Waiheke is a small island located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand with a population of over 10,000 residents. Although only a 40-minute ferry ride from download Auckland, it feels like a world away.
After spending a day in Auckland and seeing all the best sites, why not head to Waiheke Island for a change of pace.
With secluded beaches, rolling vineyards and quaint seaside towns it is a wonderful day trip to escape the city and experience a variety of Waiheke vineyards. A must-do experience when visiting the North Island.
Things To Do
There is something for everyone on Waiheke Island. Looking for a little adventure, how about a zipline through the forest.
If art is more your speed and your timing is right then keep an eye out for the exclusive Waiheke Sculpture Walk, a 2.5km coastal walkway displaying stunning artworks. This unique exhibition only happens every two years with the next event planned for March 2024. It is a much-loved exhibition for visitors and locals alike!
Get those steps in with one of the many scenic coastal walks. With more than 100km (62 miles) of walking tracks showcasing picturesque coastlines, forests, waterfalls and beaches it’s a great way to see the island.
Need to relax and rejuvenate, head to one of Waiheke’s secluded beaches. Palm Beach is small lovely beach and a good place for swimming.
Or if you’d prefer something that’s off the beaten path, Otwakawhe Bay is a lesser known spot that’s a little more challenging to get to. It’s a small pebble beach located at the bottom of the island down a dirt road. It’s also in a marine reserve.
If you do make your way to this end of the island there is a Gin distillery, the Man O War Vineyards and Stoney Batter tunnels to explore to really make a day of it.
Where to eat
A day on Waiheke isn’t complete without experiencing one of the many spectacular vineyards offering idyllic views, good food and of course the best wine! After working up an appetite with a morning of activities you will be spoiled for choice of vineyards to choose from.
Top Four Waiheke Vineyards
Mudbrick
A smaller, rustic venue set on a ridge offering sweeping views overlooking vineyards and the Hauraki Gulf. Mudbrick has two restaurants to choose from, its flagship dining area and a more relaxed bistro setting.
Stonyridge
A romantic and exotic venue covered in foliage and nestled in a valley of olive trees with sweeping vineyard views. Sonyridge is well known for their sought-after French-inspired Cabernet blends.
Cable Bay
Cable Bay Vineyards is a larger, modern, and well-known vineyard and winery with sharing style platters in a stunning location. It has a large outdoor area including a veranda and vast lawn area overlooking the sea. In summer bean bag seating in the outdoor areas create the perfect relaxed summer atmosphere.
Wild Estate
Wild Estate includes Wild on Waiheke Activities & Waiheke Island Brewery. It is a fun and relaxed style vineyard and restaurant offering something for everyone. Not only is it a winery but also a brewery with an assortment of activities like clay bird shooting, archery, a giant chess board, trampoline and so much more. There is even a kid’s area.
Grab an ice cream before catching the ferry back to the mainland. La Dolce Vita makes authentic Italian style gelato every day from scratch. There are 10 amazing flavors to choose from and the fruit ones are vegan!
Where to stay
When deciding how many days to spend in Auckland, why not consider staying for a weekend, or even just overnight on Waiheke Island. There are many accommodation options to choose from. You can even stay at some of the Waiheke vineyards. Both the Mudbrick and Cable Bay Vineyards have luxury guest houses you can book for an extra special getaway.
You can also find a great variety of options through Airbnb and Bookabach from budget options to luxury stays.
There is also a selection of small luxury hotels and lodges available on the island. Waiheke Island Resort is the largest Hotel with around 40 one and two bedroom units which is a great option for families.
If you prefer to stay in the main village, Oneroa Bay Villas offers good value. This modern second-floor apartment is located minutes from bars, restaurants and the beach.
Tips for Visiting Waiheke Island
How to get there
A visit to Waiheke is one of the top things to do in Auckland. Ferries run regularly from the Ferry Building in downtown Auckland. You can purchase your ticket at the counter or you can book your ferry ticket in advance here. The ferry boards by your place in line, I recommend getting there early.
When to go
Waiheke can be enjoyed any time of the year. Even in winter many of the Waiheke vineyards will have open fires and sheepskin lined seats to snuggle up in.
The New Zealand summer runs from December to February and this is a busier time on the island. If you only have a short time in Auckland and are visiting during the summer months, its best to get your ferry ticket and book your tour and or reservations to the wineries in advance so you don’t miss out.
Although weather can never be guaranteed, March through to May, October and November can be a lovely time to visit with mild weather and less crowds.
Getting around the Island
Public transport including buses and taxis operate on the island, the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer bus is a convenient option offering flexibility especially if you are staying for the weekend. You can also hire a car or an e-bike on the island.
Booking a tour is a great option for a day trip. There are a variety of tours, from food and wine tours that take you to a selection of vineyards to tours offering ziplining and forest walks.
We booked a back-to-back ziplining tour in the morning and a food and wine tour in the afternoon and it was perfect. Everything was organized for us, and we were able to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, camera, swimming gear and towel if you plan to visit the beaches, a light jacket and warm layers. Waiheke has its own little eco climate so the weather can be changeable even in summer.
Conclusion
As you can see Waiheke is a great little escape from the city with something for everyone. I highly recommend incorporating a food and wine tour as an easy way to experience a fantastic selection of Waiheke vineyards. Each time I visit I learn something new about this unique location and it is always a fun and memorable experience. Whether you are here for the day or a weekend I hope this helps you plan the ultimate Waiheke Island getaway.
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.