Terra and Tide

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Reviews

1. Barrett Darnell ★★★★★

   Most family tours follow a predictable, weary rhythm, but our day with Terra and Tide on Waiheke Island was a refreshing departure from the scripted norm. We arrived as a family of four, including two boys whose primary hobby is asking questions that would exhaust a search engine. We were met by Justine, who stepped into the role of guide, educator, and logistical mastermind with an ease that can only be described as professional grace. The beauty of a private, personalized tour is the luxury of choice, and Justine curated a day that felt precisely calibrated to our interests. We didn't just see the island; we actually learned it. The boys were kept fully engaged as we delved into the island’s history and the nuances of Māori language and culture. It is one thing to look at a landscape, but quite another to have the flora and fauna explained with the kind of depth Justine provides. She has a gift for making complex history feel like a series of fascinating stories rather than a dry classroom lecture. The itinerary itself was well balanced. We spent time on a bush walk that felt rugged yet accessible, followed by a private olive oil tasting that was a sophisticated highlight for the adults while remaining surprisingly engaging for the kids. Lunch was a genuinely tasty affair. Of course, no successful outing with children is complete without a strategic gelato stop, and Justine’s timing on that front was impeccable. What really sets Terra and Tide apart is the seamless nature of the experience. Being picked up and dropped off right at the ferry terminal removed the typical logistical friction that usually haunts a family day trip. There was no checking maps or worrying about timing; we simply moved from one highlight to the next. Justine is kind, caring, and possesses a level of local knowledge that makes you feel like an insider by the time you head back to the mainland. She handled our inquisitive group with genuine patience that we all appreciated. If you are looking for a way to see Waiheke that avoids the crowds and offers a smart, deep dive into what makes this place special, this is it. It is rare that a day meets every expectation, but this tour exceeded them all. My highest recommendation for anyone who prefers substance over spectacle.

   almost 2 months ago
2. Pauline Himics ★★★★★

   We had an amazing day on Waiheke Island with Robyn. She was absolutely lovely and shared so much great information about the island’s history, culture, and wineries. The hike had a few uphill sections but was very manageable, and the views were stunning. We enjoyed two wonderful wine tastings and a delicious picnic lunch. We even finished a bit early, so Robyn took us into town where we grabbed ice cream before we headed back to the ferry. Truly one of the highlights of our trip!

   almost 3 months ago
3. Lawrence Dixon ★★★★★

   Liz took care of me and my fiancée during our tour. She was very knowledgeable about the island and its history. We loved how flexible she was yet prompt with each stop. We even worked in time to check out a few beautiful lookout spots and go for some Island Gelato!

   almost 3 months ago

1. Grace Rubinger Casey ★★★★★

   Had an amazing day hiking on Waiheke Island with Lucy, our guide. She was super friendly and knowledgeable about the island and shared a lot about the local wildlife and customs. We also were able to stop into a vineyard to do a quick tasting, which was lovely. Lucy truly made it an experience I won’t forget. Such a great way to get around the island and see amazing views, if you don’t want to just bus around. Make sure to wear waterproof clothes and hiking shoes, as is for muddy on the trails with on and off rain. Highly recommend!

   almost 5 months ago
2. Sophia N ★★★★★

   Our company joined a Terra & Tide tour on Waiheke Island and absolutely loved it! Justine and Dell were fantastic guides who made the journey fun and insightful, helping us connect with the local community. The sailing with Bruce and his wife was a highlight their hospitality, delicious salmon, coffee, tea, and treats made us feel so welcome. It didn’t feel like just a tour, but more like being looked after by family. Highly recommend Terra & Tide for an authentic and unforgettable Waiheke experience!

   almost 6 months ago
3. Beth Knowlson ★★★★★

   We were expecting a small group tour, but it turned out to be just the 2 of us. Dell was our guide & was very easy- going & willing to share her knowledge of the island. It felt like spending the day with a friend. It was our last planned activity of a 2 week trip. Couldn't have asked for a more relaxing day in a beautiful setting!

   almost 2 years ago

1. Peter Bradley ★★★★★

   I had a very nice tour of Waiheke Island with Dell of Terra & Tide tours on March 3, 2023. Even I was the only one signed up for the tour that morning, Dell was very gracious and enthusiastic in showing me lots of interesting features of the island, topping it off with a visit to an Italian gelato shop there. This was the perfect way to begin my 3 weeks in NZ. So, I'd heartily recommend Terra & Tide to you.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Karen Baldock ★★★★★

   We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ is taking to restore the natural habitat, the history and the efforts to protect the ecological system of Waiheke. It was interesting to see where/how the traps are set to irradiate the rodents of New Zealand. We enjoyed our lunch with Gabrielle as well as our walk in the bush. We also enjoyed learning about the native traditions, which were repeated in other cities on our travels. Loved ending the tour at a great winery.

   almost 3 years ago
3. jackie ede ★★★★★

   Perfect day on the water. A dream come true for the whānau - the Pacific Star reuniting us with Cactus Bay after many years of being locked out by foot. Our hosts, Gabrielle and Bruce, were delightful - friendly yet respectful that this was our party. Food divine. Weather sublime. Endless time … What more could we ask for? We fully recommend this experience to locals and visitors.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Anston Kovalcik ★★★★★

   My husband and I had such a lovely time touring the islands around Waiheke for our honeymoon! Bruce and Gabrielle were such lovely hosts and we had an amazing time learning about New Zealand wild life on our hike and seeing the ocean. They had a paddle board and kayak, which were fun to use in the Bay Area. We even saw blue penguins! Gabrielle made a fantastic lunch and charcuterie and we felt very much at home on the catamaran. Thank you for the hospitality and we look forward to coming back to New Zealand!

   almost 3 years ago

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