Waiheke Island Private Double Headland Walk: Twin Coastal Routes
Guided Double Headland Walk on Waiheke: Coastal Trails & Local Lunch
A private guided walk on Waiheke Island covering the Matiatia and Church Bay headlands, with an expert local guide, lunch at Oneroa Village, and return transfers from the ferry terminal. The route splits into two parts (a northern walk around Matiatia past Owhanake Bay, and a southern walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and a sculpture park) each roughly two hours, with the order determined by tidal conditions. Groups stay under twelve people.
Step-by-step itinerary
Walk Waiheke Island headlands with guide
- Meet guide at ferry terminal
- Walk northern route around Matiatia headland
- Stop for lunch at Oneroa Village
- Walk southern route through Pio Rehutai Reserve
- Return to ferry terminal
What’s included
- Lunch at Oneroa Village.
- return transfers to the ferry terminal or your island accommodation.
- walking maps.
- expert local guide and interpretation throughout the walk.
Times
- Every day 09:45
Before you book
Operated by Terra & Tide
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The experience
You step off the ferry and your guide meets you at the terminal. From there, the walk begins straight away into the coastal landscape. Which headland comes first depends on the tide: sometimes the northern route around Matiatia happens in the morning, sometimes the southern loop through Church Bay. That flexibility is what keeps both walks possible in a single day without fighting the water.
The northern route takes you around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, with views across the Hauraki Gulf toward Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. You'll walk through native plants and watch for sea birds. Orcas and dolphins show up sometimes. The southern route runs through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around Church Bay, passing through a sculpture park and a bush reserve, with hidden coves and views back toward the city and sea. Both routes cover hilly terrain and take roughly two hours each. Lunch happens in between at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or bring food and picnic on the beach.
The walk is five hours total, including lunch and the time between routes. Your guide carries walking maps and provides interpretation of what you're seeing. Return transfers to the ferry terminal (or your island accommodation if you're staying) are included, so you don't arrange transport separately. The walk operates in all weather. Bring walking shoes, water, a raincoat, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Children from age 8 are welcome, and service animals are allowed.
Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by ferry and want both headlands covered in one outing: your guide times the route around tides, so you walk whichever headland works that day rather than committing to a fixed itinerary.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 14 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What's the difference between the northern and southern routes on this walk?
The northern route circles the Matiatia headland past Owhanake Bay with views of the Hauraki Gulf islands, while the southern route goes through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around Church Bay via a sculpture park and bush reserve with views toward the city. Both take roughly two hours. Which one you do first depends on the tide that day.
How long is the walk and what kind of fitness do I need?
The walk is five hours total, including lunch, and covers hilly terrain. The operator rates it suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the terrain and duration mean you should be comfortable walking for extended periods on uneven ground.
Where do we eat lunch and what's included?
Lunch happens at Oneroa Village between the two routes. You can eat at one of the local cafes there or bring your own food and picnic on the beach. Lunch itself is included in the tour price, though cafe meals are at your own cost.
How many people are in the group and who's leading the walk?
Groups are limited to twelve people maximum, keeping the walk small and personal. An expert local guide leads the walk and provides interpretation throughout, speaking in English.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The walk operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for rain and wind. Bring a raincoat, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The tidal schedule may shift, but the walk goes ahead unless conditions become unsafe.
Do I need to arrange my own transport to and from the ferry?
Return transfers to the ferry terminal are included in the tour price. If you're staying on the island, transfers to your accommodation are also included. Your guide meets you at the ferry terminal when you arrive.
Waiheke Island Private Double Headland Walk: Twin Coastal Routes
5h · EN
from NZ$ 716 per person
≈ US$ 411 in your currency
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