Waiheke is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and has an international reputation for food and arts. In the heart of Auckland’s sparkling Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island offers lazy days and holidays, vineyards, olive groves, farmland, and beaches. There’s a great range of activities on Waiheke, including adventure both on... Show More
Discover The Best Activities, Attractions, And Experiences In Waiheke Island
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Things to do in Waiheke Island
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Activities and Attractions in Waiheke Island
Exclusive Sailing Charter ex Waiheke
Set sail on your own adventure with up to 12 guests in our 41-foot catamaran for a day
from NZ $4770.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $299.00
45 Mins
from NZ $165.00
6 hours 
from NZ $165.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $199.00
30 Mins 
from NZ $299.00
45 Mins 
Waiheke Island Bush & Beach Walk
Visit some of the island’s amazing trees including magnificent Pohutukawas and Nikau Palms
from NZ $445.00
5 Hours 
Waiheke Island Vineyards & Bush Walk
Enjoy stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula
from NZ $477.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $360.00
5 Hours 
Waiheke Island Cultural Experience
Visit the local Marae to learn about its importance to the community and Marae protocol
from NZ $652.00
6 Hours 
Sip & Savour Tour
Savour the flavours of our award winning island olive oil
from NZ $279.00
6 Hours 
Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk
Walk the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island
from NZ $445.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $149.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $179.00
2 hours 
Eco Sailing Adventure ex Waiheke
Explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star
from NZ $689.00
7 Hours 
from NZ $260.00
5 Hours Find your perfect Waiheke Island experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Waiheke Island
How long should I spend in Waiheke Island?
Most visitors spend 1–3 days on Waiheke Island to enjoy its beaches, wineries, walking trails, and relaxed island atmosphere.
Is Waiheke Island family-friendly?
Yes, Waiheke Island is very family-friendly, offering safe beaches, outdoor activities, family walks, and attractions suitable for all ages.
What is Waiheke Island best known for?
Waiheke Island is best known for its world-class wineries, beautiful beaches, art galleries, and laid-back island lifestyle.
Where is Waiheke Island located?
Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island.
Is Waiheke Island good for outdoor activities?
Absolutely. Waiheke Island is excellent for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and coastal exploration.
What are the top attractions in Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is known for its blend of scenery, culture, and adventure, with top attractions including Waiheke Buzz Scenic tours for island highlights, Premium Wine Tour Scenic Wine Tasting Tours showcasing world-class vineyards, the Waiheke Island Cultural Experience for local heritage and stories, and the Waiheke Island Ziplining & Forest Walk Tour for an exciting way to enjoy native forest and coastal views.
Tourist Information About Waiheke Island
Waiheke is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and has an international reputation for food and arts. In the heart of Auckland’s sparkling Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island offers lazy days and holidays, vineyards, olive groves, farmland, and beaches. There’s a great range of activities on Waiheke, including adventure both on and off the water - from mountain biking to wine tasting. Hire a bike or scooter and explore the island on two wheels. In a day, you could visit art studios, sample local olive oils and award-winning wines, and even go mountain biking, ziplining or sea kayaking. Waiheke has a permanent population of 8000 people, but this swells to over 50,000 in summer.
Best Attractions and free things to do in Waiheke Island
1. Bird Watching
There are many other pest-free bird sanctuaries in the Hauraki Gulf, but did you know that Waiheke Island has its own collection of unique native New Zealand bird species! On the island, you can witness kaka birds, gray warblers, kereru, tui, kingfisher, New Zealand dotterel, fantail, and even blue penguins. For the best possibilities of observing birds, we recommend going for a stroll away from the towns.
2. Admire the Art
On Waiheke Island, you can fully immerse yourself in the arts! Alison Park has art galleries and stunning sculptures you can easily spend hours admiring. The Waiheke Community Art Gallery, Toi Gallery, Kauri Art Studio, and the Red Shed Art Gallery are among the other art galleries worth seeing.
3. Go Ziplining
Ziplining (or flying fox, as kiwis say) is something everyone has to experience in their life.
As you fly through the bushes on three massive ziplines, get a new view of Waiheke Island. Ecozip Adventures gives you both ziplining through and above native trees and vineyards, and a peaceful stroll back up to camp, where you get to learn about the ecosystem.
4. Cycle Waiheke
Waiheke Island has so much to explore, and for the more daring, you can rent a bike to explore it on the next level! The Onetangi Sports Park has grade 1-4 trails that everyone can enjoy, no matter your skill level. Waiheke has a lot of hills, so if you're not up for the effort, consider trading up for an electric bike.
5. Kayak
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the Waiheke Island shoreline if you're feeling brave. To discover the island's hidden jewels, either hire your gear from Matiatia Wharf, Oneroa, or Onetangi Beach, or take a guided excursion with Hekerua Lodge. It's all about going out on the water on the island! This activity can be done by yourself, or in groups of 2, 3, 5, or more!
6. Oneroa Beach
Waiheke Island is known for its abundance of beautiful beaches. Although there are other beaches on Waiheke Island, Oneroa Beach is the most accessible if you are only coming for the day. The passenger ferry arrives at Matiatia Wharf, which is about a 30-minute walk away.
If it's a nice day and you have nothing to do, Oneroa beach is the place to go. You might even become a returning visitor.
For a local tip, a trip around the beach’s eastern end will reward you with spectacular views of Oneroa Beach.
7. Whakanewha National Park
This park is a stunning coastal native woodland with a vast network of walking trails to explore. You'll witness some amazing flora and wildlife, as well as some beautiful New Zealand birds, including tui, piwakawaka, and kereru. There are also traditional Maori Pa and European villages, as well as a camping place for those who want to stay longer.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Whakanewha National Park should be at the top of your Waiheke to-do list!
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