Waiheke Island has a lot to offer! This page has been curated by our very own local travel writer and a Waihitian, Margaux Peacocke.
Locals, you know what to do ;)
A guided day tour using Waiheke to show New Zealand through the eyes of the indigenous people, the Maori - Potiki Adventures - Bookings essential.
Fishing Tours
Matiatia Bay, Oneroa, Auckland, 1081, New Zealand
Fishing tours - Bookings essential - there are several options [check web] - I'm going to suggest Adventure Tours because Phil Scott who runs this is about 5th or more generation on Waiheke. His father was Farley Scott.
Kayak Tours
Matiatia Bay, Oneroa, 1081, New Zealand
Based at Matiatia where the passenger ferry arrives from the city.
Bike Hires
Matiatia Bay, Oneroa, 1081, New Zealand
e-bikes, normal bikes or mountain bikes - check options on the web but don't forget Waiheke is hilly, roads are narrow and windy.
More options:
https://www.fullers.co.nz/deals/bike-waiheke/
http://www.ecyclesnz.com/day-hire
Ecozip Adventure
150 Trig Hill Road, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
FUNNNN! Booking required.
Drive and loop around the island
Waiheke Island, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Hire a car and 'drive the loop - stop for pizza and wine tasting at Passage Rock and/or wine tasting and platters at Man O War Bay - need to check opening hours with each of them. They change timetables per season.
Romantic Evening
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1971, New Zealand, 09-372 9050
One evening if the weather is fine and not windy - a glass of wine outside on the deck as the sun is setting at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant.
Waiheke Island Community Cinema
127-129 Oceanview Road, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand, +64-9-372 4240
It's a bit different. What's on - check the website. For Bookings phone +64 9 372 4240 and leave a message. Only if they are booked out will you get a call.
Saturday Market
76 Ostend Road, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
There are stalls inside the hall and on the reserve so if you are looking for a gift, a bargain, something tasty to eat or just a coffee (some of the best on the Island) and a catch up with friends then this is the place to visit.
Waiheke Community Art Gallery
2 Korora Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081, New Zealand, 09-372 9907
Pick up an Art Map showing details of all the open studios and smaller art galleries. Numerous sculptures on public sites.
139 Oceanview Road, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Best Kiddie Playground
Palm Beach, Auckland, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Palm Beach or Little Oneroa where you should grab pizzas for Dragonfired - food truck. Palm Beach is the better swimming beach.
Walks
Waiheke Island, 1081, New Zealand
Lots of walking trails!
Mom's top choices:
1st choice - around the southern headland from Matiatia
2nd choice - Cascades walk in Whakanewha Regional Park - need a car to get there