We begin by greeting you as soon as you step off the ferry. Straight away you’ll be drawn in by the gorgeous scenery and beautiful coastal environment.
This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides!
Northern route: We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.
You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins
Learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island, its conservation projects and island life and have lunch at Oneroa village.
Southern route: We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy a view of the city and the sea.
Social Protocols
- Turn your phone off - Make sure you don't use your phone while your guides are talking. If you need to make a call, please ask your guide/teacher first.
- Respect the environment - You will be out in nature for this experience so please help protect our environment by taking all your rubbish with you.
- Stay safe in the outdoors - Your guides know the environment better than anyone and are there to keep you safe; listen to ALL their instructions, ALL the time.
- Be sun smart - Make sure you bring sunblock to protect yourself from the Kiwi sun (even on cloudy days!)
Cultural Protocols
- Be on time - While the experience will be a relaxed one, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early so you don't keep your guides and others waiting.
- Don't be shy - Kiwis are very friendly, open people so this experience is a great opportunity to not be shy, smile lots and make some new friends.
- Hello and goodbye in Māori - If you want to start practising some basic Māori phrases, you could try using ‘Kia ora’ (hello) and ‘Ka kite’ (goodbye).
- Permission for photos - If you are taking photos that include other people, always ask them first if they are happy for their photograph to be taken.
