Thing to do
Rangitoto Island
Auckland's youngest volcano, a short ferry ride from the city, with a summit walk over lava fields, lava caves and the world's largest pōhutukawa forest.
Waiheke Island
Hauraki Gulf island about 40 minutes from the city by ferry, known for its vineyards, Bordeaux-style reds, sandy beaches and the WWII tunnels at Stony Batter.
At a glance
- Type
- Island day trip: wineries and beaches
- Area
- Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand
Good to know
- Vineyards
- Beaches
- Ferry access
Why we recommend it
Waiheke is the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf, after Great Barrier Island, and an easy day trip from central Auckland. Fullers passenger ferries reach it in about 40 minutes from the downtown terminal, or about 50 minutes on sailings that call at Devonport, and SeaLink runs a car ferry to Kennedy Point. The island covers 92 square kilometres and has around 9,300 permanent residents, a number that swells in summer with holiday-home owners and visitors.
Wine is the main draw. Waiheke has built a reputation as New Zealand's island of wine, with Bordeaux-style reds as its speciality. Goldwater Estate was among the first wineries on the island, Stonyridge was founded in the Onetangi Valley in 1981, Kennedy Point Vineyard is certified organic and Destiny Bay specialises in Cabernet blends. If you plan a winery lunch, book ahead, especially at weekends in summer.
The beaches are the other reason to come. Oneroa, beside the island's main village, and its quieter neighbour Little Oneroa both have free barbecues. Onetangi is a long north-facing beach of nearly two kilometres that hosts annual horse races and sandcastle contests, Palm Beach is named for its mature phoenix palms and suits families, and Shelly Beach is sheltered and calm for children. Blackpool and Surfdale are used for kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
At the eastern end of the island, Stony Batter preserves Second World War gun emplacements built to protect Allied shipping, with tunnels beneath them that are open to visitors. Every other summer the island hosts Sculpture on the Gulf, a biennial outdoor exhibition on a coastal walkway that runs from late January to mid-March.
Plan your day around getting about, as the island is larger than many visitors expect and its main settlements, Oneroa, Onetangi and Palm Beach, are some distance apart. Its highest point, Maunganui, reaches 231 metres. Allow a full day, check the last ferry time before you settle into a long lunch, and remember that most homes rely on rainwater, so use water carefully if you stay overnight.
Waiheke suits couples, wine lovers and groups of friends, while families will find the calm beaches and space to explore just as appealing.
Waiheke Island FAQs
How long is the ferry to Waiheke?
Fullers passenger ferries take about 40 minutes from downtown Auckland, or about 50 minutes when they call at Devonport.
Can you take a car to Waiheke?
Yes, SeaLink runs a car ferry from Kennedy Point.
What is Waiheke known for?
Its vineyards, particularly Bordeaux-style red wines, and its beaches.
Which beaches are best on Waiheke?
Oneroa and Little Oneroa near the main village, the long north-facing beach at Onetangi, Palm Beach for families and sheltered Shelly Beach for children.
What is Stony Batter?
A set of Second World War gun emplacements with tunnels beneath them at the eastern end of the island, open to visitors.
Is Waiheke a day trip?
Yes. A full day works well, though many people stay overnight.
Do you need to book winery lunches?
Booking is sensible, particularly at weekends in summer.
How many people live on Waiheke?
Around 9,300 permanent residents.