Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus from Auckland (Small Group Tour)
Highlights
Flexible, hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Scenic 1.5 hour loop tour of the island.
Explore at your own pace, stopping at over 15 locations
The cost-effective way to experience the island's best wineries, beaches, restaurants, and more.
On board host to help plan your day.
Includes return ferry. Choose from either the Waiheke Reserve ferry plus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or the Waiheke Walk-up ferry plus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus packages.
First bus service meets the Sam Waiheke Walk-up and Waiheke Reserve ferry from Auckland. Last bus service meets the 7pm Waiheke Walk-up ferry to Auckland
Itinerary
This popular tour stops at 15 destinations so you can explore the island at your own pace, and includes return ferry tickets to and from the island. Upon arrival, exit Waiheke Island’s Mātiatia Ferry Terminal and catch the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus. The bus stops at a selection of top vineyards, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches and nature walks. Download the MyTours app and get more information about the destinations and activities to explore. We recommend allowing at least half a day for the tour including the return ferry trip.
Main Route: 15 Stops with 9 Points of Interest
Operating Schedule: Departs every 60mins
First departure from Matiatia Ferry Terminal (Waiheke Island) at 10:00am off the 9:00am ferry. Last loop in time for the 7:00pm return ferry.
34 Mako Street - Waiheke Community Art Gallery
14 Makora Avenue - Oneroa Village - Ocean View Road at Tui Street
39-43 Causeway Road - Goldie & Kennedy Point Vineyards - Main Road Stop
22 Calais Terrace - Ostend Shopping - 22 Belgium Street
165 Onetangi Road - Stonyridge/Te Motu/Wild Estate
60 Onetangi Road - Waiheke Museum
11 Waiheke Road - Onetangi Beach - 3rd Avenue, Charlie's, Three Seven Two
Unnamed Road - Waiheke Museum
88 Onetangi Road - Stonyridge Vineyard - Main Road Stop
171 Carsons Road - Batch winery/Waiheke Wings
Lush Beauty - Ostend Shopping - by RSA
8A Donald Bruce Road - Goldie & Kennedy Point Vineyards - Main Road Stop
7 Matai Road Oneroa Village - Ocean View Road at Tui Street
126 Church Bay Road - Mudbrick Vineyard
61 Church Bay Road - Cable Bay Vineyard
Essential
Information
**Additional Information
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible Infant seats available Most travelers can participate
Detailed Description
Waiheke Island is known for its breath-taking vineyards, beaches, and seaside villages. The Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the easiest way to access these beautiful attractions.
The Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus is a convenient and flexible way to explore the beauty of Waiheke. It allows you to visit various attractions, wineries, beaches, and restaurants at your own pace. With multiple stops across the island, you can easily hop off at any destination that catches your interest and hop back on when you're ready to continue your journey. The buses are equipped with informative commentary, providing insights into the island's history, culture, and attractions. Whether you're interested in wine tasting, beach hopping, or scenic walks, the hop-on hop-off bus offers a hassle-free way to experience Waiheke Island's charm.
FERRY JOURNEY: 40 minutes or 45 minutes via Devonport.
DURATION: Tour at your own pace. We recommend allowing at least five hours including ferry travel
**Schedule:
1/ Hop-On Hop-Off Bus plus Waiheke Walk-up ferry: Daily
2/ Hop-On Hop-Off Bus plus Waiheke Reserve ferry: Wednesday - Sunday (October to March only)
**Bookings are required for date and time of travel. No tours an Christmas Day. Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day
**About Waiheke Walk-up Ferry
The Waiheke Walk-up ferry serves as the primary passenger ferry service, offering high frequency, regular sailings to Waiheke Island year-round. Passengers holding a Waiheke Walk-up ferry ticket can utilise it for any scheduled Waiheke Walk-up sailing within a year from the date of purchase, providing flexibility for their travel plans. During peak periods, it is advised that walk-up customers arrive at least an hour before their preferred sailing time.
Alternatively, for individuals with fixed travel schedules, the Waiheke Reserve ferry offers the option to book a departure time and date in advance, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Ferry Journey: 40 minutes or 45 minutes via Devonport.
High frequency, all day. With approximately 22 services to Waiheke Island daily, the Walk-up ferry operates from 6:00am to midnight.
Ferry Departs: Sailing times are approx. every 60 minutes. Peak sailings are approx. every 30 minutes (early morning and evening sailings may vary).
Walk-up service, on demand passenger boarding. Expect to queue to board walk-up service, prior to timetable departure times. Tickets valid for all walk-up sailings.
Departure Point: Pier 11 and 12, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Auckland.
**About Waiheke Reserve Ferry
The Waiheke Reserve ferry offers a premier travel experience, allowing passengers to secure their preferred dates and times in advance. With bookable tickets, or what others in the industry call ‘skip the queue’ or ‘fast-pass’, visitors can enjoy peace of mind knowing their journey is confirmed, eliminating uncertainty. Additionally, the Waiheke Reserve ferry provides early boarding privileges, allowing passengers to board up to 20 minutes before departure. This streamlined boarding process not only ensures a stress-free start to the journey but also allows passengers to relax and indulge in onboard amenities without the rush. Choose the Waiheke Reserve ferry for a convenient, streamlined travel experience tailored to your schedule.
Ferry Journey: 40 minutes on the Waiheke Reserve ferry.
Departure point: Pier 13/14, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Auckland. Pier 3, Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
Flexible Return Options: Opt for a same-day return or book your return sailing up to three weeks later. Enjoy added flexibility by using your Reserve ticket for any Waiheke Walk-up ferry sailing on the day of travel. Simply scan upon boarding.
Skip the queue: The Waiheke Reserve ferry is the streamlined and queue-free ferry service that takes you directly to Waiheke Island.
Streamlined Boarding: Enjoy the convenience of boarding up to 20 minutes before departure, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Skip the rush and relax with our onboard cafes and bar services.
**About the MyTours App
The MyTours app is the perfect companion to the Waiheke Island Explorer Hop-on Hop-off tour. It’ll provide you with more information about vineyards and activities near each of the bus stops, plus a detailed interactive map, and other quick links. We’re constantly developing the app, so new features are always being released
