What to do on Waiheke Island: Your Waiheke Guide
Welcome to Waiheke Island, home of stunning beaches, world-class vineyards, adventure activities and endless Island charm. If you're wondering what there is to do on Waiheke we've got your covered, whether you're looking for relaxation or adrenaline, Waiheke has so many things to see and do! In this guide we'll cover off all the different things you can do on Waiheke including: Free Waiheke activities, The best things to do on Waiheke with kids, what to do on Waiheke if it rains and more! And if this amazing guide to Waiheke activities doesn't answer your questions, our friendly local team are happy to help, just get in touch! Here are some of our suggestions to help you make the most of it when you visit Waiheke.
Breathtaking Oneroa Bay is a popular spot for beach-goers & boaties alike!
Things to do on Waiheke: Our Four Favourite Water Activities on Waiheke:
The coastline of Waiheke Island is a whopping 133 kms long and we are justifiably proud of our glorious 40 kms of beautiful beaches and of the clean, clear water surrounding Waiheke Island. It would be rude not to take the opportunity to get out on the water and experience Waiheke from a new angle, so we've pulled together our four favourite Waiheke water based activities.
1. Take a Guided Waiheke Kayaking Tour
Make memories and keep your fitness tracker happy at the same time! Heading out with Kayak Waiheke will make for a memorable day paddling along Waiheke's stunning coastlines and taking in the incredible views of the Island and the Hauraki Gulf.
2. Waiheke Fishing Charters
Impress the family when you fire up the BBQ for dinner and cook up the fresh snapper you've caught off the coast of Waiheke. The team at On The Hunt Fishing Charters have got you covered with some incredible Waiheke Fishihng day trips out into the gulf.
3. Go Snorkelling on Waiheke
You've enjoyed your time on top of the water, now it's your chance to see what is underneath! Enclosure bay is one of our favourite options for snorkelling with so many sea-creatures to be spotted.
4. Stand-Up Paddleboard at Waiheke's Beaches
A great way to add some excitement to your day at the beach is to get out on a Stand-Up paddleboard and explore the bay. The team at WatSup Waiheke offer Stand-Up Paddleboard hire at Palm Beach
The Crystal Clear waters at Palm Beach make it perfect for Stand-Up Paddleboard Adventures
Things to do on Waiheke: Explore Waiheke's Best Beaches
Waiheke is famous for its beaches and while we might be biased, we think we've got some of the best beaches in the world! Between their lovely white sand, crystal clear water and island vibes, these baeches will absolutely charm you! With more than 40 kms of Waiheke Island Beaches there's sure to be one that is perfect for you! Trying to figure out which of Waiheke's beaches you want to stay near? Read up on our detailed guide to Waiheke's beaches or get in touch with our local team for Tailored Holiday Home Recommendations for Waiheke Island.
Waiheke's Most Popular Beaches: Oneroa, Palm Beach & Onetangi
These three beaches are the most well known on the island and are popular for good reason! All of these gorgeous north facing beaches are perfect for ocean-dips, sunbathing, kayaking and more. Oneroa is the westernmost of the three, close to where the passenger ferry arrives and Oneroa Village, this beach is a convenient yet stunning option. Palm Beach is perfect for making memories with the whole family, whether it's diving into the gorgeous water, playing on the fabulous playground or firing up one of the public bbqs.
Waiheke's Hidden Gem Beaches: Sandy Bay, Picnic Bay & Little Rocky Bay
Don't tell anyone that we let you in on Waiheke's best secret beaches. These three hidden gems will take your breath away and never get crowded even on the sunniest summer weekend. Sandy Bay is located on the north side of the island and has a lovely small white sand beach. This bay is the perfect spot to swim, kayak and snorkel or get those perfect instagrammable shots! Picnic Bay is best visited at high tide and offers a rope swing over the water and a pontoon to dive off, it's the perfect spot to enjoy with the whole family. Little Rocky Bay is also best enjoyed at high tide and makes for a sheltered swimming spot as well as having a fantastic playground.
Onetangi Beach on a Sunny Summers Day
What to do on Waiheke: Hit the Waiheke's Top Walking Trails
You'll find plenty of beautiful views and vistas to take your breath away and feast your eyes upon on any one of the many scenic walking trails on Waiheke Island. From the world renowned Headland on The Gulf Sculpture Walk at the western end of Waiheke to the glorious scenery of the Stony Batter Walkway at the peaceful Eastern End of Waiheke there are walks to be found in all areas of Waiheke Island, all grades of walks, long walks and short walks around Waiheke for all levels of fitness.
The Waiheke Walking Festival is held each year in November and is a wonderful way to explore Waiheke Island on foot while meeting and enjoying the company of other walkers. Join any of the free guided walking tours and visit parts of Waiheke Island that are only open to visitors during the Waiheke Walking Festival. Your guides are knowledgeable about Waiheke and it's history and are passionate about the wonderful walking trails on Waiheke Island.
We've got an extensive guide to Waiheke's Walks & Walking Events over here.
Make space in your camera roll because Waiheke's western Headlands makes for a breathtaking stroll!
Things to do on Waiheke: The best Adventure Activities on Waiheke
Waiheke isn't just for relaxation and wine-tastings, there's something for everyone including adrenalin junkies and those who enjoy the slightly more adventurous activities.Our top pick is to head to Ecozip Adventures and zoom across the valley, over a working vineyard and above native tree tops on an amazing flying fox zipline.
Archery and laser clay pigeon shooting are a great fun way to spend some time at Wild on Waiheke and afterwards enjoy a boutique beer and a delicious pizza from the Wild on Waiheke café and bar.
Alterntively, get the adrenaline pumping by heading underground into the Stoney-Batter tunnels at the far eastern end of Waiheke Island!
Take in Waiheke's breathtaking views from above the canopy with Ecozip.
Things to do on Waiheke: Delve into Waihekes' thriving Art Scene
You'll find plenty of Artist Studios and Art Galleries on Waiheke Island. Why not walk along the family friendly 3 km Waiheke Island Art Trail which starts at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal and showcases some beautiful examples of the thriving Waiheke art scene along the way. Wander through Alison Park in Oneroa Village, home to several sculptures that have featured in past Headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibitions which are held every two years, and then visit the galleries and art shops in Oneroa Village. The Waiheke Community Art Gallery in the Artworks Centre in Oneroa Village is well worth a visit to see the latest and greatest exhibition. The Waiheke Art Gallery can also provide you with details of Artist Studios to visit as well as provide your with a Waiheke Island Art Map.
If you would like to join a guided tour of Waiheke art studios and galleries, there are plenty of great options available. You can join a Terra and Tide Walking Tour and experience the best that Waiheke Art has to offer by foot, visiting galleries, sculpture parks and artist studios and lunching at a spectacular property where one of the artists of Waiheke Island lives and works. Or look at the fabulous options available in the Waiheke Island Tours below.
Things to do on Waiheke Waiheke Island & Waiheke Wine Tours
Why not take the day off and enjoy the luxury of a Waiheke Island escorted guided tour of the sights and sounds of beautiful Waiheke Island. Amongst the many Waiheke Tours available, Waiheke Island Wine Tours offer a great range of personal guided tours. Ananda Tours offer a great selection of larger group tours. Alternatively, if you're looking for a bit more independence, grab a ticket for the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus and create a DIY Waiheke Island Tour.
Things to do on Waiheke: Enjoy Waiheke's best culinary delights!
Whether you're looking for a delicious Waiheke coffee, a quick bite to eat at a Waiheke Cafe in the middle of your busy day of Waiheke Island activities, or you would like to enjoy a long, lingering lunch or dinner Waiheke Island Restaurants and Cafes will leave you spoilt for choice. You will find something to suit every taste bud and every bud-jet (please excuse the pun), from takeaway gourmet hamburgers and fish and chips while relaxing and enjoying the vibe at the beach through to the world renowned and award winning restaurants and wineries at Waiheke Island. Mudbrick, Cable Bay and Tantalus are names that are known around the world for fabulous food, wonderful Waiheke Wines and the most stunningly beautiful Waiheke Island views. Or visit Vino Vino Wine Bar, the Oyster Inn or Wai Kitchen in the heart of Oneroa Village, all offering great food and wine. There are also plenty of Waiheke Island Wineries offering fabulous food and local Waiheke Wines scattered all over Waiheke. You truly are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere perfect to answer that question... where to eat on Waiheke Island!
Mudbricks views make the perfect backdrop for your Waiheke Vineyard Lunch or Tasting
Things to do on Waiheke: Waiheke Saturday Farmers Market
When you visit Waiheke on a weekend, you can enjoy a morning at the Ostend Farmers Market which is held every Saturday between 8am and 1pm at the RSA building and RSA Reserve in Ostend Village at the centre of Waiheke Island. It's a great place to wander around and enjoy the sights of locals and visitors enjoying themselves and sampling some of Waiheke's world-class organic produce. You'll find lots of Waiheke gourmet foods to try and buy as well as fabulous Waiheke art and jewellery, clothing, books, plants, hats, tea towels... you name it! The Ostend Market, held in and around the community hall on Saturday mornings is a great place buy island-grown seasonal, spray-free and organic produce.
Drive The Loop on Waiheke!
Enjoy a lovely drive and magnificent scenery when you Drive the Waiheke Loop road. Stop at Passage Rock Vineyard & Winery for a delicious lunch or enjoy a tasty platter and wine tasting at the beachside Man 'o War Bay Winery in beautiful Man 'o War Bay before continuing on to the Stony Batter Gun Emplacement reserve. The tunnels are accessible with a tour, however it's also worth the walk from the parking area to the gun emplacements just to enjoy the magnificent scenery you will find when you get there! Continue on along the gravel road, past Cactus Bay and eventually meet up with the road you left on! A very enjoyable day out!
Things to do with your dog on Waiheke
Here at Waiheke Holiday Homes we love dogs! We'd be so happy to help you find the perfect holiday home for you and your pooch, just get in touch with our team for Personalised Waiheke Accommodation Recommendations or browse our Pet Friendly Waiheke Holiday Homes here. We've also written an extensive guide to bringing your dog to waiheke to help you plan your perfect pet-friendly getaway.
Dog Friendly Walks on Waiheke Island
There are lots of fun things to do with your pooch on Waiheke. Many of the Walking Trails are dog friendly. The Te Ara Hura Walk allows dogs on many of the trails. Be sure to check the Te Ara Hura map first. Te Toki Reserve on Wilma Road at Palm Beach offers a lovely huge paddock area where pups can run free and with mowed paths for humans. This is open for dog walking at all times of the year and is especially good when Fido needs a walk during the non-permiited on the beach hours in the middle of summer.
Dog Friendly Beaches on Waiheke Island
Almost all of our beaches are dog friendly at certain hours all year, and dog friendly for all hours for many months of the year. As a general rule, from 2 March until 30 November every year, dogs are permitted on Waiheke beaches off leash. Between 1 December and 1 March, dogs are permitted on Waiheke beaches after 6pm and before 10am. The Eastern End of Waiheke has a couple of great dog friendly beaches that are open all year round. Man o' War Bay Beach and Orapiu Beach both currently permit dogs. But seriously, don't take our word for it!!! For current information on dog access on Waiheke Island beaches, check with the Auckland Council.
Dog Friendly Wineries on Waiheke Island
A great day out with your dog is to Drive The Loop to Man 'O War Bay where you can choose to either enjoy a picnic on the beach with your four-legged family person running free, or enjoy a fabulous lunch and wine tasting at the Man 'o War Bay Winery just across the lane from the beach and where your fur baby is very welcome, under control. This beautiful, Pet Friendly Waiheke Winery has a wonderful ambiance with lush green parkland across the lane from the beach, with lots of tables in the sunshine or the shade and plenty of room for the kids to play. Man o' War Winery Waiheke Island is a favourite!
Passage Rock Winery and Vineyard is also located on the Loop Road at the beautiful, peaceful Eastern End of Waiheke, about a 15 minute easy drive through beautiful scenery from Onetangi Beach and well behaved canines as well as well behaved children are most welcome here.
A happy pup on his Waiheke Island Pet Friendly Holiday
Things to do with The Kids on Waiheke Island - Child Friendly Waiheke
There are so many things to do with children on Waiheke Island! Everything from climbing the wonderful old pohutukawa trees lining Onetangi Beach or building the world's best sand castle to chilling out at the wacky Waiheke Cinema for the latest kids blockbuster or grabbing a great lunch at one of our fabulous child friendly cafes dotted around the Island. We're currently compiling a list of fun things to do with kids on Waiheke and it'll be here very soon but in the meantime, get in touch with our local team who would love to give you some recommendations.