Explore Waiheke in style in a private way with stops where you want for an artisan ice-cream or a stroll on the white sandy beach Suggested Reading: Black Sand Beach in Iceland. Did I forget anything? You can catch the bus as soon as you get off the ferry - they depart from right outside the terminal. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. We finished our day here before cycling back to the ferry via the southern side of Waiheke for a change of scenery. Far End Tour is our exclusive offer, as it's a very remote part of Waiheke that most people miss out on. I personally think Waiheke Island is one of the best places to walk in Auckland. Group size is limited to six people to ensure personal service, with pickup and drop-off at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal or island hotels. Waiheke is a beautiful island, with white sand beaches and aquamarine water. You can see the stunning coastlines, little mountains, vineyards, and many more together. We cant write a Waiheke Island guide without mentioning the wineries. Whakanewha Regional Park - A number of epic tracks. 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. One of the easiest parts of the Te Ara Hura trail to tackle is the section from Matiatia to Oneroa. As Stony Batter is 40 minutes from the ferry terminal, its best to take the shuttle service, go by car or scooter. For more details on how to get to Waiheke, and how to get around the island once youre there, check out my tips on getting around Waiheke. For the normal passenger ferry try to get a seat on the top deck. We can't find that wishlist, please refresh the page and try again. Active travelers can enjoy a guided hike amid the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island without getting lost. Theres also the option of laser clay bird shooting, to test your hand eye coordination after a couple of drinks. From Oneroa, you can walk back to the ferry terminal via the Oneroa Forest Path in around 40 minutes, so this walking trail makes a great option for a day trip from Auckland. With the ferries running regularly throughout the day from 5.35am to 11.45pm on weekdays (times slightly vary on weekends and public holidays), you can relax as you tend to not to need to rush for the ferry. You can also shop for extra virgin olive oils from Rangihoua Estate, Allpress, and number29, which capture the islands golden sunshine in every bottle. Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. Godwits, dotterels, kingfishers, white-faced herons, spur-winged plovers, and many more birds are there. You will soak up amazing views, golden beaches, pass 14 vineyards, olive groves and countless food experience's incuding localy made gellato. Take the ferry. If you are planning a tour to Waiheke, basically, there are four options to reach and tour around the island. Visiting a vineyard and have a glass of wine with your sweetheart is also a thing you must plan in Waiheke. The ships are large and comfortable they reminded me a lot of the ferry between Wellington and Picton! View Map Waiheke Island Address Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand With around 10,000 residents, Waiheke Island is the most populated island in the Hauraki Gulf, one of Auckland's two principal harbors. Then, if you have a little big-budget, plan for a romantic helicopter tour in the Waiheke sky. To create a new list, please delete some old ones. The Heke is a super fun bar, with lots of outdoor seating and games to get stuck into. One day on Waiheke is enough time to visit a few vineyards, enjoy a bit of time relaxing by a lovely beach, and have a good meal. With round-trip transportation provided, you can take full advantage of the tastings without worrying about who will drive. Return tickets cost $46 if you buy them online. Make sure theres room in your backpack, because youll want to take a bottle or three home with you A few minutes ride up the road is this lovely Spanish-inspired winery and restaurant, perched atop the hillside overlooking rows of vineyards and the water. Youll find some great beachfront lunch options along Onetangi Beach, including the elegant Ki Mha. As I have explained earlier, there are plenty of art galleries that offer you the chance to feel the deep meanings of artworks freely. The Fullers passenger ferry is the easiest way to get to Waiheke. And they are absolutely free to walk and swim. Waihekes beaches are clean and safe for swimming. And if you want to go deeper into the Waiheke Island bush, try the Coast to Coast walk from Rocky Bay to Onetangi. And the total coastline includes around 133km. Find tickets & tours worldwide. How to Get Around Waiheke Island: The Only Transport Guide You'll Need Transport really is required on Waiheke - it's a fairly big island and its attractions are sprinkled all over. Rain in Waiheke is a gift from god. 6 Ocean View Road,, Oneroa, New Zealand . Even Alison Park Sculpture Trail is also located in Oneroa. Along the way, admire the native bush and vineyard scenery. There are tons of different activity options around the island for children and adults alike. Best ways to get around Waiheke - Waiheke Local The most economical way to get around the main areas of the island is by bus. However, this gets very busy through spring and summer. Call +64 21 840 296 On the other hand, some of the beaches are the best white sand beaches in the world. The hot dry summers and ideal soil conditions have put Waiheke on the map as a top wine-making region. This small island in the Hauraki Gulf is home to some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in New Zealand, as well as fresh seafood and world-class wine. How to Get Around Waiheke Island - Everything You Need to Know! There are four main routes, running from Matiatia ferry terminal to Oneroa, Blackpool, Surfdale, Palm Beach, Ostend, Rocky Bay, Kennedy Point, and Onetangi. Waiheke can be included in a private sightseeing tour of the Auckland region by air. Waiheke Islands Matiatia Bay is just a 35-minute ferry ride from the downtown Auckland Ferry terminal. Top Waiheke Island How to Get Around - Viator His eBiking business had been going strong prior to March 2020, but the isolation restrictions threw a spanner in the works. All it takes is a 45 minute ferry from downtown Auckland to be whisked off to an island of wine, sun, and boutique brunches. Then, both of you can enjoy the sunset while drinking a glass of wine. 2 Where to stay on Waiheke Island. To add more items, please delete some old ones. The Complete Guide: How to travel to Waiheke Island and get around when Waiheke Island Day Trip: Things to Do & One Day Itinerary Your guide meets you upon arrival and shares lively commentary as you head to local vineyards for tastings. You will be able to choose between passenger-only sails or vehicle services. (Waiheke Island). Waiheke Community Art Gallery is not a profit-oriented gallery. He recommended we do the five bays loop tour, which we followed pretty closely and amended slightly according to what we wanted to see and do. Sit amongst artistic sculptures at Alison Park, Oneroa, Include the above activity into the Oneroa Art Trail, which visits The Red Shed Art Gallery, Tuatara Art Gallery, Toi Gallery and Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Your visit may coincide with a festival, such as Waiheke Winter Arts Festival (Queens Birthday weekend), Local Wild Food Challenge (October), Island of Burlesque Festival (Labour weekend), Waiheke Christmas Festival (December), Shakespeare Festival (February), Waiheke Vintage Festival (March), and more! As I mentioned in the introduction, taking a ferry is the most cost-effective method to reach the island. Discover the wines of Waiheke on a day trip from Auckland with a small-group tour that visits boutique vineyards. From the ferry terminal, you can walk to Oneroa in about 25 minutes. - Flexible relaxed itinerary Like forest zip lines and vineyard zip lines. Like Waiheke Express Taxi Service. Explore ~ Getting Around On Waiheke Switch Display. It gives visitors a real variety of venues and locations to explore. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the sand and surf. And also, this is one of the calmest beaches on the island with white sand. And, luckily, its only a short ferry ride away from downtown Auckland! Your email address will not be published. This is one of my favorite places in Waiheke. Like Waiheke Express Taxi Service. By Sarah Chant April 21, 2023 Explore the best Waiheke walks and get your daily steps in whilst enjoying one of our most unique islands. s.async = true; Visiting Waiheke Island is a complete escape from mainland Auckland. This is a one and a half hour walk with views back towards Auckland city and the islands of Motuihe, Rangitoto, and Motutapu. You cant leave Waiheke without a giant double cone from Island Gelato. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below! A new route has recently been added that also services the Sealink ferry at Kennedy Point. Having around 2.5km of coastline, it has many funny opportunities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and partying. Take an in-depth tour of the wine-growing region on Waiheke Island with a guide on this full-day excursion. Top Waiheke Island How to Get Around - Viator Its easy to hop a morning ferry and cross the Hauraki Gulf for the short ride to the island. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back vibe, its easy to see why this island is such a popular tourist destination. But for many people, the biggest draw are the wineries. We had the goats cheese croquetas, gambas with focaccia bread and the lamb tagine, which filled us up nicely after our morning ride. The public bus doesnt stop here, though, so youll need to have your own transportation if you want to visit. Getting Around. Another awesome thing is that the buses are fully electric. Keep an eye out for dolphins on the way! Looking for the best hotels near Waiheke Island?? Just keep an hour gap between the breakfast or lunch and the tasting wine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you take a series of buses - with no more than 30 minutes between trips - it still counts as one trip. Food is prepared over a wood fire. How To Get To Waiheke Island From Auckland (Fullers360 vs Sealink) Then it was time to cycle it off on another short ride down to Onetangi Beach. Ride up Fourth Avenue and onto Onetangi Road, and after a few kilometres youll reach a cluster of wineries including Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus Estate and Wild on Waiheke. It will save you a lot of effort and time trying to coordinate everyone. If you are on a budget tour, I suggest using the public bus service that works on time. See below for more explanation. Its a big tick from me. Further along theres Three Seven Two (named after the first three digits of the Waiheke phone number) and beach bar Charlie Farleys. The Te Ara Hura trail is a network of walking tracks that loop around the entire island. If you do want a car, check out Waiheke Rental Cars or Waiheke Car Rental. A beginner's guide to getting around Waiheke Island Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place, and on this tour youll discover the best of its arts scene with the help of a local guide. In eco mode theres not a drastic difference to a normal bike, but take things up a notch and youll be whizzing up even the steepest of hills. After exploring some of the local vineyards, check out some of the other awesome things to do on Waiheke as well. (Waiheke Island), Waiheke Community Art Gallery is not a profit-oriented gallery. Discover the wine scene of Waiheke Island on a wine-tasting tour that introduces you to some of the island's best spots. 45 - 60 minutes Sealink provides the perfect start to your journey - Stretch your legs, savour a coffee or snack on board and soak up the outstanding scenery that's to be enjoyed from the comfort of our vessels. Try not to get too reckless! Look at the following list of things to do there. The $85 a day seems reasonable considering you have the flexibility to go where you want and when. It's located about 12 miles from downtown Auckland and is accessible by ferry or charter plane. Getting Around - Waiheke The inner of the island is very hilly and has very few amounts of flatlands. Wine tastings are included and you can purchase more to take home. To get to Waiheke Island by air it's necessary to charter a fixed-wing aircraft, seaplane or helicopter. Normally, the zipline offering tour companies like EcoZips offer you several types of zip line adventures to cover all the ecosystems. Located in the Oneroa Village center, this beach is perfect for those who want to relax and soak up the sun. When we arrive at the shop there are already some eager cyclists getting ready for a day of exploring the island. I spend most of my time hiking, surfing, camping, or writing about all of the above. All buses will be waiting at the wharf when you reach the island during day-time. From Tantalus, its only a five minute walk to Wild on Waiheke or a 15 minute walk to Te Motu Vineyard. So, take the chance with your partner. -- Take a guided walk through the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island so you dont get lost exploring the beaches and forests on your own. There are plenty of spots to replenish your energy levels along Onetangi Beach, including the elegant Ki Maha. Here is a quick guide to some of the best beaches on Waiheke Island. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Id recommend taking the regular passenger ferry and picking up your car once youre on the island itself. The bus stops at 17 points around the island so it can be a good way to explore. With a small group and guide, taste world-class boutique wines and meet local producers who provide the chance to get to know the island's culture a little better. Visit the Allpress While Tasting Room and Store at Rangihoua Estate to try extra virgin olive oils crafted from hand-picked Waiheke olives. There are buses, taxis, and rent cars. Waiheke is a luscious festival destination. Booking a tour is a convenient way of getting around. They leave from the Britomart ferry terminal every hour, sometimes every 30 minutes. All while having your own private Guide, knowledgeable about local history, hidden gems, and of course wine! (Waiheke Island). Theyre also great places to feast on some fancy nibbles and grazing platters. HOW TO SIP YOUR WAY AROUND WAIHEKE ISLAND | We Are Travel Girls Out of that, there is 40km of stunning beaches. Mt-Victoria-Reserve-Takarunga Tours & Tickets, Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour, Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus, 4-hour Scenic Wine Tour with a Private Guide and 12 tastings, Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience on Waiheke Island, Full-Day Tour of Waiheke Island with Wine Tastings, Waiheke Boutique Shared Group Vineyard Tour, Guided Segway Tour to the summit of Mt Victoria in Devonport Auckland, Waiheke Island Half Day Scenic Wine and Lunch, Guided North Head Fort Segway Tour in Devonport Auckland, 1.5h Waiheke Guided Scenic Tour on a Private Electric Van, Private Maori Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch, Taste of Waiheke Wine and food pairing tour with platters, Waiheke Island Private Forest Therapy Walk, Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk, 4 hour Far End of Waiheke Scenic Wine Tour on Electric Vans, See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. You can choose according to your need whether you need a private aircraft or group aircraft. Waiheke Island has everything you need for a good time. An informative local guide accompanies you to award-winning boutique vineyards and shares knowledge of the island and its viticulture along the way. Discover the wines and scenery of Waiheke on a half-day wine tour from Auckland. - Enjoy incredible views of the island's local beaches, stunning coastline, historic sights With a small group and guide, taste world-class boutique wines and meet local producers who provide the chance to get to know the island's culture a little better. That way, youll get to see the highlights, tick off several tastings, and not have to worry about transport when youre stumbling out to the carpark of the third vineyard you visit. Waiheke Horse Tours takes you on horse treks from Te Makutu Bay. Call 021 818 001 or visit waihekebikeshop.co.nz to find out more. This small island is home to long stretches of beautiful beaches and coastlines, olive oil and gin distilleries, hiking trails, and restaurants. Along the way, admire the native bush and vineyard scenery. Lets take a look. Now, since you know how to reach Waiheke Island, lets know the methods of getting around the island. Drink wine, explore, lazy on the beach, kayak, zipline through trees, drink more wine Waiheke Island is a paradise for Aucklanders and backpackers alike. 1.13 Beach hop. Your guide will help you spot native wildlifewhich is notoriously shy in New Zealandand lead you to the best lookout points on the island. 12 Wonderful Things to Do in Arequipa, Peru, Checking in to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat: Luxury Villa Review. Calm, still waters make these beaches perfect for swimming, and the soft sand is ideal for lounging. A torch is essential to navigating the tunnels, which you can hire from the Stony Batter Preservation Society. More information: Waiheke Bike Shop offers full day eBike rental including pick up from the ferry terminal for $85 a day. (888) 651-9785 Top Waiheke Island How to Get Around How to Get Around Ports of Call Tours Cruises & Sailing Spring Break Wine Tastings Day Trips Half-day Tours Likely To Sell Out Holidays On the Water Nature Walks Private Sightseeing Tours Walking Tours Full-day Tours Culinary Tour Historical Tours Wildlife Watching Getting to Waiheke IslandGetting around WaihekeGetting around the wineries on Waiheke. Oneroa Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island | Wineries and things to do | Fullers360 1.12 Venture to the other side of the island. It takes roughly the same amount of time as the passenger ferry, around 45-60 minutes. (Waiheke Island), Suggested Reading: Cabo San Lucas Beaches in Mexico. The cruise out across the Hauraki Gulf is part of the whole experience. Ex: Fullers. Here are some of the most popular vineyards on Waiheke: Ive written a more complete list on a separate post on vineyards to visit on Waiheke. Regular bus services provide transport to the main areas on the island and all routes start at Matiatia Wharf. The bike shop has several different bikes to choose from, and we were hooked up with two sleek-looking Shimano E-Greens. 3) Go for a hike around the island. Fly down a hill with Waiheke Mountain Bike Club at Onetangi Sports Park. You can expect to pay between $15 and $40 NZD per person for a tasting, depending on the quality of the wine. As I mentioned in the introduction, taking a ferry is the most cost-effective method to reach the island. You will spend 4 hours in style with privacy and attention unmatched by traditional group tours. Because it is beautiful, bohemian, full of happiness, simple, and unique, those are the words that I can use to explain Waiheke. It takes around two hours to walk around the coast to Oneroa village. Check the AT website for timetables and destinations, or plug your trip into the AT Journey Planner. Its one of the best places to eat on Waiheke, outside of the fancy vineyard restaurants. When you hear the name Man O War Bay, you may remember about the best wine in the world. These Waiheke Island experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: What How to Get Around in Waiheke Island are good for avoiding crowds? Waiheke Mini Tours take in some of the island's best beaches and scenic lookouts, with 90 minutes of entertaining commentary from a long-time local resident. (Waiheke Island). var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; Especially here, you can see large kauri trees. The ferry runs at least once an hour between 6am and midnight, with more sailings at peak times, as people live on Waiheke and commute into the city. Cars can be rented through Waiheke Auto Rentals and Waiheke Rental Cars. Suggested Reading: How to travel the world for free? Theres a lot of space for any artist to show their artworks in SPACE Art Gallery. The SeaLink car ferry departs from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland, and Wynyard Quarter in Aucklands CBD. Tip: I rounded up some of the best places to stay on Waiheke Island - check them out here. Palm Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches on Waiheke Island and as such, it tends to be warmer and sunnier than other beaches on the island. Your return trip is valid for up to one year, so you can stay on the island as long as you like. There are other options for walks around Waiheke, too: From the ferry terminal, you can also turn right and follow a coastal path around the Matiatia Headland. When planning a trip to Waiheke, the first question that usually arises is how youre planning to get around. Visit three wineries, each with deliciously different wines and food specialties. Apart from that, Man O War is a calm and stunning beach with soft sand. Trust me, it is so funny and reminds me of childhood. There are beaches other than the Little Palm nudist beach Oneroa is one of my favourite beaches in the whole Auckland region. 5 of the best Waiheke walks, as shared by a local Cycling on Waiheke is certainly not like cycling in Aucklands CBD, however youll be sharing the road with cars most of the time, so pay attention around those bends. How to Plan a Trip Waiheke Island - Getting There & Things to Do This open area park consists of exotic trees and unique, large sculptures. Try it, its liberating. Outstanding views from coastal beaches to inlands vineyards and small towns await for those wishing to hike on Waiheke Island. You can also take home a bottle as a Waiheke souvenir - try the Spirit of Waiheke gin, which is crafted from dried New Zealand kelp. On this small-group tour, listen to informative commentary as you visit scenic spots, vineyards, and restaurants. You can even stay in cottages at Mudbrick vineyard, for a fully immersive experience. Hit the pedals and explore Waiheke Island on a mountain bike or e-bike. Stop at a local vineyard and learn of the diverse grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils, then finish with awine tasting. Over summer there are a string of epic events, including Flamingo Pier. Getting to and around Waiheke Island. This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Whether you want to relax on the island or take on some challenging walks, watersports or bike rides, Waiheke is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of Auckland city. Starting from the ferry terminal, you can find several coastal walks with views over pristine beaches, including Church Bay Circuit and Matiatia Headland Path. You'll get an overview and orientation of the island, stopping for great views and sandy beaches, and learn about local wine production as you sip Waiheke vintages. Heres our support. Transport & Getting around Images courtesy of Sydney Struwig Explore pristine beaches and world class vineyards I am a freelance travel writer from New Zealand. We are conveniently located at the Matiatia bay, inside the ferry terminal on Waiheke Island. It is a forest totally dedicated to birds, trees, and natural things. Booking.com Just check here. Written by Elen Turner, updated Sep . This beautiful regional park is about a ten-minute ride from Tantalus Estate. Finally, ride a movie star by movie star we mean horses that starred in The Hobbit and The Last Samurai. Taxi Services for Waiheke Island ~ Ferries to Vineyards, Accommodation etc Rental Cars. Why e-biking is the best way to explore Waiheke Island Book with a locally owned and operated Waiheke Island taxi service. Batch Winery is slightly off the beaten track near Whakanewha Regional Park and has superb views. Your guide will meet you at the Matiata Wharf (or your Waiheke Island . Swimming and evening beach walks are the things you should not miss here. This small bay is tucked away from the larger Palm Beach, so it has a lovely private feel. The writer was a guest of the Waiheke Bike Shop. Victoria. Heres the list of the best beaches on the island. You can get the guidelines from the tasting team in the vineyard. If you rent a car in Auckland and want to bring it to Waiheke, youll need to book a specific (and expensive!)