Waiheke Island is a beautiful and unique destination located just a short ferry ride from Auckland. There is a tonne to do on our lovely island, which is well-known for its stunning beaches, wine, and scenic hiking paths. Everybody can find something to enjoy on Waiheke, whether they love the outdoors, good food, or just want to chill.
Our recommendation is that you spend a few days on the island, but if you are short on time here’s an itinerary that will help you make the most of your visit.
1. Take the ferry to Waiheke Island
Take a ferry to the island from Auckland. Although some sailings allow for boarding at Devonport, the majority of passengers board at the Auckland Ferry Terminal in town. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Buy tickets online to receive a discount and make sure you try to catch one of the first ferries to make the most of your day and to avoid the long queues. You can read this article for more information on getting to Waiheke.
2. Explore the village of Oneroa
Once you’ve arrived on the island, head to the village of Oneroa. This charming village is the perfect place to get a feel for the island’s laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Take a walk down the main street and you’ll find a variety of shops and cafes, where you can pick up souvenirs or grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
One of the best things about Oneroa is the friendly locals. Take a moment to chat with the shopkeepers and café owners, and you’ll quickly discover that Waiheke Island is a close-knit community of welcoming people. You might even get some insider tips on where to go and what to see during your visit!
3. Visit the Waiheke Island Wineries
Waiheke Island is famous for its wineries, and there are many to choose from. Take a private tour of some of the best wineries, where you can sample a variety of wines, learn about the island’s winemaking history and culture, and enjoy the stunning views.
Fullers also offer a hop on / hop off explorer bus tour that you can combine with your ferry ticket. The journey will have onboard commentary and stop at multiple vineyards and restaurants. However if you are on a strict budget you can simply catch a public bus from Oneroa to Onetangi and along Onetangi straight you will find Wild Estate, Stonyridge, Tantalus and the Heke Kitchen all next door to each other.
If you are looking to do tastings or plan to dine in, please book directly with the venues. To avoid being disappointed, bookings are essential especially during the busy months.
4. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Onetangi Beach
After a morning of wine tasting, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch ( if you haven’t already dined at one of wineries of course ). Onetangi Beach is a great place to stop for a picnic, with plenty of grassy areas and stunning views of the ocean.
5. Scenic Walking Trails
After lunch, it’s time to get some exercise and explore the island’s natural beauty. Walking the spectacular two kilometre long stretch of white sand on Onetangi Beach seems an obvious choice but if you want to enjoy the islands native bush and coastal views there are many other alternatives.
One option is to walk from Onetangi Beach to Palm Beach, roughly a 5km track that forms part of the Te Ara Hura trail. The walk will take approx. one to two hours to complete and once at Palm Beach you can return to Oneroa by bus.
6. Dinner back in Oneroa
Choose from a selection of great restaurants in Oneroa for dinner. The oyster inn for example has a great reputation for its delicious seafood dishes, including fresh oysters, fish, and crab. They also have a variety of meat and vegetarian options available. After dinner grab an ice cream for desert on the way to the theatre. The award wining island Gelato company offers a wide variety of homemade ice cream flavours and is definitely worth a visit.
7. Visit the Artworks Theatre
As the day draws to a close, head to the Artworks Theatre, which is a community-based theatre that showcases a variety of performances, from plays to live music, and more. A great way to end your day on Waiheke.
View what events are on during your visit.
8. Take the ferry back to Auckland
Once you’ve finished your day on Waiheke Island, it’s time to take the ferry back to Auckland. Thankfully ferries depart late into the evening.
Waiheke Local Tips for a great Waiheke day trip:
- Try to be there for the first ferry in the morning, and the last one of the day, to make the most of your time on the island and to avoid long queues ( especially during the summer months ).
- Buy your ferry ticket online to receive a discounted rate.
- Consider combining a hop on / hop off tour ticket to your ferry ticket.
- Make sure to book your winery tours, restaurants, wine tasting and Artworks Theatre tickets in advance
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take something warm and a rain jacket for those questionable weather days.
- Check the ferry timetable to ensure you don’t miss the last ferry back to Auckland.
