Spend a Weekend on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Relax Amid Wineries, White Sand Beaches, and Wildlife Reserves
Mar 12, 2009
Waiheke Island’s small population of approximately 8,000 belies its actual size: 92 square km of vibrant vegetation, beautiful beaches, award-winning wineries, and art galleries. Despite its close proximity to Auckland, much of Waiheke Island remains uninhabited, with large areas dedicated to nature reserves, olive groves, and vineyards. However, far from rustic, Waiheke Island is surprisingly elegant, modern, and expensive, catering to people with good taste who appreciate the good life.
Waiheke Island Essentials
Waiheke Island is located just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland. The largest and most commercial village is Oneroa, located within walking distance of the Matiatia Wharf, where the ferries arrive and depart. Ostend, found on the opposite side of the island, is another decent sized enclave with a supermarket and medical center. Otherwise, Waiheke Island is far too classy for large concentrations of tourist establishments.
Private homes and wineries are evenly distributed along the outer perimeter of the island. Luxury apartments, rental houses, and a few seaside cafes line the island’s beaches, while most budget accommodations, shops, and markets are found further uphill and inland. For convenience and flexibility, many visitors bring their own car or rent a scooter or bike. However, regular bus service loops around the island all day.
Waiheke Island Activities and Attractions
From swimming and golfing to drinking and fine dining, there is more than enough to do on Waiheke Island to occupy a few days.
- Wine Tasting: Thanks to hot, dry summers and stony soils, Waiheke Island produces some of New Zealand’s best red wines. Small, local vineyards offer wine tastings and tours of their estates. Many also operate superb restaurants. Popular Mudbrick is worth visiting for its sensational views of the water and downtown Auckland, on a clear day.
- Art Appreciation: Waiheke Island is renowned for its creative community. The island itself is something of a sculpture garden with homeowners proudly display larger-than-life, brightly colored, locally made pieces in their front yards. Famous structures are installed outdoors, and can be seen from the water. Numerous art galleries exhibit and sell artwork by Waiheke Island resident artists.
- Walking Tours: A number of well-marked coastal paths wind along the shoreline past boat-filled harbors and through vineyards. Perhaps as impressive as the natural beauty is the architecture – modern glass and steel homes built into the hillside in perfect harmony with the physical environment. In addition, innovative artwork is scattered around the island. Bring a camera and plan on stopping every few minutes to remark on the spectacular scenery and take pictures.
- Relax on the Beach: Waiheke Island boasts wonderful beaches covered in sand and seashells. Onetangi and Palm Beach are considered to be the best, though Oneroa and Little Oneroa are nice and convenient alternatives. Note that due to patches of thin ozone layer, the sun in New Zealand is exceptionally strong and sunscreen is a must.
- Water Sports: Thanks to warm, clear, and calm water, Waiheke Island is an excellent place to engage in all kinds of water-based activities. Kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and simply playing in the waves are all good options. Another possibility is to charter a fishing boat and finish a perfect day with a dinner of freshly caught New Zealand snapper.
Free brochures and maps are available at the ferry terminals. For additional help planning a trip to New Zealand, visit the Tourism New Zealand website.
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