A Complete Guide to exploring the Waiheke Island Paradise!
With pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, gorgeous landscapes, world class wines, and fantastic cuisine, it’s easy to see why Waiheke Island is considered the jewel in the Hauraki Gulf’s crown and voted as Auckland’s best day out!
Rated as ‘Top Best Islands in the World’ by Conde Nast Traveler
Waiheke Island Paradise
Below, you can find everything you need to know about Waiheke:
Quick Links
- History
- Walk Waiheke! It’s Land and Trails
- Cool Facts about the Island
- Popular Activities
- Private Tours and Shuttles
- How to get to Waiheke Island
- Ferry Timetables
- What’s on in Waiheke
History
The original Māori name for Waiheke is Te Motu-arai-roa, meaning “the long sheltering island”.
It was among the first places settled by east Polynesian voyagers to Aotearoa 800 years ago. The two great, ocean-going waka (canoes), Tainui and Te Arawa, arrived in the Hauraki Gulf 600 – 700 years ago.
The Start of Tourism began in 1880s, when steamer excursions began to Waiheke, and surrounding islands. Happy crowds of day trippers enjoyed picnics, bathing, beach games and regattas, calling this island ‘The Perfect Day Trip’.
Voted as Auckland’s ‘Best Day Out’.
Good Read ‘Why you should take a walk around the spectacular Waiheke Island’
Headlands
Beaches ‘n’ Baches
Forest Heart
Far End
Waiheke can be divided into 4 main parts
That are very different in terms of their flora, views, and activities: Headlands, Beaches ‘n’ Baches, Forest Heart, Far End.
It is a popular destination for experiencing its 100km walking trails all around the Island!
The island has around 40km of beaches and the eastern part of the island is mostly farmland, vineyards and a regional park. The island’s residents are united in their love of the island’s nature.
Cool article about ‘Why you should go on a walk on Waiheke’
Read this DoC Brochure about walking on Waiheke – very informative!
Headlands
Million-dollar views, Hauraki Gulf highlights, the best of what Waiheke has to offer. An introduction to the highlights of the island – all in one accessible space.
Beaches n’n Baches
In the villages, but off the beaten track. Always close to a cafe. Quiet and quirky walkways full of essential island character – and of course, Te Ara Hura threading through them.
Forest Heart
Beautiful native bush, old trees safe from possums, regenerating new forest and streams, wetlands and birds aplenty. The living core of Waiheke, where you’ll escape the hustle and bustle
Far End
A place apart – big skies, big views, and fresh air therapy
New Zealand’s Most Densely Populated Island
Cool Facts about Waiheke Island
- It is the Second largest island (after Great Barrier Island) in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand
- It is New Zealand’s most densely populated island, with over 10,000 permanent residents!
- The island is very hilly, which makes it a super scenic place with ideal hills for vineyards and walks!
- Just 17,000 years ago the Waiheke island was a part of the North Island, which changed since the sea level dropped.
- Anyone with any budget can experience Waiheke to its fullest! Camp, Stay in an Airbnb, or hotel, or rent a whole holiday house, or a boat, it’s totally up to you and your desires.
- Getting around is super easy! From hiring e-bikes or e-vans with a personal driver, to catching a bus or flying on a helicopter, Waiheke offers it all!
- More than 900,000 visitors visit Waiheke island each year (for travelers it might seem a little, but for New Zealand it’s a huge number – like 1/5th of its population!)
In 2021 – came 4thon Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Islands in the World
In November 2015, Lonely Planet rated Waiheke Island the fifth ‘Best Region in the World to Visit’
Waiheke Island hosts 900,000+ visitors/year!
Popular Activities on Waiheke Island
Everyone says that there is just so much to see and do in one day! So if you choose to stay over, there is accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences. Booking in advance is advisable so search our listings to find just the right place.
- Scenic Wine Tasting Tours
- Having a casual beachfront café meal or an upscale, multi-course affair
- Flying-fox Zipline
- Beaches and walking trails
- Watch the America’s Cup 36 racing on water from Waiheke Islalnd
Find out about all other local Waiheke activities
World-class Wine-tasting Experience
Private Tours / Shuttles / Waiheke Transport
Join us for a personalised and engaging tour of Waiheke Island.
Sit back in the comfort of fully-electric premium comfort Vans, while exploring the Island Paradise and sampling some of the most divine wines that Waiheke has to offer.
You will spend 1-4 hours in style – with privacy and attention unmatched by traditional group tours.
- Scenic Wine Tasting Tours
- Scenic 1h Tour around Waiheke’s top sights
- Private Hire – transfers / taxi / events
Gift Cards are Available Here – www.kiwituktuk.co.nz/gift-cards
The Most Accessible Island in the Gulf
How to Get to Waiheke
It is the most accessible island in the gulf, with regular passenger and car-ferry services, a helicopter operator based on the island,
See Ferry Timetables below. Tickets get be bought online or at Ferry terminal.
Ferry
Scheduled ferry services regularly sail to and from Waiheke. Fullers operate passenger services from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke’s Matiatia wharf, with trips taking approximately 40 minutes. Meanwhile, SeaLink provides passenger, car and freight services between Half Moon Bay in East Auckland and Waiheke’s Kennedy Point, with trips taking around 50 minutes to an hour. SeaLink also offer a passenger and car “City Service” connecting Kennedy Point with Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter.
Air Service
There is one airport on the island, Waiheke Island Aerodrome, served via fixed-wing aircraft by Flight Hauraki and via helicopter by a number of operators. Waiheke is also accessible via a regular seaplane service.
Public Bus
Waiheke has a reliable and fully timetabled public bus service (pdf) which is operated by Fullers, and overseen by Auckland Transport.
As the island is within one fare zone, fares are flat, regardless of journey length.
Ferry Timetables below
For Full Timetables Click here – Fullers Oficial website
What’s on in Waiheke
Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealand’s fine wines.
Book a Scenic Wine Tour – taste at least 12 Waiheke Wines at 3 Top Vineyards
Visit all the unique little beaches and bays that reside around Waiheke!
There are many scenic beaches, including the white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.
There are numerous lesser known areas throughout the Island that offer a more private setting such as Enclosure Bay, Te Whau Point and Woodside Bay.
Find out about all other local Waiheke activities
