Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island feels otherworldly. Waiheke, New Zealand’s ‘wine island’, is known for its boutique wineries, adventurous spirit and laid-back atmosphere.
Locals mix with international expats and Auckland weekenders who flock to enjoy Waiheke Island’s natural charms and rich food and wine scene. Along the coastline are pristine beaches, hidden coves and turquoise waters.
Overview of Waiheke Island
Vineyards dot the island’s countryside, many offering tastings paired with local artisan cuisine and are easy to navigate.
Waiheke Island is just a short ferry ride from Waitemata Harbour, so most visitors plan to catch an early boat and explore the island the same day. If you have a car or bicycle, you can also take the ferry. If you like walking, explore the many trails along cliff tops, beaches and native bush. Alternatively, rent a bike when the ferry departs and start exploring on your own, or hop on one of the many tourist buses to get around the city.
If you want to spend the night, you’ll find several B&Bs and boutique inns. For a luxurious experience, rent a place on the beach and wake up to the sound of the waves. If you’re traveling on a budget, try a friendly backpacker hostel.
Whether you’re looking to hike forested trails, relax on the beach or indulge in exceptional food and wine, Waiheke offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure and sophistication.
Visit Oneroa Village
Waiheke Island’s main village, Oneroa, has a relaxed beach town feel with cute cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries. Centered around the main beach, Oneroa embodies the relaxed atmosphere of the island.
Have breakfast at the beachfront cafe and enjoy coffee and fresh bread while enjoying the view. Afterwards, stroll through the village and stop at art galleries and boutiques selling locally made crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Oneroa Village is a great place to have lunch before your afternoon wine tasting. Find the perfect place to grab some fish and chips and enjoy lunch on Oneroa Beach. This north-facing beach is sunny and perfect for swimming.
Or, end your day on Waiheke Island with dinner at a local restaurant such as Wai Kitchen or Waiheke’s oldest restaurant, Vino Vino, on Oneroa’s Main Street. Enjoy your meals by the ocean on the stunning deck overlooking Oneroa Bay. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. pasta primavera or mushroom risotto, which pairs well with a number of local wines.
go wine tasting
There’s a reason this place is called Wine Island. Waiheke Island is home to some of New Zealand’s best wineries. Waiheke Island’s temperate climate and fertile soil make it one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, primarily known for its full-bodied red wines.
The island is home to more than 20 boutique wineries and vineyards, many of which take advantage of Waiheke Island’s coastal location, offering sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf while sampling wine.
No visit to Waiheke Island is complete without a stop and tasting at at least a few wineries. Everyone has their favorites, but popular stops include Stony Ridge, Cable Bay, Man o’ War, Te Motu, Wild on Waiheke and Poderi Krishi.
Cable Bay Winery is one of Waiheke Island’s most beautiful vineyards. Located in the western part of the island, the Cable Bay vineyards slope gently towards the coast and overlook the turquoise waters of the Hauraki Gulf. After his day cycling around the island, capping off with a drink overlooking Auckland is the perfect sightseeing experience.
Cable Bay offers tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé and award-winning red wines. To accompany your wine, we offer small plates of locally sourced oysters, charcuterie and cheese. For an elevated experience, book the Vineyard Kitchen Experience. This includes a guided tour of the vineyard and a 3-course gourmet lunch paired with wine.
For those looking for a bit of adventure while sipping Chardonnay, Wild at Waiheke offers wine tasting and unique fun opportunities. Try your hand at laser clay bird shooting, archery, punching bags, petanque (French for lawn bowling), volleyball, and more.
In addition to wine tastings and activities, Wild on Waiheke offers great food including gourmet burgers, pizza, platters, and other casual bites. There’s also an impressive beer selection for those in need of a wine break.
take a sip of olive oil
The Mediterranean-like climate that produces the best wines is also perfect for olives. Many of Waiheke’s vineyards also stock high quality artisan olive oils.
Rangihoa Estate has over 1,000 olive trees and offers olive oil and wine tasting. Try the fruity Koroneiki variety or the peppery Leccino. Take home a bottle of our Best in Class award-winning Waiheke Blend. It’s delicious as a dip, in aioli, or on top of green beans. asparagusor mesclun salad.
Goldie Estate is home to New Zealand’s oldest olive grove, first planted in the 1840s. Tour historic orchards, a variety of traditional olive varieties and their wines.
relax on the beach
With its coastline dotted with beautiful beaches, Waiheke Island is a great place to relax for a few days, especially compared to the bustling city of neighboring Auckland.
Onetangi Beach is a sandy beach on the north coast, perfect for swimming, surfing, kayaking and walking. It is a popular spot as the longest beach on the island. Arrive early in the summer to secure a prime location.
Palm Beach is a popular destination on Waiheke Island for its sheltered bay, soft sand, child-friendly shallow waters, and beautiful surroundings. Located on the northern tip of Waiheke Island, it is a short drive from the main town of Oneroa. Portions of Palm Beach and its offshore waters are protected by the Tefau Marine Reserve, where marine life thrives. The quiet area is essential for snorkeling and swimming.
Enclosure Bay is another popular swimming beach on the east coast of the island. Like the other beaches, the sheltered cove is perfect for young children. Many of the local wineries offer picnic-style lunches, so in between activities he’ll grab a bottle, a sandwich platter, and some cheese while you relax on the beach for an hour or two.
Enjoy island cuisine
Dining on Waiheke Island is a gourmet’s paradise, with restaurants and vineyards making the most of the bounty of fresh, local produce. The island’s innovative chefs combine Waiheke Island seafood, produce, meat and wine to create unforgettable gourmet meals.
Restaurants attached to Waiheke vineyards, such as Mudbrick and Casita Milo, specialize in wine-infused cuisine. Mudbrick’s seasonally inspired menu incorporates farm-grown herbs and vegetables, Waiheke lamb and fresh fish. Casita Miro offers a locally focused tasting menu, paired with wines that recreate the flavors of Waiheke.Try our fresh grilled fish salsa verde Or a tapas platter.
Try casual and creative dishes like Dragonfire’s Waiheke Lamb Pizza with Manchego and Pesto, or Sandbar Waiheke’s fresh fish tacos and burgers. You can also stock up on picnic supplies at Waiheke Island eateries such as Fenice Deli and Deli on the Rocks.
Connells Bay Sculpture Park
For a mix of art and nature, head to Connells Bay Sculpture Park on the northern tip of Waiheke Island. This outdoor park spans 17 acres of gardens, wetlands and countryside. Along the winding paths, you’ll discover more than 30 of the New Zealand artist’s large-scale sculptures, using materials such as granite, steel, brick and found objects.
Highlights include “Between Two Worlds,” a spherical granite and mirror sculpture by Chris Booth that reflects the changing landscape, and Paul Dibble’s abstract human shape that appears to grow from the earth. “Precious Rocks” by. Art and nature lovers visiting Waiheke Island should consider spending an hour or two leisurely strolling through this sculpture park.
Explore Waiheke Island from an eco-zip tour
Get an adrenaline rush as you explore Waiheke Island on an eco-zip tour. Gliding along cables strung between high canopy platforms is an exhilarating way to experience the island’s rugged natural beauty.
Two companies offer tours: Anwhata and EcoZip. His 2.5-hour tour of Anafata includes his 6 zips along a 1.2 km cable and 3 skybridges. The climax of the tour is his 1,000 meter zip line, The Big Zip, which zips through forests and meadows at 60km/h. The best adrenaline and amazing views of the island are guaranteed.
EcoZip’s 2.5-hour Waiheke Island tour begins with a 4WD ride to the trail. Once strapped in, you’ll zip through native forest on six ziplines ranging in length from 200 meters to nearly 800 meters, with elevation gains of up to 200 meters. Your guide will identify bird species and share Maori myths associated with locations along the way. The ‘Stargazer’ zipline flies over the Onetangi Valley at speeds of 60km/h.
For those who love heart-pounding thrills, a zip tour around Waiheke Island is a memorable way to discover the island’s natural beauty.
With stunning scenery, world-class wine and a wide range of activities, Waiheke Island promises an unforgettable holiday that will pique every interest.
Alex Caspero is a registered dietitian, NYT bestselling chef, and founder of Delish Knowledge and Plant-Based Juniors. She focuses on making whole food, vegetarian meals delicious and simple. Her nutrition expertise and must-make recipes have been featured in Forbes, Today, The Washington Post, Parents, Vogue, Food Network, and more.
