Tour highlights
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The Eastern Explorer Bus operates Wednesday to Sunday.
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Experience 8 stops on a 110-minute loop, including iconic destinations Onetangi Beach, Stony Batter Tunnels, Man O’ War Vineyards, Waiheke Distilling Co., Jasper Ridge Estate, Passage Rock Wines, Awaroa Organic Winery and Poderi Crisi. Experience and dining bookings are recommended or essential depending on the venue.
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Book your Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus online as seating is limited. Buses run hourly, the first bus meets the 9am ferry from downtown Auckland.
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For added certainty, choose the Waiheke Reserve bookable service, or alternatively travel on the Waiheke Walk-up ferry, arriving at least 60 minutes prior to your preferred sailing during busy summer periods.
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Head to Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal and board either your Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from piers 11 and 12 or your Fullers360 Waiheke Reserve ferry from piers 13 and 14.
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Upon arrival, exit Waiheke Island’s Matiatia Ferry Terminal and catch the Eastern Explorer Bus. The buses depart directly in front of the terminal.
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Take a scenic 45-minute bus tour to the eastern part of the island, filled with stunning views and commentary from your driver.
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Hop off and explore the destinations along the way while enjoying a scenic tour. The complete loop takes 110-minutes.
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Head back to the Matiatia Ferry Terminal and board either your Fullers360 Waiheke Walk-up ferry from pier 1 or Fullers360 Waiheke Reserve ferry from pier 3.
Tour price
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Adult ($136.00)
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Child ($117.00)
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Infant ($0.00)
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Adult ($99.00)
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($51.00)
Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Walk-up ferry - Infant ($0.00)
From Matiatia Ferry Terminal - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Adult ($68.00)
From Matiatia Ferry Terminal - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Child ($30.00)
From Matiatia Ferry Terminal - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Infant ($0.00)
From Oneroa/Onetangi - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Adult ($68.00)
From Oneroa/Onetangi - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Child ($30.00)
From Oneroa/Onetangi - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Infant $0 ($0.00)
Gift Voucher Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Adult ($136.00)
Gift Voucher Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Reserve ferry - Child ($117.00)
Gift Voucher Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Adult ($99.00)
Gift Voucher Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Waiheke Walk-up ferry - Child ($51.00)
The venues
Explore the unique underworld of Fort Stony Batter, taking you back in time through 1.2km’s of subterranean WWII tunnels. Built in the 1940s, the site features an extensive network of underground tunnels, gun emplacements, and observation posts. Explore the tunnels and learn about their history while enjoying the surrounding scenic reserve, known for its distinctive volcanic rock formations and panoramic views. Please note a moderate level of fitness is recommended. There is a 1km walk across easy farm terrain to the entrance, walking shoes recommended.
Experiences we recommend:
- Guided Bunker Highlight and Art tour
Duration: 30 minutes
Visiting magazines, gun turrets, 200 metres of tunnels arriving at the subterranean art galleries and concert chamber. This tour is designed as a leisurely adventure for all levels of fitness and ages.
- Guided Heritage tour
Duration: 50 minutes
Taking in the Bunker tour then descending a further seven stories below ground to the Underworld, the deepest no. 3 passage, engine room, command bunker, exiting into a first growth forest and a gentle return walk.
Please note:
Tours depart every half hour, fully guided, tickets purchased from the onsite visitors centre – advance bookings are not necessary.
Learn more and book here: https://www.stonybattertunnels.nz/
With iconic wines, a breath-taking coastline, picturesque vineyards, and warm hospitality, Man O’ War offers a seamless blend of nature and indulgence for an unforgettable Waiheke escape. Enjoy wine flights or a leisurely lunch at their beachfront tasting room and restaurant.
Learn more and book here: https://www.manowar.co.nz/
Perched on the ridge above Cowes Bay, Waiheke Distilling Co. is home to some of the best views on the island. Specialising in premium, small-batch craft spirits, sample their unique botanical blends in the tasting room before enjoying cocktails and grazing plates in the garden, overlooking the Coromandel Peninsula.
Experiences we recommend:
Sip & Savour Lunch Package – $55 per person (minimum two people)
Enjoy a tasting experience featuring Waiheke Distilling Co’s signature spirits board, followed by your choice of a crafted gin & tonic or vodka soda. Share a delicious Napoli-style pizza and a fresh seasonal salad. Not available on long weekends or public holidays.
Bookings strongly recommended. Learn more here: https://waihekedistilling.co.nz/
Specialising in Rosé and Syrah, Jasper Ridge invites you to experience their first-ever ‘Tasting in the Vines’ this summer — a unique, rustic experience in their working vineyard. Enjoy a guided tasting of five wines, take a walk through the vines, and explore the selection of gifts and wines available for purchase at their Cellar Door.
Experiences we recommend:
‘Tasting in the Vines’ - 5 wines for $20, served outside among the vines.
Learn more and book here: https://www.jasperridge.co.nz/
Nestled between the hills and the eastern shores of Waiheke, Passage Rock is the island’s most awarded winery. Renowned for their exceptional Syrah and other fine wines, guests can taste the Passage Rock range, followed by lunch at the vineyard restaurant, where locally inspired dishes celebrate the island’s finest seasonal produce.
Experiences we recommend:
Wine tasting - $22
Savour four wines, including two of our premium reserve selections.
Wine tasting with appetizer plate - $50
Enjoy four wines, including two reserve selections, paired with a tasting plate.
Three-course set menu with bread - $75
Begin with freshly baked bread, followed by a delectable three-course meal crafted by our chefs
Please note:
For the three-course set menu, guests must be seated by 3pm.
Learn more and book here: https://passagerock.co.nz/
Awaroa Vineyard is an award-winning organic boutique winery. Focused on sustainable practices and small-batch production, Awaroa offers a range of premium wines in a beautiful garden setting, along with delicious antipasto platters. Visitors can enjoy intimate wine tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island.
Learn more and book here: https://www.awaroa.co.nz/
Poderi Crisci is a destination vineyard and Italian restaurant set on approximately 7.7 hectares in Awaawaroa Bay. The estate produces elegant, old-world style wines made with estate-grown grapes and matures many wines in French oak barriques in an atmospheric underground cellar. The restaurant serves seasonal Italian cuisine built around produce from the estate garden and local suppliers, presented in a warm Mediterranean-style setting — ideal for long lunches, curated tastings and special occasions.
Visitor notes & experiences:
- Wine tastings & cellar: Tasting notes and wines are available to buy; many wines see extended oak ageing (18 months). The estate features a distinctive underground cellar room.
- Restaurant & long lunches: Openings (example): Mon & Thu 12:00–16:30; Fri lunch 12:00–16:30; Sat long lunch 12:00–16:30; Sun long lunch 12:30–16:30; closed Tue & Wed — check the venue before visiting for current hours and bookings. Book a table in advance for weekends and long-lunch service. Contact: Poderi Crisci, 205 Awaawaroa Road, Awaawaroa Bay, Waiheke Island; phone 09 372 2148; info@podericrisci.co.nz.
Onetangi Beach is Waiheke’s longest and most expansive sandy bay, roughly 1.8–2.5 km of golden sand with northern views across the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and long coastal walks, with safe shallows at many tides and cafés, picnic areas and public facilities along The Strand.
It is strongly recommended that you make venue bookings directly with each venue. Fullers360 provides the transport; venue reservations are the customer’s responsibility. Allow travel time between venues and your return ferry.
Explore more
Terms and conditions - Eastern Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus
All experiences and tours are subject to Fullers360 terms and conditions and code of conduct.
Bus schedule
Buses depart from Matiatia Ferry Terminal at regular intervals throughout the day. Please refer to the timetable for a complete schedule.
Bookings and capacity
Bus bookings from Matiatia, Oneroa, or Onetangi are capacity-managed for each timetabled service and are subject to availability at time of booking.
Each bus has a maximum capacity of 38 passengers per hour.
A valid wristband, issued at the time of travel, is required to board all Fullers360 Eastern Explorer bus services on the day of travel.
Ferry and bus packages
Customers booking a Fullers360 ferry and Eastern Explorer bus package must account for the 40-minute ferry travel time when selecting their bus departure. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure they arrive at the Eastern Explorer bus stop at least 2 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time.
- Waiheke Walk-up ferry:
Frequent, on-demand walk-up sailings.
Ferry tickets are valid for any scheduled sailing up to 12 months from the date of purchase. Please note that the Eastern Explorer Bus ticket is only valid for the date and time printed on the ticket.
During the busy summer period, please arrive at least 60 minutes before your preferred departure time. Upgrades to Waiheke Reserve tickets are possible at any of Fullers360 ticket offices.
- Waiheke Reserve ferry:
All departure times and dates must be booked in advance. Boarding opens 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. Enjoy the convenience and reliability of a pre-booked service with confirmed departure and arrival times.
Return bus journey
Return trips to Matiatia are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to bus capacity.
If a return bus is full, customers may need to wait for the next available departure.
A bus tracking service is available, allowing customers to view the location of Explorer buses on the route.
Venue bookings
Customers are responsible for making venue bookings (e.g., wineries, restaurants) directly with the venue.
Allow sufficient travel time between venues to meet your bookings.
Plan all venue visits according to the bus timetable and your return ferry schedule.
Fullers360 is not liable for missed venue bookings due to missed connections or delays.
Missed connections
If you miss your outbound bus departure from Matiatia Ferry Terminal, an alternative time may be offered, subject to available capacity.
If capacity is unavailable, you may be offered a Western Explorer daily pass for same-day travel.
Tickets are non-refundable for missed connections, in accordance with Fullers360’s general conditions of travel.
Timetable changes
Any changes to the timetable will be communicated by the bus driver on the day of travel.
