Aerial shot of Waiheke Island
A wine glass with red wine on a pole in a field with the ocean in the background
Aerial view of an island surrounded by blue water
Aerial shot of Waiheke Island
A wine glass with red wine on a pole in a field with the ocean in the background
Aerial view of an island surrounded by blue water
Discover the island of wine

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.

Two men sitting at a table in a beautiful winery
Wine tasting at one of the many vineyards is a must-do when visiting Waiheke
© Camilla Rutherford
Fly and dine at Waiheke Island
Experience the best of island life with golden sand beaches and turquoise swimming waters
© Joshua McCormack

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.

Aerial view of an island surrounded by blue water
Spend the morning discovering beaches, bays, and vineyards on the island
© Joshua McCormack

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.

Aerial view of a stretch of white sand, blue ocean and houses and buildings on the shore
Pack some snacks and enjoy a day of swimming and sun at the Waiheke Island beaches
A view of the sunset over the ocean from a speedboat
Appreciate a sunset cruise over the ocean

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.

Two planes in the air flying over blue ocean with an island in the distance
Get a bird's-eye view of the stunning 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.

Steps leading to the beach
Oneroa is a charming village with a beautiful beach that is worth exploring
Green vineyard with buildings in the background
Meander through world-class vineyards

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.

Table of food and wine
Visit Tantalus Estate, a stylish new winery on Waiheke Island
© Camilla Rutherford
A wine glass with red wine on a pole in a field with the ocean in the background
Take a moment to enjoy sunset at Mudbrick Vineyard

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.

A couple enjoying a meal outside on a sunny day with the ocean in the background
Have leisurely lunches pairing wine with gourmet meals
© Camilla Rutherford
A group of people sitting at a table learning about distilling drinks
Walk from a vineyard to a nearby local brewery to learn about botanicals
© Camilla Rutherford
Gannet colony | New Zealand wildlife

Get inspired for your dream holiday to New Zealand

Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!

Register now

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.

Aerial view of a golden sand coastline
Oneroa is a popular crescent-shaped beach perfect for the family
Aerial view of a white sand beach and coastline
Go on a kayaking adventure at Onetangi beach

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.

Aerial view of a lush green island set in a blue ocean
The island is easy to explore by car, bike or scooter

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.

Large tree with green leaves in a garden
Take your time exploring all that Waiheke has to offer
View of green trees and blue coastline
Savour the serenity of this unique 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.

A deck overlooking the ocean
Wind down from a day of exploration with your favourite book on the deck
A spacious light bedroom with sea views
Relax in a light, spacious room with a sea view

Discover more

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.

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.