Tour highlights
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Departs: Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke Island, daily from 10am
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Route: 16 stops on an 80 minute loop
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Frequency: Every 30 or 60 minute, depending on the day and time of year.
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Ferry: Return Walk-up ferry from Piers 11 and 12, Downtown Ferry Terminal, Auckland. About 40 minutes each way.
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Price: Adults from $104 with return ferry, or from $71 bus only
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Time needed: At least half a day, including the ferry.
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Cancellation: Exchange or refund up to 48 hours before travel.
Tour Price
Includes return ferry and an Explorer bus pass, unless the tour only option is selected.
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Adult ($104.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($54.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Family ($209.00)
Waiheke Reserve Western Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus - Adult ($136.00)
Waiheke Reserve Western Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus - Child ($123.00)
Waiheke Reserve Western Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry two day tour - Adult ($135.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry two day tour - Child ($75.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry two day tour - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry two day tour - Family ($335.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Adult ($71.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Child ($31.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Family ($148.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Adult ($105.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Child ($52.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Family ($250.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Adult ($142.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Child ($123.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Adult ($104.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($54.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Family ($219.00)
About the Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
What is the Waiheke Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
The Western Explorer is a hop on, hop off bus service run by Fullers360 on Waiheke Island, Auckland. It loops from Matiatia Ferry Terminal past some of the island's best known vineyards, restaurants and art galleries, Oneroa Village and Onetangi Beach. The loop has 17 stops and takes around 80 minutes. It runs daily from 10am, with buses every 30 or 60 minutes depending on the day and time of year.
Which ticket should I choose?
Tour only
If you already have a ferry ticket or you are staying on the island.
Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry
Flexible ferry travel on any scheduled sailing.
Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry
A confirmed sailing time, ideal for busy summer days. Available as a 1 day pass.
2 day pass
Explore Waiheke over two days. Available with a return Walk-up ferry or as tour only.
Why take the Western Explorer?
It is the easiest way to see Waiheke's most popular spots without a car. Hop off at any of the 16 stops, stay as long as you like, then catch the next bus. Stay on board for the full loop if you would rather see the island from your seat.
What can you do on the tour?
Taste wine at Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Stonyridge and Batch, sample olive oil at Allpress Olive Groves and try local craft beer at The Heke. Browse the shops and galleries in Oneroa Village, then finish with a swim or a walk at Onetangi Beach. Many venues offer lunch and tastings, and bookings are recommended.
Who is it for?
It suits couples, families, groups of friends, food and wine lovers, and first time visitors who want to see Waiheke at their own pace. Child, infant and family tickets are available, and infants travel free.
Tips for planning your day
Allow 40 minutes for the ferry from Auckland and at least half a day for the tour. Book restaurants and tastings ahead, especially in summer. Track the bus in real time in the Fullers360 app, and leave time to get back to Matiatia before your return ferry.
Live bus tracking
Track your bus in real time using the Fullers360 app. Scan with your phone to open the app. Or download the app if you don't have it.
Download the brochure
Plan your trip to make the most of the island. Learn more about the 16 stops on this tour on our downloadable brochure.
View the timetable
Use the Western Explorer Bus timetable to make the most of your island adventure on Waiheke's western end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waiheke Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour?
The full loop takes about 80 minutes and has 17 stops. We recommend allowing at least half a day, including the return ferry trip.
Where does the Western Explorer Bus depart from?
Buses depart from Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island, daily from 10am.
Is the ferry included in the bus ticket?
Yes. Tickets that include the return Waiheke Walk-up ferry from Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal start from $104 for adults, or you can choose the bus-only option from $71.
Can I hop on and off as many times as I like?
Yes. Your pass lets you hop off at any of the 17 stops and reboard the next bus throughout the day.
What can I see and do along the route?
The route covers wineries including Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Stonyridge and Batch, plus Allpress Olive Oils, The Heke, Oneroa Village, art galleries, Onetangi Beach and coastal nature walks.
How much does the Western Explorer bus tour cost?
Prices start from $71 for adults on the bus-only tour, or from $104 for adults on the bus plus return Waiheke Walk-up ferry. Child, infant and family passes are available, along with two-day tour and Waiheke Reserve ferry options.
Can I track the bus in real time?
Yes. Download the Fullers360 app for live bus tracking and more information on each stop along the route.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Western Explorer route and timetable may change due to weather conditions. Check on the day of travel for any updates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Tickets can be exchanged or refunded up to 48 hours before your travel time. No refunds are given for cancellations within 48 hours of travel.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee availability.
How long is the ferry crossing to Waiheke?
The ferry crossing takes about 40 minutes each way.
Which pier does the ferry leave from?
The Waiheke Walk-up ferry departs from Piers 11 and 12 at Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal, and returns to Pier 1.
Explore more
Terms and conditions
The Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Buses depart Matiatia Ferry Terminal every 30 or 60 minutes, depending on day and time of year.
Should there be any changes to the timetable, customers will be notified by their tour bus driver on their day of travel.
All experiences and tours are subject to Fullers360 Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct.
