Cruise shore excursions in Auckland are perfectly timed for an EcoZip Adventure. Embark on a journey of discovery with a 3-hour multi-award winning Zipline and Native forest experience on stunning Waiheke Island in Auckland. Just 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland’s cruise wharves, Waiheke Island and award-winning EcoZip Adventures offer the perfect cruise shore excursion – an easy, unforgettable way to experience one of New Zealand’s most famous and beautiful islands in one day.
As proud members of the New Zealand Cruise Association, EcoZip Adventures understands the needs of cruise passengers. On cruise ship days, we carefully schedule our tours to align with your ship’s arrival and departure times, ensuring a stress-free, punctual return. You’ll arrive back in Auckland with time to enjoy the shops, cafés, and boutiques of the downtown waterfront before setting sail for your next port of call.
Getting to Waiheke
Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal is conveniently positioned between the city’s Queens and Princess Wharves – the primary berths and tender points for visiting cruise ships. From either wharf, it’s just a short 2–3 minute walk to the ferry terminal. Step aboard and enjoy a scenic 40-minute journey across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, passing islands and headlands on your way to Waiheke’s Matiatia ferry terminal.
Upon arrival, one of our friendly guides will meet you on the quayside before you set off on a short, guided mini-tour of Waiheke, a chance to take in some of the island’s highlights before your EcoZip zipline and forest adventure.
Fly above vineyards, forests, and legends
Fly high above a working vineyard and native forest canopy, with trees over 700 years old. On our dual cables each spanning more than 200 metres, you’ll zip side-by-side with friends or family across three giant lines in an unforgettable shared adventure.
From your spectacular ziplines, you’ll exchange your birds-eye treetop view for the cool, sun-dappled forest floor – home to geckos and skinks, weta, eels and even glow-worms. Your guides will share Māori myths and explain how your visit helps EcoZip preserve and restore, not only this beautiful and important piece of land, but other extensive wetland restoration projects across Waiheke Island.
After your exhilarating zipline and native forest adventure, we’ll return you to the ferry terminal with plenty of time to head back to Auckland before your ship’s all-aboard.
Have extra time?
If your schedule allows, why not stay a little longer? Waiheke has been described by Lonely Planet as “the playground of the gods” and named by The New York Times as a “must-see destination.” Our team can help you make the most of your visit, whether that’s a relaxing lunch at a world-class vineyard, a stroll along a golden beach, or a visit to local galleries before you return to the city.
Ferry-inclusive pricing for an EcoZip Adventures experience, perfectly designed for a shore excursion from Auckland – is as follows:
| NZD | AUD* | USD* | GBP* | EUR* | |
| Adult | $211 | $187 | $122 | £91 | €105 |
| Child | $117 | $104 | $68 | £51 | €58 |
| Family | $519 | $460 | $299 | £223 |
€257 |
*approximate equivalent; exchange rates correct at October 2025
Our direct prices include:
- Return ferry travel from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island
- Quayside pick-up at Waiheke Island’s Matiatia ferry terminal
- Waiheke Island mini-tour
- Zipline & native forest experience
- Post-tour drop-off to a range of locations, including the ferry terminal
CRUISE PASSENGER SPECIAL: Book directly with EcoZip Adventures and use the promotion code CRUISE25 to receive a 10% discount plus a complimentary, souvenir of your visit.
Questions or queries? Drop our helpful team an email at hellowaiheke@ecozip.co.nz and they’ll quickly come back with all the answers you need.
