Waiheke Island

Waiheke is renowned for beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Experience the best of city life, with good food and wine, and the best of island life, with golden sand beaches. Go on a wine-tasting tour at one of the award-winning wineries. Pack a picnic basket and relax at Oneroa Beach. Or zip-line over the vineyards and through the trees.

Highlights

Waiheke Island is the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Although a stones throw away from Auckland, it feels like it is a world away. With a landscape of beaches and vineyards, and a pace that is slow and measured, you get the best of coastal living paired with the delights of culinary pleasure.

Spend the day relaxing on the white sandy beaches at Oneroa, go swimming at Palm Beach or try kayaking at Onetangi. Hikers can explore the island’s many trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into the native forest.

Things to do

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on Waiheke Island. Choose from world-class wineries and vineyards, stunning beaches, jet ski adventures, zip lines and much more.

EcoZip adventures

EcoZip Adventures offers a three-hour dual flying fox zipline adventure and an eco-immersive forest walk. You will be picked up from Matiatia Ferry Terminal or Oneroa Village. The day starts with a commentated Waiheke Highlights bus tour and ends with a complimentary drop-off service, returning you to your pick-up point or a number of the island’s many vineyards, restaurants, beaches or villages.

Take a scenic flight

Get a bird's-eye view of the beautiful beaches, coastline and lush vineyards. Experience Waiheke and the Hauraki Gulf from an unrivalled aerial perspective.

Explore art galleries

The Waiheke Community Art Gallery has a diverse range of exhibitions and they aim to showcase the best New Zealand art to the island and to the world. Every year they have a major event featuring large-scale works which attracts art and culture lovers to the island.

Olive oil tasting

Rangihoua Estate is the original pioneer of New Zealand’s olive oil industry and is recognised among the top 20 producers of extra virgin olive oil in the world. To discover the most acclaimed extra virgin olive oil in New Zealand, visit the Frantoio tasting room.

Guided island walks

Get off the beaten track with an experienced local guide. The walk can be tailored to individual requirements and interests and features visits to beaches, forests, vineyards, and artists' studios. Your guide will help you spot birds and other wildlife, and share their insider knowledge of the island's eco-environment and communities.

Food and wine

Waiheke Island has more than 30 premium wineries and cellar doors and produces some of the best wines in New Zealand. If you love good red wine, Waiheke produces some of the finest reds in the country. The intense syrah, also known as Shiraz, and bold cabernet blends are grown especially well in the Waiheke coastal terrain.

Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard

Relax and enjoy lunch or wine tasting in the beautiful vineyard overlooking Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. The Mudbrick Restaurant offers casual fine dining with stunning ocean views. A must-do is the delicious degustation menu with expertly paired wines. Wine tastings are conducted from the cellar door seven days a week, year-round.

Man O' War

Man O’ War is one not to miss at the eastern end of the island. Waiheke has 100 vineyards and an incredible 75 of those vineyards are at Man O’ War. They are all set in picturesque locations across 4,500 acres. Experience a tasting like no other in New Zealand - on the beachfront. Watch the sunset as you indulge in good conversation, wine and food.

Stonyridge Vineyard

Stonyridge has been referred to as “One of the Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World” by the Guardian UK. Sitting snug in a valley of olive trees and vines, the Veranda Cafe is one of the most romantic venues in New Zealand. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally to make the most of the best and freshest produce.

Beaches

The most popular Waiheke beaches are Oneroa Beach, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach, and Onetangi. They are clean and safe for swimming and kayaking. Enjoy a relaxed day of family fun at Little Oneroa and Palm Beach with children's playgrounds, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities. Or head to the Man O’ War Bay which has the vineyards tasting room and a large play area for kids right on the water's edge.

How to get there

Fuller Ferries sail daily from Quay Street Ferry Terminal in central Auckland to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island. Some departures sail via Devonport. The sailing time is 40 minutes. Sealink sails daily from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland to Kennedy Point (Waiheke Island). The sailing time is 40-60 minutes. Both ferry companies provide great scenic sailing journeys over Waitemata Harbour.

Getting around is easy

Navigating the island is easy with public buses and taxis, or you can hire a mountain bike, motor scooter or car. You also have the option to bring your car or bike on the ferry with you.

Best travel time

The best months for good weather on Waiheke Island are October through to May. The average temperatures range from 20 to 26 degrees Celcius. February is both the warmest and driest month on the island.

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Waiheke Island and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to New Zealand

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.