Waiheke Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Tourism New Zealand/Nick Servian
This small island is famous for gourmet eateries, vineyards and relaxing beaches.

Several small coastal villages make up 12-mile (19-kilometer) long Waiheke Island, where you’ll find gourmet restaurants and beaches. Over 100 artists live and work on the island they display their wares in the community gallery at Oneroa near the ferry stop and in studios around the island. A woolshed museum and two restored cottages at Onetangi display photos and textiles, while a musical museum at Oneroa gives visitors a chance to play instruments dating as far back as the 1500s.

The island is easy to navigate by buses, which leave regularly from the ferry terminal. An all-day bus pass is the best value for money for those wanting to tour the island’s beaches and vineyards.

Sample the Bordeaux-type, Syrah and Chardonnay wines grown in more than thirty vineyards on the island. Some vineyards also grow their own olives, which you can try along with lunch in on-site cafés and restaurants.

Fly above the island on a zip line at Onetangi, a beach in the north of the island. Take a chartered sailing tour to get your bearings around Waiheke and its neighboring islands, and to see some of the marine life that inhabits the pristine waters, including orca whales. Some sailing tours offer gourmet meals with Waiheke wines, or bushwalking and kayaking tours. Sign up for a tour from kiosks near the main ferry terminal.

Catch a bus or drive to Whakanewha Regional Park on the south coast of Waiheke Island. Here, you can walk through taraire, kohekohe and kanuka forest, and wetlands inhabited by some of New Zealand’s rare bird species, such as the dotterel and the banded rail. Whakanewha Park provides the only camping area on the island.

There are a number of ways to get to Waiheke Island from Auckland, from small charter planes and luxurious sailing boats, to a short ferry ride. Three companies operate ferries that leave from the mainland several times a day. Book in advance or turn up to the ferry terminal at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on the day.

Where to stay in Waiheke Island

I just arrived on Waiheke Island and already know that this will be one fantastic day! It is very easy to get here - catch the ferry in downtown Auckland and in 40 min you will be at this magnificent beach!

Oneroa

Unique features of Oneroa include the wineries and beaches. Make a stop by Palm Beach or Matiatia Wharf Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

Oneroa
Woke up to this! 
A few ships in the night

Onetangi

Onetangi is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Onetangi Beach and Eco Zip Adventures.

Onetangi
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Ostend

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Ostend. You might want to make time for a stop at Anzac Bay or Obsidian Vineyard.

Ostend
Vineyards on the Waiheke are something you need to see!!! For me this is definitely one of the favorite spots on the island...

#green

Surfdale

If you're spending some time in Surfdale, Surfdale Beach and Goldie Vineyard are top sights worth seeing.

Surfdale
Palm Beach featuring a beach and landscape views as well as children

Palm Beach

Though Palm Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palm Beach and Onetangi Beach.

Palm Beach
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Blackpool

You'll appreciate the beaches during your time in Blackpool and you might want to plan a stop by Cable Bay Vineyard and Mudbrick Vineyard while you're in the area.

Blackpool
Waiheke Island Resort
Waiheke Island Resort
3.5 out of 5
4 Bay Road, Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
The price is ₩115,233 per night from May 20 to May 21
₩115,233
per night
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Palm Beach and Enclosure Bay are ...
7.8/10 Good! (273 reviews)
"The location near palm beach is very convenient. The pool was quite nice but too cold. Hot tub needed some maintenance The mini put golf was fun for kids!"

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

Waiheke Island Resort
Onetangi Beach Apartments
Onetangi Beach Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5-7 Fourth Avenue, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
The price is ₩196,983 per night from May 15 to May 16
₩196,983
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Onetangi Beach and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (324 reviews)
"Loved our stay, close to the beach, restaurants and bus stop"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Onetangi Beach Apartments
The Oyster Inn
The Oyster Inn
4.5 out of 5
124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
The price is ₩173,652 per night from May 15 to May 16
₩173,652
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury inn in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Oneroa Beach and Artworks Complex ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"This property although small was best part of my trip to Auckland/Waiheke island. Hotel staff, food and beverages were great. Short walk to beach and 15-20 mins to wineries! I’ll be back in June! Robert-from Texas"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

The Oyster Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Le Chalet Waiheke Apartments
Le Chalet Waiheke Apartments
4 out of 5
23 Calais Terrace, Ostend, Waiheke Island
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Anzac Bay and Dead Dog Bay are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"Lovely place to stay, would recommend to all"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Le Chalet Waiheke Apartments
Onetangi Beach Apartments
Onetangi Beach Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5-7 Fourth Avenue, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Onetangi Beach and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (324 reviews)
"Loved our stay, close to the beach, restaurants and bus stop"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Onetangi Beach Apartments
The Settlers Hut
The Settlers Hut
3 out of 5
60 Burrell Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland
Stay at this cottage in Waiheke Island. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Surfdale Beach and Little Oneroa Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Lovely little hideaway. Close to town, but secluded enough to feel tucked away with a great view to sea from the deck."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024

The Settlers Hut
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Waiheke Island

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Lexi
May 30, 2019

The island is beautiful and we enjoyed the wineries.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2019

The beaches are awsom

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