Waiheke Island Te Ara Hura Guided Walk

Make your own way to Auckland and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. The city is New Zealand's largest, both in area and population and hence is often mistakenly thought of as the country's capital. Spend some time exploring the gardens and open spaces of The Domain, wander through the fascinating War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture, visit the Sky Tower for spectacular 360 degree views, visit an art gallery, cruise the harbour, wander the foreshore or explore the shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Meals: Nil

Take the 9:00am ferry this morning from Auckland to Waiheke Island. On arrival at the Matiatia wharf, your guide will meet you and arrange for your luggage to be transferred to your accommodation so that you can commence walking right away. (You will need to be prepared with your requirements for the day already packed in your daypack.) After introductions and a short trip briefing, the walk today follows the northern coastline around headlands, up and down hills, beside secluded bays and along beautiful sand beaches. Enjoy stunning views of Hauraki Gulf islands and the Coromandel Peninsula, explore Oneroa Village (the main settlement on the island) with its cafes, boutique shops and galleries, and take a refreshing swim at one of several beaches along the way. Pass through reserves where native vegetation regeneration is underway and by vineyards that produce award-winning wines before reaching the white sands of Onetangi Beach. The longest beach on the island, this is the location of your accommodation for the next four nights. Settle in and relax before a delicious evening meal.

Meals: B,L,D

Although longer in duration, today's walk starts from your accommodation and is a gentler gradient than yesterday. Mostly following ridgelines inland a little and alongside the road, more superb views abound. Exploring the remote eastern end of the island you will encounter fewer inhabitants, places of historical significance, rural vistas, wildlife corridors, wetlands and isolated beaches. Take time to admire the white sands of Man-o-War Bay and the nearby stands of magnificent kauri trees. Enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch at the beach and maybe some wine tasting (own expense, winery opening times permitting). There is much history in this area, on which your guide will provide insight, from Maori settlement to logging operations. Continuing to the south east corner of the island, there are amazing views and some fascinating stories about the smaller offshore islands you can see. At the Orapiu wharf, you will be met and transferred back to your accommodation for the night.

Meals: B,L,D

After a good breakfast, transfer with your guide to Orapiu where you finished walking yesterday. There are some steep sections on today's walk and it is considered the most strenuous on the Te Ara Hura route. The exertion is worth it, however, with the rewards being beautiful forest, birdlife, a marine reserve, delectable wines (optional, own expense) and the exhilaration of standing at the highest point on the trail (155m) with uninterrupted views all around. Maunganui (231m), the highest point on the island, can be seen nearby before descending into the picturesque Awaawaroa Valley and completing the journey on the other side at Trig Hill (Putiki-O-Kahu). Transfer from there back to your accommodation for a well-deserved swim, shower and a relaxing evening.

Meals: B,L,D

Return to Trig Hill this morning to commence today's walk. The trail is undulating and is both on and off road, weaving around the coastline and pretty bays of the south west of the island. Explore the Whakanewha regional park containing forested streams, significant ancient pa sites (fortified Maori settlements) and important dotterel nesting grounds. Wander through small communities tucked away in the bush, visit a sculpture park (own expense), sample some local olive oil (own expense), learn the importance of historic Rangihoua pa from your guide and discover the most popular bay in which to moor a houseboat. Of course there are magical coastal views throughout the day and flowering native trees add to the spectacle in season. Complete today's adventure at Surfdale Beach after walking through the secluded Te Toki Reserve wetlands. Return to your accommodation to soak up the Waiheke atmosphere and feast on local cuisine for a final night.

Meals: B,L,D

The last day of walking is relaxed and is the easiest day on the route. After packing your luggage and checking out of your accommodation, you will be transferred to Surfdale once again. Commence walking from here to Te Huruhi Bay where it is worth visiting a Maori cemetery and the beautifully decorated Piritahi community Marae (meeting place). The Marae is not a tribal one and while respecting Ngati Paoa (the original inhabitants of Waiheke) it welcomes people from all races. The beach in this area is a significant godwit (migratory wading bird) feeding ground, their arrival and departure in September and March marking the extended summer season for locals. Indulge in some final wine tasting (own expense) with a view from the well-regarded Cable Bay or Mudbrick Vineyards and pass by Church Bay where some of the grandest mansions on the island are located. You can shorten the day if required or walk the full length of the route around beautiful headlands to the Matiatia ferry wharf. Farewell your guide here, where your luggage will be waiting, before boarding the return ferry to Auckland, departing at 4:00pm. Trip arrangements end on arrival in Auckland. ** PLEASE NOTE: You cannot enter a Maori cemetery as it's tapu (sacred) or enter the Marae without a formal welcoming ceremony. You are welcome to view both from the outside.

Meals: B,L