Frequently Asked Questions about Waiheke

About the Island

If you are looking for a more historical account of Waiheke then I suggest you start here.

What does Waiheke mean?

Wai meaning water; Heke meaning to ebb, drip, trickle or descend. Waiheke thus meaning “The descending waters” or “Trickling waters”.

Where is Waiheke Island?

Waiheke Island is the second largest island and certainly the most populated in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is located about 35-40 minutes ( just under 18km ) by ferry from Auckland City centre, and just over 21km from the Eastern shores to the Coromandel.

Is Waiheke part of Auckland?

Yes. Waiheke Island is a suburb that lies within the Territorial Authority of Auckland, one of 269 residential suburbs which form the wider region. The Waiheke Local Board area includes, in addition to Waiheke Island, the islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motokorea, Motuihe, Ponui, Rakino, and a number of smaller islands.

Is Waiheke Island classed as Rural Delivery then?

Yes. Most delivery / courier companies class Waiheke as a Rural delivery. As such Waiheke is subject to additional delivery charges.

How big is Waiheke Island?

The island has an area of 92 square kilometres and is 19.3 km in length from West to East.

What is the highest point on Waiheke?

Maunganui at 231 m ( 758 ft ).

What is the population of Waiheke Island?

The Estimated Resident Population ( ERP ) for Waiheke Island for 30 June 2018 was 9,360.
Population estimates provide the best measure between census dates. The next census will be in 2023.

What is Waiheke Island famous for?

Wine, Olive Oil, Art, Cuisine, Beaches, Coastal Walks…

When is the best time to visit?

As is the case with most island destinations, the best time to visit is during the summer. The climate is slightly warmer than Auckland, with less humidity and rain, and more sunshine hours.

How to get to Waiheke Island from Auckland

Where does the ferry leave from?

There are two main ferry operators, Fullers and SeaLink. SeaLink is known as the car ferry ( though you can of course also travel as a foot passenger ) which departs from Half Moon Bay and Hamer Street/Wynyard Wharf in the city to Kennedy Point on Waiheke. Fullers is the regular passenger ferry service that departs from Auckland City and Devonport to Matiatia on Waiheke.

Can I leave my luggage down at the ferry terminal?

Yes there are lockers at the ferry terminal in Auckland as well as at Matiatia ferry terminal. These lockers provide a secure facility to leave luggage on an hourly, daily or weekly basis. You will be able to access the lockers 24/7. Different size lockers are available.

How long does the ferry to Waiheke take?

The travel time will depend on your chosen ferry service and departure point. More information on the ferry timetables can be found on their websites ( Fullers and SeaLink ).

Fullers: Auckland City to Matiatia – Approx 40 minutes
For sailings via Devonport. You will need to allow for approximately another 10 minutes from/to the city. Devonport to Matiatia – Approx 30 minutes

SeaLink:
Half Moon Bay – Kennedy Point – Allow an hour.
Check out the timetables on their website to see both departure and arrival times as they can vary between 45 and 80 minutes.

How much is the ferry to Waiheke?

We recommend visiting the websites for up-to-date pricing and specials.

Can I bring my bike to Waiheke?

Yes, there are dedicated bike racks on all Fullers ferries. Using these storage options reduces the risk of your bike falling and causing damage or injury.

If you are using the SeaLink car ferry then we recommend booking early and advising SeaLink that you have a bike on arrival to ensure they have space to store it ( note this can change right up until the departure time ). Larger groups with bikes will need to book a car space to accommodate the bikes.

Can I bring my dog to Waiheke?

Fullers: Yes, dogs travel free with any fare-paying passenger. Dogs can travel inside the cabin but they ask that they are kept inside a suitable crate, cage or pet carrier. Official service dogs can travel inside the cabin and do not have to be kept in a crate, cage or pet carrier. There is also allocated seating on the external decks for those travelling with pets.

SeaLink Car Ferry: Dogs are permitted to travel on the ferry on the outside decks.  Only a registered guide dog or assistance dog will be permitted to travel in the passenger lounge with their owner. As an additional tip it is advisable to travel on the sailings that takes 45 minutes as these ferries have a seating area for passengers on the outside deck more suited to travelling with dogs.

Can you take cars to Waiheke?

Yes – this service is managed by SeaLink ( see above for details ).

Where does the Waiheke car ferry leave from?

The SeaLink car ferry to Kennedy Point on Waiheke departs from Half Moon Bay. They also depart from Hamer Street/Wynyard Wharf in the city, though this service is not as regular.

Can I travel to the Coromandel from Waiheke?

Yes. Fullers also operate a service from Orapiu on the Eastern end of Waiheke to the Coromandel Town during the summer months. As of writing ( Jan 2022 ) a return ticket ( Travel to and from the Coromandel does not have to be on the same day. ) is $69.00 with the trip taking an hour. You can take your bike for no additional charge.  More information can be found here.

How to get around on Waiheke

Are there taxis on Waiheke?

Yes, there are numerous taxi operators on the island. Generally, most taxi companies will meet the ferry services however we would recommend booking a taxi, particularly in peak season.

Does Waiheke Island have Uber?

There is no official Uber or Ola on Waiheke.

Can you walk around Waiheke?

Yes absolutely. Waiheke is a great place to walk and explore everything the island has to offer. There’s a great range of walks, from short and easy through to more challenging, and all of them are now connected by the Te Ara Hura, a 100km track around the island. You can start at any point, finish wherever you want and go in any direction.

Visit the following pages for more information on popular walks and the Te Ara Hura.

I am thinking of biking on the island – what are my options?

Bringing your own bike across from Auckland on Fullers is free, though you can rent a bike on the island of course.  It is worthwhile to note that Waiheke is very hilly and with that in mind, you may want to consider an e-bike to provide you with some extra help on those hills.

How long does it take to drive around Waiheke?

The loop road is a 55km round trip from Oneroa Village, so allow a minimum of 2.5 to 4 hours for a trip with breaks along the way.

What routes do the buses take?

There are a number of services that connect the ferry terminals to various locations on the island. It is best to view the network map to see which service you require. We recommend that you use the journey planner to plan your trip on Waiheke. More information on the Waiheke Bus service can be found here as well as the AT Transport site.

Can I use my AT Hop Card on Waiheke?

Yes absolutely. For those that don’t know an AT HOP card is a reusable prepay smart card for travel on buses, ferries and trains around Auckland, including on Waiheke Island. 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.

Can I use cash on the bus?

No. Bus fares must be paid using an AT Hop Card as cash will not be accepted.

What are the best areas to stay on Waiheke?

If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to dining and shopping, Oneroa is a fantastic choice. This is the main village on the island and a shiort distance to the ferry terminal at Matiatia. On the other hand, if you seek tranquility and stunning sea views, Onetangi is known for its long, sandy beach and vineyards. Surfdale and Rocky Bay, are quieter options, and perfect for those who want to experience local life and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. No matter where you choose to stay on Waiheke, you’ll be immersed in the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

For more information read our comprehensive guide to Waiheke Accommodation »

What to do on Waiheke?

Here is our list of things to do on Waiheke.

What is happening on Waiheke this weekend?

Find out what’s happening on our island. From markets, to theatre, the cinema, festivals, fairs, and special events. View our listings to see what’s on.

What facilities are on Waiheke?

There are no shops east of Onetangi and the island has no specialist outdoor or tramping shops. Oneroa is the main village and is 2.6km from Matiatia ( ferry terminal ), which is around 10 minutes by bus or roughly a 3o 3-minute walk.

Are there any supermarkets?

There are supermarkets in Oneroa, Ostend, and Onetangi.

Where will I find a chemist?

There are chemists in both Oneroa and Ostend.

Where are the Petrol Stations?

You can find Petrol Stations in Oneroa, Ostend and Onetangi.