Waiheke with Big Aroha
Unique boutique wine, whiskey and cultural experiences on Waiheke Island
Guided Tours.
Join one of our guided tours or create your own! We offer affordable local rates.
Experience the rich and ancient world of Te Ao Māori.
The stories of our ancestors are infused into everything we know, love and cherish about our island.
Explore the ‘Island of Wine’
With over 20 wineries - we’ll show you the best!
Haere Mai / Welcome
Spend the day exploring “Te Motu Ārai Roa” - The Long Sheltered Island.We’re a small independent tour company - a close-knit team with years of local experience. When it comes to showing you around our island, we don't settle for the status quo.We’ve got a sense of fun, adventure and a mighty thirst for exploring our homeland.Everything we do is geared toward helping you enjoy your time. Taste wondrous food, wine and beverages and learn about our rich cultural connection to the whenua (land), moana (sea) and the wairua (spirit) of Waiheke.
Big Aroha guided tour packages
Love Waiheke Island Winery Day Tour
A sip, a nibble, a view to die for — whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got it on Waiheke.
Spirit of Waiheke Wine & Whiskey Day Tour
Sure we’re known for our sensational wine, but did you know we do whiskey, gin and craft beer as well?
Te Motu Ārai Roa - A Cultural Tour
When you’re not into sipping a top drop, you can learn and explore the island’s cultural heritage.
Bespoke Tours
We'll help design the premium wine and dine experience. Design your own personal itinerary to suit your friends and family. Enjoy full flexibility with times and venues of choice.
“The most amazing tour guide!
Communication from when we first enquired, the night before, morning of and even after the tour was A+++
You’re the best Aunty Jane! Can’t wait to come back in the new year xx”
S Livs
January 2023
“Fantastic company! We went over with our 7 month old baby on a long weekend and I was a bit anxious about how we would get around the island with a pram and no car. We met Jane at the ferry terminal and she was just went above and beyond to help us. I could not recommend them enough, they made our trip so easy and relaxing. Great communication & great pricing. Thank you Jane and Darren you guys were amazing!”
cleo kasmara
November 2022
Rachael Bear
May 2022
Meet your guides
Renowned the world over as a “must do” when in New Zealand, Waiheke Island offers the perfect day-out destination from Auckland. Big Aroha Waiheke Island Tours & Shuttles is operated by us - Darren and Jane Rippinggale. We're long-time locals, passionate about the island and Māori culture. We'll be your guides for the day and delight you with our manaakitanga (hospitality) and knowledge.
Our relaxed, leisurely-paced private tours are ideal for:
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Wine and food lovers
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Family and friends celebrating life
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Anniversaries, engagements, hens parties
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Our extended Kiwi friends
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Corporates