Fuller's Ferry leaving Auckland. You can come in for a tasting or lunch with a view. You will be ferried far out into the bay to explore a whole new. You can also dine in the restaurant or have a wine tasting at Batch Winery. In no particular order, here is a list of the best things to do on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor and want to taste all the fresh goodies that the ocean provides. The ferry runs from Half Moon Bay in Auckland to Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island. If you dont want to miss out on wine and gin tastings, consider using the bus to get around the island, but you will be limited in where you can go. Whakanewha Park provides the only camping area on the island. After living and traveling around this country, Ive discovered some real hidden gems and have tips and tricks for pretty much wherever you want to go. They rent mountain bikes and e-bikes. For timetables, pricing, and to book your tickets in advance, visit the official website. Palm Beach | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. Agree with everything Fussymum saysespecially try to go to Mudbrick Winery for lunch or dinner. The Fullers fast ferryonly takes 35 minutes and costs $42 NZD return for adults. They have both a restaurant and a bistro. Ferries run from early in the morning to after midnight, so you're likely to find one that suits your schedule. Theres a shared lounge with Netflix for fun movie nights, a shared kitchen, a garden, and free parking or you can rent a bike here too. This bay is known as Little Palm and clothing is optional here, so just be aware of that if thats not your thing. If you want to take a break from the wine tastings, how about tasting olive oil? There are washrooms, picnic tables, and barbeques here or its just a few minutes walk from the local shops and cafes. See the timetables and make your booking in advance on the official website. For the ultimate luxury experience, INFLITE Experiences offers helicopter flights to and from Waiheke Island and also offer package tours. For the most freedom and to travel on your own schedule, the best way to get around is by car. If you dont plan on renting a car for the day, this is the easiest beach to get to. Ferries run very frequently, leaving at least once an hour from both Auckland and Waiheke Island, from 6 am to almost midnight. You must prebook your guided walk in advance. The beaches of Waiheke Island are beautiful, and perfect for some downtime after sightseeing in busy Auckland. Despite being part of Auckland and close to the city, Waiheke Island has a slightly different climate compared to elsewhere in Auckland. With a 2 km (1.2 mile) stretch of sand, its great for walking and finding a private spot to set up your beach towel. I guess it comes down to costs and how much time you have on the Sunday.Oneroa has plenty of cafe's for dining alsobut I do like the Mudbrick Vineyard. Vineyards cover a large portion of this island, which makes visiting at least one winery a must-do on a visit to Waiheke Island. I should let you know that at the end of the western side of the beach there is another little bay that is separated by a bunch of rocks. Waiheke Island: New Zealand Island Worth Visiting - See 2,654 traveller reviews, 1,989 candid photos, and great deals for Auckland Central, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. You can also get around by bike, but Waiheke Island is relatively large and hilly, so unless you are very fit, consider renting an e-bike. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-3306093', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and drive around. For a shorter tour, theWaiheke Boutique Picnic Lunch and Wine Tastings Tourworks around lunch to take you to visit multiple wineries and stop for lunch at one of them. June, July, August, and September tend to be chilly and these are the wettest months of the year on Waiheke Island. Be sure to try their fresh oysters that get shucked to order and I also recommend ordering the seafood tower if you are a seafood lover (like me!) When my great, great grandfather settled the first block of land on Waiheke Island's Palm Beach - under its namesake tree - it cost a princely sum of 21 pounds and 10 shillings. From this hilltop setting, you get panoramic views of Cowes Bay and the eastern coastline of Waiheke Island. If you like the idea of staying at a vineyard, check out The Lodge at Mudbrick. With picnic areas and lots of nooks and crannies to explore, you could spend a lot longer here. Learn more about Man O War and make your lunch reservation on the official website. We used the Fullers ferry to get to and from Waiheke Island. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. New Zealand Island Worth Visiting - Waiheke Island - Tripadvisor I loved ziplining in Waiheke. Day passes cost between NZ$6 (about $4) and NZ$10 (around $7) per person, depending on age. A gorgeous and worth visiting island is the Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Related read: If setting your own schedule sounds perfect, take an NZ road trip! Guided vineyard tours are a good idea, as you'll be driven around to some of the best. In this guide, we cover the best things to do on Waiheke Island, plus important travel planning information, including how to get to Waiheke Island, how to get around the island, and how to plan your time. With beaches, vineyards, olive groves, historical sites, scenic drives, ziplining, and fabulous restaurants, Waiheke Island is one of the best places to spend the day in New Zealand. This tour is $250 NZD. The view of the Auckland skyline from Fullers Ferry. Four bite-sized dishes are perfectly paired with Batch wines. These walks are at 10:30 am and cost $30 NZD per person. For an even better experience, spend one or two nights on Waiheke Island. Formed in the 1930s, it was established as part of a coastal defense system protecting Auckland. . Worth to visit with Enjoi NZ - Review of Enjoi NZ, Waiheke Island, New Related read: See more of beautiful New Zealand from the air with one of the best scenic flights from Queenstown! New Zealand has just about the most incredible and varied landscapes for a country its size than anywhere I've been. Lunch at Man O War Vineyards was one of our favorite experiences on Waiheke Island. If you want a 5-star luxury accommodation with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, take a look at Delamore Lodge. Rock formations at Stony Batter Historic Reserve | Things to Do on Waiheke Island, One of many beautiful views along the walk in Stony Batter Historic Reserve. It is the second biggest island in the Hauraki Gulf and in Maori, Waiheke Island, previously known as Te Motu-arai-roa, was the long sheltering island. Book aPremium Full Day Waiheke Wine Tourto visit 3-4 boutique vineyards with complimentary wine tastings at each. Waiheke Island - Waiheke Island Travel ReviewsTrip.com Travel Guide For any thrill seeker or adventure lover, ziplining in New Zealand is the perfect way to not only have fun but also take in the islands scenery in a new and exciting way. ), 15 BEST Places to Go Surfing in New Zealand + Complete Guide, 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Wellington. From Auckland, you can fly to Waiheke Island, land in the Mudbrick vineyard or the Man O War vineyard, have a three course lunch or dinner, and return to Auckland. Travel time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes. The seafood here is delicious, but theres a large menu to choose from and youll be treated to outstanding views of the beach while you eat. This B&B has lots of rooms to choose from and a great central location in Oneroa. From its location on a hilltop cliff, again you get more stunning views of the island and on a clear day, can see the skyline of Auckland. Now $116 (Was $201) on Tripadvisor: Waiheke Island Resort, Waiheke Island. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Waiheke Bus Company runs a hop-on hop-off bus service that gives you access to most of the island. We spent the night on Palm Beach at Palm Beach bungalows, it was great! If you don't have your own car, this isn't a problem, as there are bus services on Waiheke Island connecting the main settlements. Waiheke Island: Zipline And Forest Walk. Local buses meet the ferries at Matiatia Bay. It was absolutely wonderful. Not far from the sculpture park is an amazing viewpoint over Omaru Bay. This is one of the more popular vineyards to visit on Waiheke Island so make your reservation in advance for a tasting, lunch, or dinner. Waiheke Island - Aucklandnz.com On this drive, you pass farms, sheep, and vineyards. Once on the island, visitors can hire a car or buy a bus pass. If you want a place to go to for lunch, I highly recommend Akito. Tickets are also available on GetYourGuide. It's located about 12 miles from downtownAuckland and is accessible by ferry or charter plane. This was a day trip for us and we had . It lets you be spontaneous and decide on a whim what you want to see and do. If you have a car, please consider doing the tour yourself.Waiheke Island is easy enough to get around. This blog may contain affiliate links. The journey is between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on the service you choose and where you're coming from. Legacy Wine and Food Pairing at Batch Winery. Found in the heart of Oneroa, the team works with local growers to produce food that is created with love and care. Absolutely go to Waiheke! This small group tour includes your transportation on the Fullers ferry to and from Waiheke Island and a visit to four wineries. 17 years ago Save There are picnic areas under the shade of the trees, as well as toilets and gas BBQs. You will need to check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Tours are a rip off and unneccessary. All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Museums Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Traveler rating & up Good for Budget-friendly Good for Couples Good for Big Groups Free Entry This one-day Waiheke Island itinerary takes our favorite experiences and puts them all together into one wonderful day on the island. But, there are other types of establishment, too, including cafes and bars in Oneroa and elsewhere. 1.3 Explore by bike 1.4 Try the hop-on hop-off bus 1.5 Enjoy high tea 1.6 Taste some gin 1.7 Savour some local seafood 1.8 Go ziplining 1.9 Try your hand at archery and clay bird shooting 1.10 Find a good view 1.11 Hit the sculpture trail 1.12 Venture to the other side of the island 1.13 Beach hop 1.14 See the island from the sky The busiest time to visit Waiheke Island is late December into early January (for 3 weeks after Christmas), when a lot of Kiwis visit the island just after Christmas. To get to views of the unique rock formations, it is a 1.2 km (0.75 mile) one-way walk from the car park. It takes approximately 40 minutes to travel from Auckland to Waiheke Island. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Waiheke Island discounts - what to see at Waiheke Island - check out reviews and 16 photos for Waiheke Island - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waiheke Island . Plus, there are a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if you need. Taken in December. If you do plan to spend a night or two here, then you shouldbook your accommodation online in advance. Waiheke Island is a very popular summer destination, and it's especially busy during the New Zealand summer school holidays, which run from mid-late December to the end of January/beginning of February. Waiheke Island is the wine capital of Auckland and is known as New Zealand's 'Island of Wine'. Mudbrick Vineyard | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island is my favoriteday trip from Auckland as its only a short 35-40 minute ferry ride away. The setting here is fantastic. Visiting Waiheke Island | Blog | Discover the World The reserve is near Onetangi Beach, so you can combine a walk with some beach time. we are doing tour of NZ in december and wanted to go over to Waiheke for a half day on the sunday we are in Auckland. Small coves harbor boats, yachts, and kayakers exploring the island. It is similar to what we did with some modifications. Oneroa is the unofficial capital of Waiheke Island, and you can reach it by catching the Number 1/4/2 bus from just outside Wild On Waiheke. Aside from wineries, another beautiful spot is the Waiheke Honey House and Cafe. Waiheke Island: a ticket to paradise | samotor The RAA Magazine This small island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand with gorgeous white sand beaches and trails that take you along cliffs and into the forest. Locals book out accommodation, including campsites, weeks, and even months in advance. After Man O War, go gin tasting at Waiheke Distilling Company, go olive oil tasting at Rangihoua Mill, and then go wine tasting at Tantalus Estate or Stonyridge Vineyard. Although Waiheke isn't a pest-free reserve (as some other islands in the Hauraki Gulf are), you may still see a kereru, grey warblers, fantails, kingfishers, tuis, blue penguins, dotterels, and kaka parrots while walking on the island. Onetangi Beach | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. You can enjoy views of the bay from the tasting room as you sip on a glass ofPinque Ros with its strawberries and cream flavor with hints of watermelon and Szechuan pepper. Any questions keep asking. A favourite getaway spot among locals, Waiheke is famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches, excellent eating and more than 30 wineries and vineyards that dot the island. Waiheke Island attraction reviews - Waiheke Island tickets - Trip.com To see if you are a master at clay bird shooting at virtual pigeons, using a real gun, book your 30-minute session for $40 NZD, or do both clay bird shooting and archery. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 4 hour Far End of Waiheke Scenic Wine Tour on Electric Vans. 16 Things You NEED to Know Before Renting a Car in New Zealand, 18 FUN Things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand, 50+ EPIC Things to do on the South Island, New Zealand, 13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Waitomo Caves. It's a great place to hang out for a while, as there are boutique shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, and even a little cinema in Oneroa. Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore NZ and Waiheke Backpackers Hostel has you covered for your trip to the island. http://www.fullers.co.nz they do the ferries across and have options for day/half day tours of vineyards..and try http://www.gotowaiheke.co.nz for more options. Dinner at Mudbrick was also a very nice experience. If you like gin, visiting Waiheke Distilling Co. is one of the best things to do on Waiheke Island. Ananda Tours also offers specialty tours, such as ones with stops at an olive oil grove or a local brewery. Oneroa Beach is the main beach here, and with lots of sunshine and calm waters, its a great spot for swimming. Lots of lodging options at: http://www.waiheke.co.nz/. Waiheke Island is a little paradise only a short ferry ride away from downtown Auckland. Waiheke Island is the ultimate weekend getaway to go wine tasting with your best mates, relax on some of New Zealands best beaches, and traverse the much-loved walking trails.