Tour highlights
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This popular tour operates daily from 10am, departing from Matiatia.
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Experience 16 stops on an 80-minute loop, showcasing Waiheke Island’s best wineries, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches, and nature walks. Visit Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Stonyridge, and Batch vineyards, explore Allpress Olive Oils, The Heke, Oneroa Village, or unwind at Onetangi Beach with its iconic cafes and more.
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Head to Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal and board your Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from piers 11/12.
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Upon arrival, exit Waiheke Island’s Matiatia Ferry Terminal and catch the Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
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The bus stops at a selection of wineries, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches, and nature walks. Hop off and explore the destinations along the way or stay on the bus and enjoy a full scenic 80-minute loop tour.
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If you are returning to Auckland, ride the Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal to catch the Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from pier 1.
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We recommend allowing at least half a day for the tour including the return ferry trip.
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For more information about the tour and destinations, download the Fullers360 app.
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 ($99.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($51.00)
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 ($117.50)
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 ($72.00)
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 ($320.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Adult ($68.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Child ($29.50)
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 ($100.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Child ($50.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Infant ($0.00)
Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus two day tour - Family ($233.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Adult ($136.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Child ($117.50)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Adult ($99.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($51.00)
Gift Voucher Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Family ($209.00)
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 16 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 $99 for adults, or you can choose the bus-only option from $68.
Can I hop on and off as many times as I like?
Yes. Your pass lets you hop off at any of the 16 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 $68 for adults on the bus-only tour, or from $99 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.
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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.
