Waiheke Island is the third most populated island in New Zealand and is a great day trip from Auckland City. The 45-minute ferry ride takes you from downtown Auckland to Waiheke island paradise where you can explore the vineyards, beautiful beaches, and markets. This Waiheke Island itinerary will give you some ideas for an amazing weekend getaway close to home; explore the beaches and dine at incredible vineyards while spending some well-needed quality time with someone you love.

Easily explore Waiheke island on foot via public transport or hire a scooter for the day, the local shops in Oneroa and the market in Onetangi will keep you occupied for half a day, then spend the afternoon either relaxing with a glass of wine or experiencing Waiheke Island ziplining with Ecozip.

Where is Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a small island just off the coast of Auckland city in the Hauraki Gulf. You can either take the public ferry from downtown Auckland or Devonport ferry terminal which takes around 45 minutes to get to Waiheke Island. Or if you have access to your own boat then feel free to access the island at your own leisure.

You can easily visit Waiheke Island as a day trip or find a holiday home and stay for as long as you want. The island has plenty of accommodation options from glamping at Fossil Bay to renting a multi bedroom house right next to the beach.

Planning Your Waiheke Island itinerary

It is super easy to plan your perfect Waiheke Island itinerary, with over 20 vineyards on Waiheke Island which are easily accessible by bus or some are even walking distance from each other, plenty of beautiful beaches and shops, you will have no trouble planning 2 – 3 days of activities on the island.

Accommodation on Waiheke Island is easy to find and there is no shortage of restaurants and food options. If you want to have a cheap weekend away then the beaches will help you unwind and refresh before heading back to normality; whatever that may be.

The Waiheke Island ferry runs at regular intervals every day and more often on the weekend, get an early ferry across to make the most of your day and make sure you take note of when the last ferry leaves. Otherwise there is no other way back to the mainland unless you want to try your luck with hitching a ride on a strangers private boat.

Planning a weekend away on Waiheke Island doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you make a plan and do your research about what activities the island has to offer. You could book yourself a Waiheke Island tour package and be transported around the island on an air conditioned bus, or you can explore Waiheke by foot and discover the amazing hidden gems of the island without being stuck to someone elses time limit. Luckily Waiheke Island has plenty of tourist attractions to keep everyone involved, happy, and having fun. Waiheke Island has everything from white sand beaches to archery classes, expensive dining experiences to cheap and cheerful meals

Waiheke Island Accommodation

If you’re coming to Waiheke for just a day trip then next time I don’t doubt you will want to stay the whole weekend. One of the best places to stay on Waiheke Island is the outdoor, semi-camping experience in Onetangi. If you’re wanting the full Waiheke Island experience, consider staying at Fossil Bay lodge and glamp in one of their many Lotus Belle tents. Fossil Bay lodge is an easy 10-minute walk from Onetangi shops and is a great place to stay if you want something different and a littlecloser to nature. Check out my experience glamping 2 nights on Waiheke Island.

Related: Glamping on Waiheke Island

Auckland to Waiheke Island: Waiheke Ferry

The Auckland to Waiheke Ferry can be caught from either Devonport or Auckland City. Check out the  Fullers Website for the Waiheke ferry timetables and details on getting there. Free overnight parking is available at Devonport wharf, but first in first served. Parking is available in Auckland city at several parking buildings, but I would suggest using public transport or a taxi to get to the ferry so you aren’t paying hefty parking prices.

If you’re wanting a slightly cheaper option then Island Direct is the way to go. This family owned ferry service is newly established and runs only from Auckland City.

You will land on the island at Matiatia port. From here there are multiple buses at ferry terminal or taxis you can call to get you to your destination.

Getting Around Waiheke Island

There are several forms of transport you can use to get around Waiheke, ranging from public transport to bringing your own personal vehicle onto the island. If you choose to use public transport then pick yourself up an AT Hop card, then you can load some money onto it and easily scan on and off the buses as well as getting a slightly discounted rate compared to if you paid in cash.

Related: Waiheke Island Day Trip

Bus and Taxi on Waiheke

The busses on Waiheke island are run by Auckland Transport, so if you’re planning on staying in Auckland a while, or expect to regularly come back. You can purchase an AT hop card from the ferry terminal in Auckland city. This allows you to tap on and off each bus with ease without having to purchase a separate ticket each time. These hop cards can also be used on all buses and trains in Auckland as well. Or if you’re wanting more of an informative bus ride while on Waiheke. you can purchase yourself a hop-on hop-off bus pass for the day. This can be purchased from any Waiheke-bound ferry terminal.

Taxis are the next best option, especially if you don’t want to fart-ass around with organising a group to get to a specific bus stop on time. The taxis on Waiheke Island are reasonably priced especially if you are transporting more than 3 paying adults. I have used both Waicabs and Waiheke Five-O. The only downfall with a cab is you have to organise them in advance. Waiheke Island doesn’t have Uber so the taxi services aren’t as quick to your destination as most people are probably use to.

Hitchhiking on Waiheke Island

Although hitchhiking is the last thing I would ever recommend someone doing, hitchhiking on Waiheke Island is pretty common. It’s so common it was actually a recommended form of transport in the welcome book at a lodging I stayed at during my first weekend on Waiheke Island several years ago. Just keep your common sense about you and I still probably wouldn’t do it alone.

Waiheke Island Scooter Hire

Scooter hire is available on Waiheke Island. Oneroa village has Island Scoot which opens by appointment only, so make sure you call ahead. I haven’t explored the island via scooter, but if you have experience riding a scooter, and are planning an alcohol-free weekend with lots of exploration, then a scooter would be a good option.

Sealink Waiheke Car Ferry

Bringing your own person vehicle to Waiheke Island can either be the most expensive option or the most cost effective. If you’ve got a family of 5 or more, a whole lot of luggage and are staying for more than a couple of days, then it could be worth it.

The ferry terminal at Half Moon Bay is the only terminal that has a car ferry, and prices start at $100 just for the car. You still need to separately pay for each person’s ticket and prices do vary year-round. So unless you’re planning on doing some extensive travel around the island, over several days with a car load of people and luggage. I would suggest packing a lighter and looking at AT Hop cards.
You will also need to book in advance, and check Sealinks’ ferry availability before planning your trip.

Vineyards and Restaurants on Waiheke Island

This wouldn’t be a great Waiheke Island Itinerary if I didn’t suggest some of the best vineyards on Waiheke. Put together your Waiheke wine tour and taste the grapes of Waiheke Island; Waiheke wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout Waiheke Island, some are clustered together, and others require a taxi or separate bus to get to. This can take up a whole or half day depending on how much you’re enjoying your wine, food, and atmosphere.

Getting to majority of these wineries is easy enough via bus, otherwise taxis are available on the island.

Related: The Best Vineyards on Waiheke Island

Tantalus Estate, Onetangi

Onetangi Rd
Tantalus winery is one of the classier vineyards on Waiheke Island. One of the best places to enjoy lunch and one of the only vineyards on Waiheke which allow you to be dropped off in the backyard via helicopter. You can enjoy a walk amongst the vines or play a game of giant Jenga or sandbag throwing between meals. Tantalus Estate is definitely the place to be if you want to splurge and really treat yourself for a day.

Te Motu Vineyard, Onetangi

Onetangi Rd
Sitting almost directly behind Tantalus Estate is Te Motu Vineyard, the perfect vineyard for a more intimate and casual setting among friends and couples. Te Motu can be accessed directly from Tantalus through the back gate, otherwise the driveway winds up from Onetangi Road.

Wild on Waiheke Estate Vineyard, Onetangi

Onetangi Rd
Exactly as the name suggests, this is the best vineyard on Waiheke where you can get a little bit wild. Archery, clay bird shooting and a variety of yard games are enough to keep even the most diverse group of people happy. Wild on Waiheke is great place for a work Christmas function or an adult’s birthday party. The selection of wine and beer tasting will leave you feeling a little wiser with your alcohol choices.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, Oneroa

Church Bay Rd
Mudbrick is a fantastic hybrid between classy and relaxed. There are several seating options among the tiered garden, both in front and above the restaurant with fantastic views stretching across the harbour and back to Auckland. It’s the best place to finish a day on the island because the views for a sunset are remarkable. Mudbrick is also a prime wedding venue location, so if you’re in the market for a unique wedding location then be sure to visit and test out the scenery.

Casita Miro Vineyard, Authentic Spanish Resturant

Brown Rd
If you’re wanting a place to eat amazing Spanish food, drink delectable wine and laze on the grass afterwards, then Casita Miro is the place to be. A small family run winery on Waiheke Island and is perfect for those who want somewhere to eat and drink and are happy sitting among olive trees in the garden.

All of the vineyards on Onetangi road listed above are neighbours, so you can take the short walk to your next watering hole. Click here for my reviews on 6 vineyards on the island.

Explore Waiheke Island Beaches

Waiheke Island is surrounded with amazing beaches and coves to spend a day or afternoon. If you want my opinion…the best beach on Waiheke Island is Oneroa; simply because it’s the first main village you come across when travelling through Waiheke from Matiatia, Oneroa beach is a short walk from the village and there is tonnes of shade along the edge of the beach thanks to the line of trees bordering the sand. Then after and afternoon relaxing on the shoreline you can stroll up to Oneroa for dinner and dine on a feast of fresh seafood and a glass of red wine.

But who I am to talk up only one beach on Waiheke Island; Onetangi and Palm beach are both very popular beaches on Waiheke and shouldn’t be missed either. Onetangi has a couple of seaside restaurants sitting directly opposite the beach and Palm beach has a couple of short walking trails and reserves nearby.

The Oyster Inn, Oneroa

The Oyster Inn is a great restaurant in Oneroa and is owned by well-known New Zealand Chef Josh Emmet. Sitting above Oneroa on the main road looking out towards the ocean The Oyster Inn is a great place to go for a more sophisticated dining experience or if you’re keen on watching the world go by on the street below. Great wine, great place to enjoy an entrée of oysters, and an even better view.

Aperitivo Bar and Kitchen, Oneroa

Aperitivo Bar and Kitchen is a more casual atmosphere and often has live music. Aperitivo Bar and Kitchen is just off the main road and also has a great view overlooking the ocean. They have a great selection of alcohol and it’s a great place to chill out with a group of friends.

Onetangi is a 16-minute drive from Matiatia ferry terminal, and the bus route takes you past a lot of the popular vineyards on Waiheke.
However, there are more towns on the island and Onetangi and Oneroa are just the most popular to visit. There is nothing stopping you from heading to Palm beach, Omiha, Surfdale or even as far east as Man O’ War vineyard.

Other Things to do on Waiheke Island

Life is pretty slow on Waiheke Island, this is one of my favoured holiday spots purely because it’s so close to home but feels so removed at the same time.
Spend another morning looking through shops, or watching the sunrise on the beach. Have a few drinks and nibbles at the local pub with live music or splash out at another vineyard. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous then check out Eco Zip for some zip lining adventures above bushland across the island. Waiheke has so much to offer if you’re in the mood for a slow paced, no responsibility break away.

Waiheke Island Ziplining

Ecozip adventures run an extremely informative and fun ziplining experience. 3 ziplines fly you across treetops allowing a birds eye view of Waiheke Island, which is followed by a breathtaking walk through the bush with your guide teaching you about New Zealands native wildlife and plants. Ziplining on Waiheke Island is worth the visit if you want to add a little adventure into your weekend getaway.

Other Things to do in Auckland

If your trip to the Island has been canned or you have a few more days to burn in Auckland then be sure to check out these amazing sites, Auckland has some incredible scenery that needs to be explored.

Auckland Waterfalls

Hire yourself a car for the day and make the trip out to west Auckland to see some of our incredible waterfalls. Karekare and Kitekite waterfalls in west Auckland are two of my favourite places to visit all year round. But before you head out be sure to Google map directions to these locations, the recent floods in February 2023 caused devastating slips in the Waitakere ranges and a lot of roads and walking tracks are still closed due to damage.

Kawau Island Day Trip

Kawau Island is another island paradise in the Hauraki Gulf which is a perfect day trip. Kawau Island offers beautiful coast lines and bush walks, only part of the island is for public access which includes Mansion House and the hiking trails leading from it. Check out AirBnb for accommodation options on the island.

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