Top Waiheke Island Historical Tours

Discover the wines and scenery of Waiheke Island on a half-day wine tour from Auckland. Hop the morning ferry to Matiatia to join your guide and hear insightful commentary as you travel to different wineries for tastings. You have the option to purchase lunch at one of the stops, and you can either remain on the island at the end of the tour or return to Auckland by ferry.

Explore Waiheke Island at your own pace with all-day tickets for a hop-on, hop-off island explorer bus. Plan the perfect day with help from the onboard host, then see the things that interest you most, choosing from 16 stops near vineyards, galleries, beaches, and trailheads. This full-day Waiheke Island experience offers a personalized combination of nature, culture, and food, and departs from Matiatia every 60 minutes from morning until evening.

Discover Devonport on a guided walking tour through one of Auckland’s oldest seaside suburbs. Starting at the historic Devonport Ferry Terminal, this 60–75 minute, 3km journey explores volcanic cones like Mount Victoria (Takarunga), Māori heritage, and Victorian architecture. Highlights include the Michael King Writers Centre, The Vic cinema, Holy Trinity Church, and Devonport Library—near the site of New Zealand women’s first votes in 1893. Walk past heritage sites like Old Albert tree, naval relics, and the Devonport Yacht Club, and learn about the town’s role in the nuclear-free movement. This tour blends history, culture, and panoramic harbour views in a charming, village setting.

Across the water from bustling Auckland lies the tranquil village of Devonport, topped by the volcanic cone of Mt. Victoria. It’s the perfect place to learn to master a Segway, and glide on two wheels to the peak of the hill. With a maximum of six people per guide, explore back streets, parks, and Victorian villas, then scale the summit, soak up 360-degree views, and discover the mysterious “mushroom” patch.

Far End Tour is our exclusive offer, as it's a very remote part of Waiheke that most people miss out on. It gives visitors a real variety of venues and locations to explore. -- Explore the Island Paradise, and sample some of the most divine wines that Waiheke has to offer. All while having your own private Guide, knowledgeable about local history, hidden gems, and of course wine! Up to 12 Wine Tastings on 3 Top Vineyards included You will spend 4 hours in style – with privacy and attention unmatched by traditional group tours.

Discover the fascinating world of brewing and distilling on this comprehensive 50-minute tour. Guided by an expert, delve into the intricate processes of history, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging while gaining insights into the similarities and differences between beer and whisky production. Sample both a beer and a whisky, and consider extending your experience with a specialist Tasting Flight for a deeper dive into flavours. This tour offers a maximum of 20 participants, ensuring an intimate setting for learning and enjoyment. - 50-minute guided tour covering brewing and distilling processes - Sample both beer and whisky during the tour - Perfect for groups of up to 20 people - Pre-booking required, with tours available most days at 11:15 am

Step into Devonport, Auckland’s charming seaside village where Victorian villas, volcanic cones, and sparkling harbor views set the scene. Just a short ferry ride from the city, this destination feels like a world apart. This 5-kilometer self-guided adventure takes you through 31 fascinating stops, from the bustling ferry terminal to the summit of Mount Victoria. Along the way, enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of Auckland’s skyline and Rangitoto Island. Wander at your own pace down leafy streets lined with heritage cottages, explore historic naval sites, and uncover hidden military tunnels. Your phone guides you seamlessly offline no data needed as you stroll between landmarks. Discover the Māori stories behind Takarunga’s sacred slopes and learn how Devonport once housed the Southern Hemisphere’s largest drydock. Here, ancient pā sites blend with modern cafés, boutique shops, and a vibrant village atmosphere.

Take an in-depth tour of the wine-growing region on Waiheke Island with a guide on this excursion. You'll learn about what makes the vineyards so successful and the characteristics of the local wine through guided commentary and visits to three top vineyards. With round-trip transportation from Waiheke’s ferry terminal provided, you can take full advantage of the tastings without worrying about who will drive.

Waiheke Island isn’t as built up as nearby Auckland, so it's not quite as easy to get around. On this private guided tour, hop aboard an electric van and let your guide direct you to a range of popular tourist attractions. Stroll along the island’s white sand beaches, enjoy a decadent artisanal ice cream, discover some historic Maori carvings, and much more.

Discover Waiheke Island's wine scene on a small-group tour starting at Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Visit Oneroa Village for coffee, then explore family-owned boutique wineries off the beaten path along native bush-lined roads. Taste up to 15 premium handcrafted wines from sustainable vineyards, enjoy lunch options, and experience the island's authentic charm in a relaxed setting.

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. 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 revitalization of Māori language and the impact of colonization on Māori people.

Explore Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve on a 90-minute guided walking tour through Devonport, Auckland. Starting at the Tainui Landing Memorial Marae, climb the ancient volcanic cone and uncover 800 years of history—from Māori pā fortifications to Cold War tunnels. Highlights include hand-carved tunnels, disappearing gun emplacements, hydro-pneumatic gun carriages, and stunning 360-degree harbour views. Walk through Devonport Domain, explore heritage military sites, descend “smuggler stairs” to Cheltenham Beach, and finish at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. Discover Māori legends, colonial fears, and wartime secrets on one of Auckland’s most scenic and historic walks. This tour blends natural beauty, military history, and Māori heritage into an unforgettable Devonport experience. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.

Explore the Island Paradise, and sample some of the most divine wines that Waiheke has to offer. All while having your own private Guide, knowledgeable about local history, hidden gems, and of course wine! You will experience wine tasting of at least 8 wines at 2 top boutique vineyards. You will spend 2 hours in style – with privacy and attention unmatched by traditional group tours.

The Devonport Explorer is a great way to discover Auckland being one of its oldest suburbs with arguably the best City skyline and Harbour Views. You will discover our Maori and European history along with its geology. This tour will fit many itineraries with ferry crossing from downtown only 15 minutes allowing flexibility along with coach and harbour travel. Within an hour and 15 minutes you can be standing on two Volcanic cones with commanding views overlooking Heritage homes built from native Kauri Timber. Discover why the locals describe this destination as close enough but far enough away. View skyline features a passing cruise liner and then in minutes a tranquil North Shore Beach. A visit to the suburb of Devonport is a must to any Auckland itinerary. If you make your way to Devonport you'll enjoy it but if you let us show you around you might want to live here.

Take a premium wine tour of Waiheke Island and sip fine wines at this famed North Island destination, just a ferry ride away from Auckland. An informative local guide accompanies you to award-winning boutique vineyards and shares knowledge of the island and its viticulture along the way. Includes wine tasting fees and round-trip island transport from the ferry terminal by minibus.

Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a 5.5-hour food and wine tour. An informative guide picks you up from the wharf and takes you to boutique wineries. Taste wine accompanied by locally produced specialties such as olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. Then settle in for a platter lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Linger on Waiheke and take the ferry back to Auckland whenever you like.

Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and customs of the fascinating Maori culture with our amazing tours! Explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Waiheke Island. Our tours are led by a local Maori guide who will share his (Whakapapa) ancestry and weave stories of land wars and present-day Maori life, all interwoven with wine, food (kai), and stories (Korero) and Song (Waiata).