport Naval Base, and North Head Volcano. Next, marvel at New Zealand’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto, and peer into its crater as you are flown just 500 feet (152 meters) above its summit. Finally, head back to Waiheke to land.

Waiheke Island: Premium Vineyard, Wine Tasting and Bush Walk

4. Waiheke Island: Premium Vineyard, Wine Tasting and Bush Walk

See the best of Waiheke Island with a guided nature walk starting from the ferry terminal. Discover the beautiful forests and vineyards of the island on a small-group tour.  Enjoy stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula. Spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. Explore the Atawhai Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve while learning about the various conservation projects on the island. Learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and walk through rolling hills to Mudbrick Vineyard and Cable Bay Vineyards. Sample some of their award-winning wines, then enjoy a coffee and a bite, at your own expense, before returning to the ferry terminal.

Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine and Food Tasting with Flights

5. Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine and Food Tasting with Flights

Board your flight from Ardmore Aerodrome and enjoy views of the beautiful scenery and local landmarks before arriving at Waiheke Island. Adjacent to the airfield is the Batch Winery, where you can sit back, unwind and enjoy the luxurious surroundings. A fabulous 3-course meal and premium wine tasting will be served while overlooking the vineyards and views of Auckland from the highest point on the Island. Your driver will show you the beautiful island landscape while driving back to the ferry terminal, on your way back to downtown Auckland. With lots of tranquil waters and white sandy beaches surrounding you, this unique experience will surpass your expectations.

Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

6. Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

Enjoy this stunning day out on a premium sailing experience from Waiheke Island. After boarding you will stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Your guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands, history and people. You’ll learn about the oceanography of the Gulf, the resident and migratory species which make the Gulf their home and current conservation efforts on land and sea as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help to trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Waiheke Island: Premium Full Day Guided Cultural Tour

7. Waiheke Island: Premium Full Day Guided Cultural Tour

Discover Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. Visit the focal point of the Māori community on Waiheke, learn about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalization of the Māori language, and the impact of colonization on Māori people. Be greeted by your local guide at the wharf upon your arrival. Stroll around Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City, and the Pacific Ocean. Purchase lunch 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 may spot native birds like the tui, kereru, and piwakawaka. Your guide will drop you back at the wharf in time for the return 4:00 PM 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 a short bus ride.

Waiheke Island: 5-Hour Guided Art Exploration Walk

8. Waiheke Island: 5-Hour Guided Art Exploration Walk

Join a guided art walking tour on the beautiful Waiheke Island. The island is home to a wonderful range of artists as the island supports a lively creative community. Take a ferry from Downtown Auckland to Matiatia Ferry Wharf on Waiheke Island. Your guide will be meeting you at the pier, or if you are already on Waiheke Islands, meet your guide at the Community Art Gallery.   The community is committed to conserving the unique environment of the island by minimizing its carbon footprint. Be inspired by the surrounding creativity and beauty of nature on Waiheke island as you visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artist collective, the Community Art Gallery, and an artist goldsmith. Make a stop at a local sculpture park and learn about this intriguing array of outdoor art. Meet glass artists and painters in their studios and even an artisan shoemaker. In the afternoon, savor lunch at the Church Bay Studio, the spectacular home of artist Gabriella Lewenz. After lunch, walk through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve and admire its native flora and fauna. The tour ends back at the Community Gallery, where your guide bids you farewell.

Waiheke Island: Forest and Beach Premium Guided Walk

9. Waiheke Island: Forest and Beach Premium Guided Walk

Meet your guide at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Explore the scenic Te Whau Peninsula and Rocky Bay of Waiheke Island, and discover unique features of the surrounding environment. Learn about birdlife on the island, including the protected dotterel nesting grounds. Chat with your fellow walkers and stop for a break on the beach. Explore the beautiful forest reserves, including the magnificent Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms of the Whakanewha Regional Park.

Waiheke Island: Private Personalized Walk

10. Waiheke Island: Private Personalized Walk

Enjoy a small group tour of Waiheke Island with your experienced local guide. The tour covers all areas of Waiheke Island and the itinerary can be designed to best suit your interests and requirements. Connect with nature and learn how you can contribute to local conservation efforts, either here or close to your home. You're sure to learn something new, either about the New Zealand environment, Waiheke Island or the Hauraki Gulf. Let the local partner help introduce you to these amazing surroundings as you explore coastal tracks and art walks. If there are any other outdoor activities that you wish to try while you are on the island, the local partner will be happy to help arrange these.

Available activities

13 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Waiheke Island Nature & adventure

What are other things to do than Nature & adventure that are worth visiting in Waiheke Island?

The other unmissable things to do in Waiheke Island are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Waiheke Island

Want to discover all there is to do in Waiheke Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Waiheke Island

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 97 reviews

I am a local Waihekean & have had family visiting. ZIPLINE, ARCHERY, STONY BATTER TUNNELS, BEER TASTING. Am so very impressed with every event we went to. Superb staff & the running of these events, excellent. Each place remembered out names, were totally professional AND friendly.

Awesome activity, the staff are excellent. Dave the bus driver very friendly and obliging. Our instructors/guides Olivia and Beth were fantastic. The walk out of the valley was very enjoyable and the information Beth relayed to us during the walk was very interesting.

We had the best time enjoying the beauty of Waiheke Island while ziplining! Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable and made our experience memorable- a perfect way to see the nature of the island while soaring through the air!

A load of fun and well worth doing while on the island. Guides are excellent and very professional - would definitely recommend!

The guides were wonderful and the view was amazing.