Just a short hop from Auckland by ferry, Waiheke Island is a sweet blend of rolling farmland, beautiful beaches and amazing wine tasting. Not surprising then, that our three-day, self-guided Waiheke Cycle Tour is a popular one. Here’s what it offers:

Day One: Natural High Depot to Waiheke
Pick up your bikes from our headquarters at Auckland Airport and then peddle your way via the Watercare Coastal Walkway and Ambury Regional Park, to the Onehunga train station to catch a train to Britomart. Once you’ve arrived on Waiheke, make your way to your accommodation. All our recommendations are close to Oneroa Village, where there is a good choice of cafes and restaurants and a grocery store. Spend the rest of the day exploring, wining and dining at a local restaurant or planning your following day’s activities.

Day Two: Explore Waiheke
Self-guided tours give you the freedom to spend your time as you please. Our tour notes come with a number of recommended cycle rides, ranging from a 50km slog to shorter, easier routes. Many rides take you past beaches and vineyards. Stop for a swim, a bite to eat or to sample the sauvignon!

A few places you might fancy biking to:

• Stony Batter. This former, top-secret gun complex (named for the large boulders that litter the slopes) was built as part of a defensive shield against German and Japanese attack during the Second World War. Today you can explore the numerous underground tunnels, command posts and munitions rooms (hours of fun!), or take a guided tour of this fascinating piece of history. Stony Batter is located on the eastern side of the island, close to Man O’War Bay (a good picnic spot) and Man O’War Vineyards.
• Dead Dog Bay Wetland Garden and Sculpture Park. 13 acres of gardens framing a collection of NZ contemporary artworks. Open daily, 10am-5pm. $10 entry per adult, children free.
• Wild on Waiheke. The ultimate multi-activity experience – café, vineyard, brewery and activities including archery and clay bird shooting.
• Ecozip Adventures. New Zealand’s premier native forest zipline tour. This is one you might not fancy riding to, as it’s located at the top of a very steep hill! Fortunately they offer pick-ups in Oneroa Village.

Day Three: Waiheke to Natural High
After breakfast and maybe a final swim, make your way back to Auckland via the ferry. Hopefully you’ll have filled your panniers with a few reminders of your trip (but not too full as you’ve still got to cycle back to our depot!)

What’s included on this tour:

• Top quality bike hire, including pannier and storage options. All our bike rentals come with a lock, multi tool, tyre levers, spare tube and repair kit, and are fully serviced before hitting the road. Because it’s compulsory to wear a helmet in New Zealand we can also provide a helmet, but if you prefer a new one you can purchase one at the discounted rate of $45.
• Route maps and itinerary suggestions to make exploring as easy as possible.
• Accommodation suggestions. We provide a list of recommended motels, backpackers, B&B’s and campsites to allow you to book your own lodging.

Fancy a few days away on Waiheke Island? Email us to book.

Have a great week,
Andrew Hunt