Finding interesting Waiheke Island accommodation isn’t that hard if you’re willing to do a bit of digging. Fossil Bay Lodge glamping on Waiheke Island is our new favoured Waiheke getaway for when we don’t want to travel far, but we want to feel worlds away from city life.
The Fossil Bay glamping experience allows you to unwind and relax and feel like you’ve shipped yourself away to a remote island, but doesn’t come with the pain and hassle of having to set up your own tent or cooking arrangements.

About Waiheke Island

Waiheke is an island sitting in the Hauraki Gulf and is classed as a part of Auckland City. It’s the third most populated island in New Zealand sitting behind the North and South Islands. Waiheke Island is very accessible to anyone wanting a day trip or weekend getaway, via the commercially run ferries from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal, or Devonport on Aucklands’ north shore. Or if you’re lucky enough to own a private boat or game enough to try your luck with a jet ski.

Waiheke has several townships and great shops for boutique shopping. Plenty of beaches to relax away a day as well as a multitude of vineyards to indulge in some local wine and beer.
Waiheke Island is a favoured destination for wine lovers, beachgoers, families, and couples wanting to escape city life and spend a day or longer basking in the slow-paced life of Waiheke Island.

Auckland to Waiheke Ferry

The Auckland to Waiheke ferry can be caught from either Auckland city or Devonport ferry terminals. There are two ferry services that run to Waiheke, the newly established and much cheaper option Island Direct only runs from Auckland City. However Island Direct is family owned and just as reliable as you can book your space on the ferry and not worry about being last in line to get on.

The ferry runs at regular intervals during the weekdays and every hour on the weekend. The trip over to Waiheke Island takes around 45 minutes, the ferry has a bar and all the usual amenities on board. The ferry then stops at Matiatia terminal on Waiheke Island which is where you can find plenty of taxis, buses or book a tour through the information desk.

If you’re planning on getting around the island by bus then I highly recommend buying an AT hop card from either of the ferry terminals, this can also be used on the Fullers ferry and is an easy hop-on hop-off system on all public transport through Auckland and Waiheke Island.

Waiheke Island Accommodation: Fossil Bay Lodge

Move over luxury city centre hotels and say hello to one of the best glamping spots in Auckland, on Waiheke Island! Glamour camping is a growing industry for people who want to be one with nature but don’t want to shit in a hole in the ground. I’ve never been a fan of fighting with flimsy tent poles or using the last few breathes of my dignity to fill a bed which would fail on me hours later. When I found Fossil Bay Lodge I was ecstatic about having my own little slice of paradise which I put fuck-all effort into putting together.

Part of the holiday experience is feeling like you have actually escaped your normal way of life to live a short time in luxury or pure simplicity. For me personally, I find there’s nothing more mundane then going on holiday and staying in places which essentially replicate the essence of being at home. I need something different whether it’s a spa bath, amazing view or a different kind of stay like a cabin or glamping.

This is why Fossil Bay lodge is one of our favourite locations for a short getaway; only 45 minutes from Auckland yet it feels as though we have entered an island nation with such a slow pace it makes the days feel longer.

RELATED: Visit one of the many vineyards on Waiheke Island

Glamping in Auckland

I think our Waiheke Island Accommodation takes the cake for best atmosphere on the island. During our first stay we booked the large lotus-bell tent ‘Number 5’ for $150 a night. And for our second visit to Fossil Bay Lodge I booked the smaller, but still just as good, tent ‘Number 1’ for $100 per night.

Tent 1

The first glamping tent is tucked away between bush and the vineyard next door to Fossil Bay. There are two other tents within a 20-metre radius however thanks to several trees, bush and natural fauna these can hardly be seen, and any occupants barely heard.
Tent 1 at Fossil Bay has a queen bed, 2 bedside tables, a gas heater, two very comfy indoor chairs and two separate clothes hanging spaces.
This tent is also close to the main buildings so is a short walk if you have any food or drink stored in the communal fridge.

Tent 5

The largest tent at Fossil Bay Lodge is number 5 and comes decked out with a queen bed, table, two chairs, full-length mirror and ‘his and hers’ hanging space for clothes. This glamping tent is the only one with power and separate plugs so you can plug in your phone, battery chargers or powered hair tools.

Our tent sat within its little sectioned-off area of land, separated by a tall piece of fence which was just enough to create privacy between us, and the landowner’s house up on the hill. Don’t worry about bringing your mate’s, stolen Bic lighter to the party as an outdoor kitchen border your private site along the fence line. The small fridge, gas cooker and kettle will almost have you confused for staying in a lush motor inn; only with all four walls missing and a Tui posing as your alarm clock.  

All tents have their own private toilet and shower nearby, with several large log rounds fitted as stepping-stones led to the outhouse with running hot water and a modern, ‘lavish’, camping toilet. A shower head was fitted on the ceiling meaning we didn’t endure the classic camping ritual of dropping our clean underwear in a stranger’s cold shower puddle. Private bathrooms on campsites are the way of the future.

If you enjoy waking up to the sound of birds or rustling trees, timing the day by the position of the sun, and need a break from the city life; hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island and experience the chill pace of ‘Waihitian’ life. Make glamping a bucket list item and tick this one off. I’ve never felt so relaxed and energized after a mini holiday in Auckland. This was our first glamping experience which loved so much we have already started planning our next stay.

Make glamping a bucket list item and tick this one off. I’ve never felt so relaxed and energized after such a short stay in my home city of Auckland. This was our first glamping experience which loved so much we have already started planning our next stay.

RELATED: Need plans? Check out my Multi Day Waiheke Island Itinerary

Things to do on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island Vineyards

A Waiheke Island getaway isn’t complete without visiting one of their many vineyards on the island. Put together your own Waiheke wine tour, grab some friends and explore the amazing wineries on Waiheke Island. Waiheke has a great range of activities; for families, couples, or groups of annoying 20-something-year-olds wanting to get wasted in ‘sophistication’. With over 20 vineyards on Waiheke island, numerous beaches (some suitable even for naturists), and the type of daily pace perfect for a weekend of relaxation. You can’t come to Waiheke and complain of boredom. Instead, you’ll be leaving with an epiphany to purchase land and a few chickens.

Check out my list of my favourite vineyards or even better; my multi-day itinerary of Waiheke Island

Ostend Saturday Markets

The markets in Ostend are a great way to spend a relaxed Saturday morning. Take the bus from Oneroa to Ostend and get off the bus outside the main set of shops on Belgium Street. The markets are on the corner on Belgium St and Ostend Rd which also include the War Memorial Hall.

The Ostend markets include everything from random nick-knacks and old books, to handmade plates and bowls, organic and locally made clothing, honey, empanadas and doughnuts.

Oneroa Village

Oneroa village is the first village you will come across when you’re leaving Matiatia ferry terminal, and is one of the busiest villages on the island for this reason. Oneroa has plenty of boutique shops, restaurants and bars to keep you busy for an afternoon and evening. Oneroa beach is a short walk from the village and is great for swimming, the water is usually very calm so great for any water based activities or children still learning to swim.

Waiheke Island Restaurants

The Oyster Inn

Overlooking Ocean View Rd is owned by the well known New Zealand chef, Josh Emmett, and is a fantastic place to enjoy a bit of fine dining but not having to venture far from your accommodation. With Oysters and smaller dishes up for offer means you can enjoy the view across the harbour without spending up large.

Aperitivo Bar and Kitchen

This is another great restaurant with a view overlooking Oneroa Bay. The more casual atmosphere and live music is perfect for anyone not wanting to go too much out of their way for dinner. The drinks list is extensive and the food menu is good enough even for the most picky eaters.

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