Looking for things to do on Waiheke Island isn’t a difficult task if you’re keen to ‘go with the flow’ of what the island has to offer. Waiheke Island is Auckland’s worst kept secret; the white sand beaches, beautiful cliff top views, and amazing sunsets make it the greatest short-term holiday destination for those wanting to escape the busy city. I’ve written about Waiheke Island plenty of times with my Weekend Getaway article and my list of favourite Waiheke Island vineyards, so really I should know the island like the back of my hand.

Whether you’re a beach bum, wine fanatic or just love to explore the different food options of the places you visit, this Waiheke Island day trip itinerary will having something for everyone. So keep reading and let me help you plan your next Waiheke day trip!

Auckland to Waiheke Ferry

The Auckland to Waiheke Ferry goes every hour on weekends and every 45 mins to an hour on weekdays and takes around 45 minutes to get from Auckland City to Matiatia Port on Waiheke Island.

If you’re staying on the north shore of Auckland you can grab the Fullers ferry from Devonport however this sailing isn’t as frequent and slightly more expensive so you don’t want to miss your time slot. In the height of summer during the weekends you’ll also want to get to the ferry terminal early to get ahead of the queue, it’s not uncommon for the ferry to be full and having to wait for the next sailing, especially if you’re catching it from Devonport.

Auckland to Waiheke Ferry Timetable

The Auckland to Waiheke ferry runs often during the weekdays, and more often during the weekend to account for more visitors to the island. Check the Waiheke ferry timetable here to get a fair understanding of ferry times, to buy a ticket on the Waiheke Island ferry you can either do this online on the Fullers Website, or you can purchase your ticket at the kiosk at either the Devonport or Auckland city ferry terminal.

A word of caution if you are planning on visiting Waiheke Island on the weekend during summer; the Waiheke ferry is extremely popular and the ticket is not for a specific time slot, so either catch an early ferry to make the most of your day or make sure you get to the terminal with plenty of time incase you don’t make it on your preferred ferry and need to wait for the next one.

The ferry ride is around 45mins and takes you straight to Matiatia wharf, from here you can either catch a taxi or bus to any of the main towns like Oneroa or Onetangi.

Related: Waiheke Island Accommodation – Glamping at Fossil Bay Lodge

Transport on Waiheke Island

Pick yourself up an AT Hop card before boarding your ferry, this is the best and easiest way to get around the island using the buses. Just load your card with about $20 then you can easily scan on and off the buses and don’t have to worry about carrying exact change. Otherwise, taxis are always floating about on the island or you could even give hitchhiking a chance, as long as you let a friend know you’re catching a ride with a stranger on the island.

Explore Oneroa Village

Oneroa is the main village you will come across when leaving the Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island. Oneroa may be small but it’s packed full of amazing little boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. You can easily spend half a day wondering around the stores and enjoying the beach front view from the main street.

The Four Square is where you can pick up any food or supermarket essentials you may need for the day, and the paper plus usually has good deals on books if you forgot to bring one of your own.

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

One of the best and most popular things to do on Waiheke Island is to visit one or more of the amazing vineyards and wineries! You don’t need a fancy Waiheke wine tour to explore the amazing vineyards of Waiheke Island; and the great thing about the following 3 vineyards is that they are all neighbours! All sitting in a 5 minute stroll from each other on the same stretch of road. Which means you can easily check out multiple vineyards on Waiheke island without having to travel far and wide to do so.

Tantalus Estate, Onetangi

Tantalus Estate is by far my most favourite vineyard on Waiheke Island. If you’re wanting to go for a more sophisticated or classy lunch option then Tantalus is the place to be, their menu is amazing and their wine list is even better. Once your done with lunch take a stroll among the vines towards the garden and join in a game of ‘Cornhole’ or relax in one of the many garden chairs.

Stonyridge Vineyard, Onetangi

Stonyridge Vineyard is one of a few vineyards I haven’t yet visited but I always hear great things. Stonyridge is one of the more popular vineyards and has been a staple of Waiheke Island wineries for years, sitting directly between Tantalus Estate and Wild on Waiheke it’s an easy to get to location.

Wild on Waiheke, Onetangi

Wild on Waiheke Vineyard is perfect for groups of people who want to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of drinking and eating. Wild on Waiheke is where you can get in touch with your active side and take part in some archery or clay bird shooting

Related: Waiheke Island Weekend Getaway

Picnic Dinner on Waiheke Island

My favourite time of the day on Waiheke Island is when the sun begins to set. The golden glow bounces off the surrounding hills and creates a beautiful scene whether your enjoying dinner on the beach or at a neighbouring vineyard.

There is no right or wrong answer to how you want to spend your evening on Waiheke Island, the beaches begin to empty making for an almost private getaway, or you can dine with others on a terrace garden and enjoy a sunset overlooking Waiheke Island back towards Auckland city.

Blackpool Beach

Blackpool beach is one of the smallest beaches on Waiheke island, but as it faces west it makes for one of the best seaside locations to watch the sunset. It’s an easy 9-minute walk from Oneroa village to Blackpool beach so you can pick up some sunset essentials for Four Square and take an enjoyable stroll towards the beach for a romantic seaside picnic.

Mudbrick Vineyard

Enjoying a sunset wine at Mudbrick vineyard is one of my favourite things to do on Waiheke Island. Mudbrick is the best winery to watch a sunset from; the terraced garden faces west and looks across to Auckland city where the golden glow of the sunset melts into the horizon. You can choose to either sit among the garden beds of lavender while relaxing on your choice of a lounge chair or bean bag, or sit outside the restaurant at any of the tables or couches and enjoy watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Waiheke to Auckland Ferry

Always double check the Auckland bound ferry timetable because you don’t want to be stranded on the island for the night. The last ferry on the weekends is at 1230am, so unless you expect to leave the island at crazy o’clock in the morning you shouldn’t have a problem.

Waiheke Island Accommodation

But if you’re thinking of spending a night on Waiheke then check out Fossil Bay Lodge for an amazing glamping experience close to Oneroa Village.

Want More Things to do on Waiheke Island?

There are endless opportunities for entertainment on Waiheke Island, whether you find enjoyment in eating and drinking, or if you need to get out and get moving there is always something for everyone.

Scooter Hire

Hire a scooter from Island Scoot in Oneroa Village and explore (almost) the whole island in a day. You must be 21 years or older, have previous experience riding a scooter, and have a full driver’s license. Island Scoot is located in Oneroa Village just up from the liquor store near the large roundabout. You can’t miss it!

Ostend Markets

Markets are hosted in Ostend every Saturday from around 9 am until midday. Selling everything from food to books and clothing, head along to the Ostend Markets and grab yourself a coffee and pastry for breakfast, you can easily lose yourself in the markets stalls for an hour, there’s something for everyone so pick yourself up something nice or a gift for someone at home!

Waiheke Island Zip Lining

Eco Zip Adventures in Onetangi is the perfect activity for those who want a bit of an adrenaline adventure while looking for things to do on Waiheke island. The 3 zip lines of varying length fly you above native forest and you end with a guided tour back up through the beautiful native forest floor, where your guide discusses the various native flora and fauna which grace Waiheke island.

Seaside Sculpture Walk

Sculpture on the Gulf is an outdoor sculpture exhibition that follows the coast line from Matiatia along the cliff tops, showcasing some incredible pieces of art alongside the backdrop of an amazing coastline. Each year the walk is revamped with different works and sculptures ranging in sizes, meaning, and mediums. I last did this walk in high school with my photography class and we spent a whole afternoon exploring the different works exhibited along the coastal walk. Even if you’re not that interested in art there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye!

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Boarding

With Kayak Waiheke you can hire kayaks or stand up paddle boards by the hour and cruise leisurely around Matiatia. Water based experiences are one of the most popular things to do on Waiheke Island, whether you’re here for a day or a weekend. But if water bound adventures aren’t quite your thing or the weather has taken a turn for the worst then you can chuck yourself on a push bike and cycle your way around the island. There are endless opportunities to keep yourself occupied on Waiheke Island, you just need to be open for adventure!