Waiheke Island is bigger than most people think. Our advice is to work out is what you would like to do, see, or taste on Waiheke and then work out your travel options for your chosen locations.
We have listed all the options for getting around our beautiful Waiheke and this article aims to assist you whilst you plan your trip. Our advice would be to also contact the local operator listed below as they can provide you with the best deals, up-to-date pricing, and more specific local information.
In some cases some businesses may even provide a pickup and drop-off service, this is certainly true for EcoZip Adventures who will conveniently meet you at the wharf. If you are staying overnight some accommodation providers will also provide the same pickup and drop off so it is also worth asking.
Do you know how you will travel to Waiheke?
1. The Waiheke Bus Service
The Waiheke bus service provides public transport around Waiheke Island, operating a network of routes to connect customers to each ferry arrival and departure. There are four main routes, running from Matiatia ferry terminal to Oneroa, Blackpool, Surfdale, Palm Beach, Ostend, Rocky Bay, Kennedy Point, and Onetangi.
Can you use the AT Hop card on Waiheke?
Yes, you can use the Auckland Transport (AT) Hop card on both the Waiheke ferry and bus. The AT Hop card is a reusable prepay smart card that provides discounts on travel throughout the Auckland region.
What is the cost of the bus on Waiheke?
All of Waiheke is considered 1 zone, and if you tag on using an AT Hop card you can make saving for each trip. The AT HOP card offers at least 25% off single-trip cash fares on buses. Oneroa Four Square is now an AT HOP Retailer. They sell blue and gold AT HOP cards for $10 each. A minimum top-up at the time of purchase applies. They can also top up your AT HOP card, and load AT monthly passes.
Ticket Fares
Please note that cash is not accepted..
Adult (1 Trip): AT Hop Card $1.98
What’s the difference between the public bus and the Fullers Explorer bus service?
The Explorer bus is more of a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus that has 17 stops to the popular attractions, wineries, restaurants, and beaches. They even have an onboard host providing you with commentary and local tips. The Explorer will take you to places that the regular bus service simply does not serve.
2. Bike Hire on Waiheke / e-bikes.
Before you decide to hire a bike on Waiheke to get around there are few things that you will need to consider. As mentioned, Waiheke is bigger than most people think and now we are talking about biking it is also a lot hillier than most people think, so how is your fitness level?
E-bikes are becoming more popular and will certainly help with the hills. There are a couple of bike-hire companies on the island that can set you up, providing advice and local maps.
If you decide to bring over your own bike on the ferry then there is some good news, there is no additional charge.
3. Car Hire & Scooter Rental
Renting a car or scooter on Waiheke will clearly provide you with the flexibility though it will also limit the number of wines you can taste. Driving on Waiheke is easy though most roads are narrow and winding. If you’re staying very far from the main hub of Oneroa Village and wish to visit many of Waiheke Island’s attractions, we would definitely recommend hiring a vehicle for your visit.
There are a few rental car companies on Waiheke and it is important to note the location of pick up. For example, if you are coming over as a passenger on SeaLink (car ferry at Kennedy Point) you may need to make your way over to the other wharf at Matiatia to pick the car up. Other companies offer a pick-up and drop-off service so double-check.
If you decide to hire a scooter instead double-check that your travel insurance covers you for scooter/motorcycle rental. You’d be surprised how many don’t.
4. Walk around Waiheke.
For the first time, the network of walking tracks around Waiheke has been linked into a continuous 100km route all around the island, this network has been named the Te Ara Hura. You can of course start and finish on this network wherever you like, and walk in either direction.
The Te Ara Hura can be a challenging multi-day adventure or easily walked in stages at your own pace. A Te Ara Hura adventure can be built around overnight stays, tastings, or great meals at vineyards, and top-up stops at cool cafes. If you’re here just for the day, look out for the free maps at island info centres, and the signs at the beaches. Simply follow Te Ara Hura marker posts to stay on the trail. You’re not restricted to the main track only. If you like the look of a side trip or a short-cut pathway – go for it. It’s your walk, but please respect private driveways.
We have listed some of the smaller tracks that have formed this big loop.
5. The Eastern end of Waiheke
Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the Eastern end of Waiheke Island and so if you are interested in visiting Stony Batter or beyond to the fantastic Man O’ War bay or Orapiu then you will need to take a taxi, rent a car or book yourself on a tour that will take you out this far.
Though the Man O’ War tasting room does now have a coach service – booking is recommended.
https://www.manowar.co.nz/pages/book-a-bus-ticket
5. Taxis
There are several taxi companies now on Waiheke and they often meet the Fullers passenger Ferry at Matiatia. It is always a good idea to pre-book a taxi, especially in the summer months when all the companies become extremely busy.
Most taxis employ experienced drivers that have a depth of island knowledge and would be more than happy to share their knowledge and take you on a custom tour.
Does Uber operate on Waiheke?
The short answer is no and that is unlikely to ever change.
6. Local Tours
Waiheke has seen an increase in the number of tour companies that cater to the tourist. You can almost find a tour for any interest from walking tours, wine tours, bike, horse, kayak, and even jet ski tours and no doubt a lot more, heh you can even build your own custom tour.
There are numerous advantages of why choosing a local tour is the way to go and see Waiheke.
- You don’t have the stress of organising
- Often a cost-effective way of seeing many attractions
- You get to see a lot within a time frame
- Local knowledge is shared
- You may get to meet other people on the tour
- Support the local community
Here is a list of some of the featured tour companies on Waiheke Local.
Enjoy your stay on Waiheke!
