A favourite getaway spot among locals, Waiheke is famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches, excellent eating and more than 30 wineries and vineyards that dot the island. The temperatures average about 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) in summer and 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) in winter dropping to about 8 or 9 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit) at night in . The small group makes this a really personal experience and you pack a lot in for $129 NZD. Stonyridge Winery Estate. They're available at restaurants throughout Waiheke. Although Waiheke isn't a pest-free reserve (as some other islands in the Hauraki Gulf are), you may still see a kereru, grey warblers, fantails, kingfishers, tuis, blue penguins, dotterels, and kaka parrots while walking on the island. For $149 NZD, from a birds-eye view, marvel at the ocean, landscape, and beaches while you receive key information about interesting places from the pilot. Test your archery and clay shooting skills (or try it out for the first time) at Wild Estate. Despite being part of Auckland and close to the city, Waiheke Island has a slightly different climate compared to elsewhere in Auckland. Soak up the sun and landscape of Waiheke Island and take up your bow and do your best to hit the bullseye on the target for 30 minutes for $40 NZD. This one-day Waiheke Island itinerary takes our favorite experiences and puts them all together into one wonderful day on the island. Alternatively, you may use, Auckland Central Hotels and Places to Stay, Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group. We ended our visit to Waiheke Island with dinner at Mudbrick and it was a fantastic finale to the day. Legacy Wine and Food Pairing at Batch Winery. Waiheke Island Tourism: Best of Waiheke Island About Waiheke Island Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. You can enjoy views of the bay from the tasting room as you sip on a glass ofPinque Ros with its strawberries and cream flavor with hints of watermelon and Szechuan pepper. If you would prefer to stay around the typical tourist area and take in the beautiful pohutukawa trees, that would be it. You may see some cute seahorses, leatherjacket fish, eagle rays, stingrays, or if youre lucky enough, maybe a 2-meter (6.5-foot) kingfish! Our 7 Favorite Things to Do on Waiheke Island, Best Things to Do on Waiheke Island: On a Map. Watch this Topic Browse forums All Auckland forums Auckland Central forum Niffer56 Ridgewood, New. To take your distillery involvement and understanding a bit further, you can take part in a 2-hour distillery tour where you will have the opportunity to learn about their handcrafted spirits as well as taste them. At Rangihoua Mill, you can tour the mill and taste a variety of olive oils from olives grown on Waiheke Island. Like Oneroa and Palm Beaches, there are public toilets, picnic areas, and access to a few restaurants. Our website uses cookies. It's a great place to hang out for a while, as there are boutique shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, and even a little cinema in Oneroa. These thought-provoking sculptures display the artists unique skills and work while giving visitors a multifaceted experience by guiding them through the Waiheke landscape. The reserve is near Onetangi Beach, so you can combine a walk with some beach time. Guided vineyard tours are a good idea, as you'll be driven around to some of the best. This Waihiki Island is also a tourist attraction worth visiting. Amazing place! Worth a visit! - Review of Waiheke Island, Auckland 15 Epic Things to Do on Waiheke Island - Finding Alexx Location: 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971, New Zealand. If you want to take a break from the wine tastings, how about tasting olive oil? Wine, Relaxation, and Fine Food on Waiheke Island Near Auckland New Zealand. Many travelers also opt for some kind of guided tour (a particularly good idea if you plan on drinking at wineries, as nobody has to be designated driver and miss out!). . So, when you are there at Waiheke Island, living your best . Local buses meet the ferries at Matiatia Bay. Onetangi is a wonderful spot to visit on Waiheke Island. If you don't have your own car, this isn't a problem, as there are bus services on Waiheke Island connecting the main settlements. SafetyWing specializes in very affordable and comprehensive medical and travel insurance that is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. If youre looking for more great activities around Auckland or New Zealand in general, Id love to help you out! THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Waiheke Island - Tripadvisor Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. Ananda Tours also offers specialty tours, such as ones with stops at an olive oil grove or a local brewery. Oneroa Beach is ideal if you're just on a day trip to Waiheke, as it's easily accessible. After you have spent the day at the beach, just walk across the road and enjoy a meal at Three Seven Two. Tours are a rip off and unneccessary. This gives you enough time to visit a few wineries, have a leisurely lunch and/or dinner, and add in some activities such as olive oil tasting, gin tasting, ziplining, time at the beach, or the walk out to Stony Batter Historic Reserve. Whakanewha Park provides the only camping area on the island. The amount of food you get is similar to a small meal or a very big snack. Located in the rolling hills of Waiheke Island, Tantalus Estate is one of the most beautiful vineyards to visit. Prices start at $30 NZD for a 1-hour hire for a kayak or $35 NZD for a stand-up paddleboard. Tantalus Estate Vineyard | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. With regular ferry sailings, Waiheke is the perfect place to escape to for the day . Covered in warm, white sand you can walk along the beach, sit at a picnic table and eat your lunch after a morning swim and use the BBQs if you need. Where to Stay in Auckland: The BEST Auckland Hotels for all budgets! Overall, you could spend an hour or two wandering around and taking in the history of Waiheke Island. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Its definitely worth more than one visit! it was worth it. Plan on spending one full day on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island: Amazing place! The beaches of Waiheke Island are beautiful, and perfect for some downtime after sightseeing in busy Auckland. We finished dinner a little earlier than expected at Mudbrick and were able to get on the 7:30 pm ferry with our 8 pm ticket. Batch Winery is another popular winery to visit on Waiheke Island. You have the option to squeeze in the food and wine pairing at Batch Wineryit is a lot to eat in one day (you still have dinner!) A Simple Guide & Itinerary For The Ultimate Waiheke Island Day Trip I was able to pedal from winery to winery on a beautiful day while working off some calories along the way! Join Waiheke Dive for a shore dive, boat dive, or night dive, or get your hands on some gear to go scuba diving or snorkeling on your own. Other attractions include the beaches, nature walks, sailing adventures, and pure relaxation. Here's how to make the most of the island's best attractions in 24 hours. There is a long list of wineries to visit in Waiheke Island and well get into that in more detail later in this guide. This option is perfect for those who dont want the hassle of driving or renting a car or using the bus. Definitely take part in some water sports while you are on beautiful Waiheke Island. 17 years ago Save The EcoZip Adventure is a 3-hour experience that includes three ziplines and a forest walk. From its location on a hilltop cliff, again you get more stunning views of the island and on a clear day, can see the skyline of Auckland. If you want to go to the largest beach on Waiheke Island, then Onetangi Beach is the one to visit. Tours are offered from late October through early April. I hope you fall in love with this laid back Islandand wish to spend a few more days there. You can listen to the driver talk about the history of the island and then hop off whenever you like. Here's our weekend guide to the wineries and dineries to visit. You get to soak in the beachside views of Oneroa Bay as you eat your coastal-inspired dish which has been locally sourced. Onetangi Beach | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. I guess it comes down to costs and how much time you have on the Sunday.Oneroa has plenty of cafe's for dining alsobut I do like the Mudbrick Vineyard. Whether you drop into a winery or two, plan a beach day, or take in some of the history on the island, there is so much to do. Interested in Waiheke Islands History? If you only want to walk out to the rock formations, plan on spending about an hour here, which gives you enough time for the out-and-back walk. Waiheke Island is referred to as New Zealands island of wine. The climate is well suited to growing Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. If you have kids along, theres a great playground and ice cream too. At the end of this list, you can see all of them on a map. Monarch butterflies and native birds find refuge here. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. If you do plan to spend a night or two here, then you shouldbook your accommodation online in advance. Home What to do 18 BEST Things to do on Waiheke Island +Visitor Guide. The guided walks start at 10:30 am and cost $30 NZD for an adult. During the pandemic, theyve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed! Visit Waiheke Island A true island paradise just a stone's throw from Auckland City. You wont find a more interesting park than the Connells Bay Sculpture Park. Waiheke Distilling Co. is a great place to visit after a nice lunch at Man O' War Vineyardsthe view alone is worth the visit. Any questions keep asking. If you want a place to go to for lunch, I highly recommend Akito. 4 hour Far End of Waiheke Scenic Wine Tour on Electric Vans. This beach is split into two sections. Why this New Zealand destination is worth the visit. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Palm Beach is a smaller beach than Oneroa Beach. The Waiheke Island locals assure us that Waiheke Island has its own microclimate and is warmer and drier all year round than the closest city- Auckland. Learn more about Man O War and make your lunch reservation on the official website. The wine here is excellent (try the Mudbrick Chardonnay) and there are two restaurants here overlooking the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island - Waiheke Island Travel ReviewsTrip.com Travel Guide As for what you should do..its hard to say without knowing what you like, age.your interests. Thanks much! Oneroa Beach is a long strip of white sand that sits beside the town of Oneroa. Waiheke Island is the perfect place to celebrate special events while sipping on some local wine or just spending time in nature away from the bustling city. Why You Should Visit Onetangi Onetangi is one of the main townships on Waiheke Island and is well worth visiting during your trip . The main reason for visiting the Stony Batter Historic Reserve is to see the rock formations and the gun sites that remain from World War II. The experience gets even better once you start tasting the gin. Hi fellow cruisers. The #2 bus can drop you off and you can even grab an ice cream at the Palm Beach Store before you walk over to the beach. I'm headed to New Zealand in a few weeks and have my itinerary all set, but am stuck on my stay in Auckland and whether or not to visit Waiheke for the day or spend the night. This small island in the Hauraki Gulf is home to some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in New Zealand, as well as fresh seafood and world-class wine. 3 February 2021 View Waiheke Island is worth spending at least a couple of days exploring, but if you're short on time or just yearning for a scenic New Zealand day trip, we can help you map out a one-day itinerary. When my great, great grandfather settled the first block of land on Waiheke Island's Palm Beach - under its namesake tree - it cost a princely sum of 21 pounds and 10 shillings. SOUTH ISLAND: On the South Island of New Zealand, visit Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, drive the Southern Scenic Route, go bungy jumping in Queenstown, hike the Hooker Valley Track, and visit Franz Josef and Glacier Country. http://www.fullers.co.nz they do the ferries across and have options for day/half day tours of vineyards..and try http://www.gotowaiheke.co.nz for more options. The tasting room is a wide, grassy area, filled with picnic tables and bean bag chairs. A visit to the garden lasts at least 30 minutes. The water is really clear and so refreshing in the summer months. Youll paddle toward the sunset and watch the stars come out as you go west from Matiatia harbor. New Zealand has just about the most incredible and varied landscapes for a country its size than anywhere I've been. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a taste of island life, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to play and stay. thanks for the tips, sounds great - almost as good as a day trip to Rothesay - have decided to get the ferry over and have lunch at Mudbrick, which is pretty close to the ferry terminal. Take the 8 am ferry to from Auckland to Waiheke Island (the Sea Link ferry if you will be bringing a car onto the island or the Fullers ferry if you will rent a car on the island). Dont spend all your time on foot, explore Waiheke Island by going up in the air on a scenic flight. For the most freedom and to travel on your own schedule, the best way to get around is by car. Check availability and book your room online here. But, there are other types of establishment, too, including cafes and bars in Oneroa and elsewhere. For budget travelers, Wai-knot Accommodation gets excellent reviews. From this hilltop setting, you get panoramic views of Cowes Bay and the eastern coastline of Waiheke Island. Not long after visiting NZ for the first time, I packed my bags leaving behind the cold weather in Canada to settle in this beautiful place called Queenstown! For an even better experience, spend one or two nights on Waiheke Island. Thanks for any advice. Anyone out there that has been, is it worth the trip than say hoho bus around Auckland. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Waiheke Island or how to plan your visit to Waiheke Island, let us know in the comment section below. If you like gin, visiting Waiheke Distilling Co. is one of the best things to do on Waiheke Island. Visit the official website for hours of operation and pricing. In no particular order, here is a list of the best things to do on Waiheke Island. If you're not keen on hiking, travelers recommend opting for Fullers'Volcanic Explorer Tour, which includes round-trip ferry transfers to and from downtown Auckland and a four-wheel drive road train tour of the island. If this concerns you, SafetyWing can help! The original jail that was built on the island back in 1942 is even still there! Required fields are marked *. If you add on a tour of the tunnels, your visit could last up to three hours. Waiheke Island Day Trip: Things to Do & One Day Itinerary Wild Estate: Worth visiting and having lunch - See 254 traveler reviews, 136 candid photos, and great deals for Waiheke Island, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. The Archive Bar & Bistro is a more casual experience, with seating in the garden and outdoor terrace. There are multiple ways to get around Waiheke Island: by car, by bike, by bus, and by tour. Most services are passenger only, but there are some car ferries too. Outside of the school holidays in the summer, it's still busy on weekends but less so mid-week. Waiheke Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. You can get to Waiheke Island by ferry and helicopter. There are heaps of vineyards if you like a drop. Waiheke Island is the ultimate weekend getaway to go wine tasting with your best mates, relax on some of New Zealands best beaches, and traverse the much-loved walking trails. There are many wineries on Waiheke Island, and many of these serve snacks or full meals. Visiting Waiheke Island | Blog | Discover the World Visiting Waiheke Island | Blog | Discover the World Find out why a visit to Waiheke Island's beaches and vineyards should be included in your holiday itinerary to New Zealand's North Island. When is the best time to visit Waiheke Island? NORTH ISLAND: Top experiences on the North Island include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (one of the best day hikes in the world), a visit to Taup, touring Hobbiton, and seeing the glowworms and blackwater rafting in the Waitomo Caves. If you like Wine, then go, it is more expensive wine but its go good! Most ferries arrive on Waiheke Island at the main port,Matiatia Wharf, but some go toOrapiu WharfandKennedy Point. Waiheke Island is the ultimate weekend getaway to go wine tasting with your best mates, relax on some of New Zealand's best beaches, and traverse the much-loved walking trails. Fullers ferry rides last about 40 minutes and depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. This ferry terminal is most convenient for travelers staying in or around the central city. 3. Waiheke Island is an ideal day or overnight trip destination from Auckland, as it offers many natural attractions but is very close to the city. How much time do you need on Waiheke Island? Located on the east side of Waiheke Island, along the ridge of Cowes Bay, they have created a beautiful garden and distillery for visitors to come and enjoy their unique spirits and also stunning and expansive views. When I lived in Auckland, this island was one of my favorite places to visit! Three companies operate ferries that leave from the mainland several times a day. On this drive, you pass farms, sheep, and vineyards. I would like to go back during summer.better weather for swimming. To take the activity level up a few notches, cycling and mountain biking is also big on Waiheke Island. You can also pay a bit extra and have a go at archery and laser clay bird shooting! ct intro final View All Trips THE 10 BEST Places to Visit in New Zealand This Year - SmarterTravel Let me help you plan your trip to the island with some of the best things to do while youre here! In this guide, we cover the best things to do on Waiheke Island, plus important travel planning information, including how to get to Waiheke Island, how to get around the island, and how to plan your time. Plus, there are a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if you need. Located on the northern coast of Waiheke, the coastal village has one of the best beaches on the island, as well as award-winning restaurants and wineries. More Information for Your Trip to New Zealand, Read all of our articles about New Zealand in our. The meals are reasonably priced and you can tell the care that goes into the dish when it is served to you. Waiheke Island is this wonderful little escape that once youre here, youre going to want to stay a while! They also offer lunch, dinner, and have a shop where you can purchase their wine. Waiheke Island | 100% Pure New Zealand Long strips of white sandy beaches line some of the shoreline of Waiheke Island. You can also purchase your ticket on GetYourGuide, which has the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours with a full refund, should your plans change at the last minute. You can come in for a tasting or lunch with a view. There are bathrooms and picnic areas here. It's a bit drier and gets more sunshine hours. It is similar to what we did with some modifications. 15:30 - 19:00: Explore Oeneroa Art Caf And Beach. we are doing tour of NZ in december and wanted to go over to Waiheke for a half day on the sunday we are in Auckland. WAIHEKE ISLAND RESORT $116 ($201) - Tripadvisor Akito overall has a really relaxing and calm vibe to it and you will leave feeling nourished and satisfied. I loved snorkeling around the bays on Waiheke Island the water is SO clear and brimming with marine life. Many Waiheke Islanders commute to Auckland to work, while others are involved in the island's booming wine production. For a special lunch or dinner, you can't go past a winery. Waiheke Distilling Co. view | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. How to Spend a Day on Waiheke Island, New Zealand - Culture Trip Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The Best Waiheke Island Beaches: A Fantastic Day Trip from Auckland To get to views of the unique rock formations, it is a 1.2 km (0.75 mile) one-way walk from the car park. The water is pure bliss and there is no better way to make the most of it than being in or on it! It's a laid back place. It costs just $45 USD per 4 weeks! Other ferries also leave from Half Moon Bayin north-east Auckland andDevonporton theNorth Shore. The only way to get to Waiheke Island is by ferry. The beach is equipped with toilets and a few BBQs. Jeremy_Dodson: I recommended Waiheke Island,Podere Crisci Winery,Stony Batter historic reserve This gives you enough time to visit a few wineries, have a leisurely lunch and/or dinner, and add in some activities such as olive oil tasting, gin tasting, ziplining, time at the beach, or the walk out to Stony Batter Historic Reserve. The setting (sitting outdoors with a view of the beach) and the food were unbeatable. The Stony Batter Historic Reserve is located on the east side of Waiheke Island. The setting here is fantastic. The journey is between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on the service you choose and where you're coming from. Rooms here are around the $100-150 NZD mark and can be booked online here. There's a shaded deck to sit out on, and a boardwalk. For more information about Waiheke Island's shops, restaurants, beaches and vineyards, visit Tourism Waiheke'swebsite. This makes it an ideal environment for both wine growing and lounging at the beach. If you have a car, please consider doing the tour yourself.Waiheke Island is easy enough to get around. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Alternatively, join a tour that Kayak Waiheke runs, such as the Half Day Guided Coastal Explorer, which is their most popular tour to visit coves, caves, and canyons you can only reach with a kayak. This walk is along a gravel road and has a few ups and downs but nothing too strenuous. It is located on the north side of the island, not far from Oneroa Beach. Waiheke Island is a very popular summer destination, and it's especially busy during the New Zealand summer school holidays, which run from mid-late December to the end of January/beginning of February. I would recommend doing the Whakanewha Loop, which is a one-hour walk through the forest and leads to the small Cascades Waterfall! It belongs to the kind of island . Waiheke Island is great to visit any time as it has warm temperatures all year round. A visit to this tranquil oasis is a must-do for nature lovers and gardeners. On this tour, you will zipline over both the forest and a vineyard. There are even more options on their website. The best time to visit Waiheke Island is from October through April. If you want to stay on the island, you'll need to book early or come at a different time. Make sure you give some of my other blogs a read while youre planning your own epic trip to NZ! With so many vineyards on the island, there are many places to drink and eat. Is waiheke island new zealand worth a visit?? - Cruise Critic Well worth a visit - Review of Waiheke Island, Auckland Central, New Tim, who had the job of safely driving us around the island, skipped out on most of the drinks. If you're thinking of adding some time on Waiheke Island to your Auckland itinerary, here's everything you need to know. Two Scottish cows roam the property but unfortunately, they did not make an appearance during our visit. If youre staying on the island, the tour will even come to pick you up from your hotel! While you can drive around this island, there are public buses and taxis, or I really loved renting a bike here. While spending a couple of hours on this scenic island is great,spending a few nightshere is what I recommend to really soak up all this place has to offer. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. With a long coastline and pretty beaches, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are fun activities. It felt like I was on an amazing adventure in the wilderness of a beautiful island. Then when you dock you can hire scooters or a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dinner at Mudbrick was also a very nice experience. It lets you be spontaneous and decide on a whim what you want to see and do. There is a network of tracks on Waiheke Island called Te Ara Hura that are perfect for hiking. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. How To Get Around Waiheke Island - View Auckland Ive included all of the different activities you can do on Waiheke Island including other essentials to know before you go like where to stay, eat, and getting there. If you stay at the cottage, you are permitted to visit the sculpture park unguided. Getting Around Waiheke Island. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Since using SafetyWing weve been reimbursed thousands of dollars when weve gotten sick. For adventure junkies, book a zip lining excursion with EcoZip Adventures. I'm going to post a note re our trip over the weekend for more tips and would appreciate any more help you can give us planning our holiday, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Visit Waiheke Island: 2023 Travel Guide for Waiheke Island, Auckland This is a popular venue for weddings and special events. Try scuba diving with Paihia Dive 's intro-to-diving course. Waiheke Island Reviews | U.S. News Travel It was absolutely wonderful. Heck yes! The Top 10 Offshore Islands in New Zealand, The Complete Guide to New Zealand's Wine Regions, New Zealand Is Once Again Open to VisitorsHere's What It's Like to Visit Now, Exploring the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, North Auckland, Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand's North Island, Traveling to New Zealand With Kids: Everything to Know, 48 Hours in Auckland: The Ultimate Itinerary, The 12 Best Places to Go Camping in New Zealand, Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island, The Top 14 Things to Do on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The food was delicious and it was an all-around wonderful experience. Known as New Zealands Island of Wine, Waiheke Island has the perfect climate for growing grapes. It's a very scenic cruise as you sail through the Hauraki Gulf, with the Auckland skyline receding behind you. This small island is home to long stretches of beautiful beaches and coastlines, olive oil and gin distilleries, hiking trails, and restaurants. We walked back to our room, and the next morning, a cab picked us up and took us to the ferry. Tickets are also available on GetYourGuide. Waiheke Distilling Co. | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. Various tour operators offer guided tours of the coastline from your watercraft of choice. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Island Gelato. Formed in the 1930s, it was established as part of a coastal defense system protecting Auckland. One of the best things to do in New Zealand is to grab your swimming gear and enjoy the pristine waters around this island. Found in the heart of Oneroa, the team works with local growers to produce food that is created with love and care. After Man O War, go gin tasting at Waiheke Distilling Company, go olive oil tasting at Rangihoua Mill, and then go wine tasting at Tantalus Estate or Stonyridge Vineyard.