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 be waiting on your left as you leave the ferry, just before the terminal building. Your luggage will be transferred to your trip 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.) 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 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 where your accommodation for the next three nights is located. Settle in and relax.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a short transfer this morning, begin walking from historic Rocky Bay. The trail is undulating and is both on and off road, weaving in a loop around Te Whau Peninsula back to Onetangi including forest, 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), and taste some signature Waiheke wines (own expense). Walk back to Onetangi at leisure to round out the day. It is possible to shorten the day by not visiting Whakanewha Regional Park; this option involves more road walking. An additional winery can also be added (tastings own expense) if desired.

Meals:  B,L,D

Although longer in duration, today's walk starts from your accommodation and is a gentle gradient for much of the day. Mostly following ridgelines inland a little and alongside the road, superb views abound. Exploring the remote eastern end of the island you will encounter places of historical significance, rural vistas with fewer inhabitants, wildlife corridors, wetlands and isolated beaches. There may be time for an optional detour to historic Stony Batter Reserve (own expense) before taking 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, subject to winery opening times). There is much history in this area from Maori settlement to logging operations. Continuing to the south east corner of the island, there are amazing views and some fascinating stories which your guide will share about the smaller offshore islands you can see. On arrival at the Orapiu wharf, you will be transferred back to your accommodation for a final night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a leisurely pace today while gaining a fascinating insight into the artisan culture of Waiheke Island. Starting with the Community Art Gallery in Oneroa, visit a number of other galleries as well as an outdoor sculpture park and the studios of painters, sculptors and shoemakers where the artists are actively working (subject to their availability). Delight in lunch at the beautiful residence and studio of painter Gabriella Lewenz and wander through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve, finishing at the Matiatia ferry wharf. Your luggage will be waiting at the terminal for your return journey to Auckland, departing at 4:00pm. Trip arrangements end on arrival in Auckland.

Meals:  B,L