NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP: With 3 weeks in New Zealand, visit the highlights on a road trip to the North Island and South Island. You have the option to squeeze in the food and wine pairing at Batch Wineryit is a lot to eat in one day (you still have dinner!) There are also a number of tours of Waiheke Island. They're available at restaurants throughout Waiheke. This walk is along a gravel road and has a few ups and downs but nothing too strenuous. 3 February 2021 View Waiheke Island is worth spending at least a couple of days exploring, but if you're short on time or just yearning for a scenic New Zealand day trip, we can help you map out a one-day itinerary. This amazing venue is so much more than a vineyard with some fun activities to bring out your competitive side. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-3201653', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car on Waiheke for the two days), it was nice to "learn" to drive there instead of Auckland. We used the Fullers ferry to get to and from Waiheke Island. ), 15 BEST Places to Go Surfing in New Zealand + Complete Guide, 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Wellington. In this case, on theWaiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walkyoull enjoy a scenic walk in a small group led by an expert. There are heaps of vineyards if you like a drop. Situated just off the coast of central Auckland across from Devonport is Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island known for its superb hiking trails and panoramic views. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a taste of island life, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to play and stay. You can also get around by bike, but Waiheke Island is relatively large and hilly, so unless you are very fit, consider renting an e-bike. Wine is not the only thing to taste on Waiheke Island. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Museums Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Traveler rating & up Good for Budget-friendly Good for Couples Good for Big Groups Free Entry For a mid-range option with a home-away-from-home feel, Kiwi House Waiheke is our pick. We had three meals on Waiheke Island and each of them was fantastic. Among the plethora of wineries, Wild on Waihekeis especially good fun because, along with wine and beer tastings, it offers free activities like petanque and volleyball. This was a highlight of our stay in Auckland. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Visit Waiheke Island: Complete Guide | The Champagne Mile It's a laid back place. Sea Link operates a car ferry to and from Waiheke Island, so if you plan to travel to Waiheke with a rental car, this is the ferry you want. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Stonyridge Vineyard | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Waiheke Island or how to plan your visit to Waiheke Island, let us know in the comment section below. There's a shaded deck to sit out on, and a boardwalk. For the better views and more upscale experience, have lunch or dinner in the Mudbrick Restaurant. By Kurt Jacobson GoNOMAD Senior Writer. Worth visiting and having lunch - Wild Estate, Waiheke Island Traveller There are bathrooms and picnic areas here. Be sure to try their fresh oysters that get shucked to order and I also recommend ordering the seafood tower if you are a seafood lover (like me!) Oneroa Beach | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. The Archive Bar & Bistro is a more casual experience, with seating in the garden and outdoor terrace. Its name means to shade the eyes from the setting sun. The museum is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Mondays from 11 am to 3 p.m. Waiheke Distilling Co. is the place to visit. This was a day trip for us and we had . For a shorter tour, theWaiheke Boutique Picnic Lunch and Wine Tastings Tourworks around lunch to take you to visit multiple wineries and stop for lunch at one of them. Learn more about the distillery on the official website. The main exhibits are in the woolshed but the Goodwin, Keane, and Champion cottages each contain collections of objects and photos based on the theme, which are really interesting. Mudbrick Vineyard | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. As you can see, we ate (and I drank) quite a bit this day, since we were trying to visit as many wineries, distilleries, and restaurants as possible to write this article. The amount of food you get is similar to a small meal or a very big snack. but we both liked this experience. At just 19 kilometres in length, and populated by gourmet restaurants, vineyards and quirky little art galleries, Waiheke Island is a great destination for an indulgent day trip or short break away from Auckland.More than 100 artists live and work full-time on . You will not be disappointed if you decide to give it a go! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It belongs to the kind of island . You pick the ferry up right in the harbour, where all the action is. Waiheke Island: New Zealand Island Worth Visiting - See 2,654 traveller reviews, 1,989 candid photos, and great deals for Auckland Central, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. The Te Matuku Oyster farm sits in the unpolluted Te Matuku Marine Reserve off the coast of Waiheke Island, and the oysters it produces are regarded as some of the best in New Zealand. Sit in the shade of the oldest Pohutukawa trees on Waiheke Island, overlook Kennedy Bay, and taste Kennedy Points wine. Oneroa Beach is a long strip of white sand that sits beside the town of Oneroa. There is a long list of wineries to visit in Waiheke Island and well get into that in more detail later in this guide. 93. from. In the morning, spend your time at one of the beaches, spend 30 minutes to an hour at the Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Garden, or drive out to Stony Batter to see the rock formations and take a tour of the tunnels. For more information about Waiheke Island's shops, restaurants, beaches and vineyards, visit Tourism Waiheke'swebsite. Over 5 hours, you can learn about the history and land and walk at your own pace while taking in the animal and plant life that surrounds you. With so much to do, there's truly something for everyone on Waiheke Island and we're very proud to have been voted one of the world's Top 20 islands by Conde Nast Traveller in 2016, and included on Lonely Planet's list of top 10 travel regions in 2015. With so many vineyards on the island, there are many places to drink and eat. Learn more on the official website. Check out the menu and prices on http://www.mudbrick.co.nz. The tasting room is a wide, grassy area, filled with picnic tables and bean bag chairs. Batch Winery is another popular winery to visit on Waiheke Island. You can come in for a tasting or lunch with a view. We are heading to NZ in Maywe are going to Lake Taupo and Hawkes Bay this timeso won't get a chance to visit the island. What's the address of Waiheke Island? waiheke island - worth the trip? - Auckland Central Forum With over 20 vineyards inhabiting the island, some since the early 1980s, it's easy to see why. Taken in December. Book aPremium Full Day Waiheke Wine Tourto visit 3-4 boutique vineyards with complimentary wine tastings at each. The Stony Batter Historic Reserve is located on the east side of Waiheke Island. What I love about this is having the freedom to stop and start wherever you like within the four different areas. Waiheke Island is the perfect place to celebrate special events while sipping on some local wine or just spending time in nature away from the bustling city. Palm Beach is a smaller beach than Oneroa Beach. You can see the gun emplacements that have been left behind and theres a collection of tunnels here connecting passages that were part of a defense fortress created during WWII. The main town on Waiheke Island is Oneroa, from where there are views of the Coromandel Peninsula. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Not far from the sculpture park is an amazing viewpoint over Omaru Bay. The water is pure bliss and there is no better way to make the most of it than being in or on it! Book a 30-minute Scenic Flight and immerse yourself in the scenery of not only Waiheke but also the Rangitoto volcano, Treasure Island, and Auckland city as you are flown in a Cessna aircraft. This blog may contain affiliate links. It is now a protected area itself and a must-see when visiting Waiheke Island. This tour includes a visit to three of the best vineyards. But just getting here is a worthwhile experience. We mostly visited wineries and got our driving bearings (this was at the start of our trip -- we walked onto the ferry, then rented a little (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you're into your mountain biking, though, you'll enjoy the tracks on Waiheke. SOUTH ISLAND: On the South Island of New Zealand, visit Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, drive the Southern Scenic Route, go bungy jumping in Queenstown, hike the Hooker Valley Track, and visit Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Plus, you can get around a lot faster than walking, and it can be even more fun! This makes it an ideal environment for both wine growing and lounging at the beach. Need to rent out a bike? Tim and I agree that our best meal was lunch at Man O War Vineyard. Then when you dock you can hire scooters or a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), Spirit of Waiheke, and London Dry. Amazing place! Worth a visit! - Review of Waiheke Island, Auckland Tours are a rip off and unneccessary. A walk through the Onetangi Reserve will take you through kauri and nikau forests, and can take up to two hours, depending on how far you want to go. They also offer wine tastings and serve lunch in their restaurant. Every other year, the island hosts Sculpture on the Gulf, which is an outdoor sculpture exhibition held from January until mid-March. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. There are two main mountain biking trails: Rangihoua, which will take you about 25 minutes to get to from the ferry and has two loops and 6 different trails; or Whakanewha Regional Park, where you can start at the Sculpture Carpark on Gordons Road. More Information for Your Trip to New Zealand, Read all of our articles about New Zealand in our. A visit to this tranquil oasis is a must-do for nature lovers and gardeners. Waiheke Island Tourism: Best of Waiheke Island About Waiheke Island Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. See 149 traveler reviews, 76 candid photos, and great deals for Waiheke Island Resort, ranked #5 of 7 hotels in Waiheke Island and rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. This one-day Waiheke Island itinerary takes our favorite experiences and puts them all together into one wonderful day on the island. After you have spent the day at the beach, just walk across the road and enjoy a meal at Three Seven Two. If you would prefer to stay around the typical tourist area and take in the beautiful pohutukawa trees, that would be it. Vineyards cover a large portion of this island, which makes visiting at least one winery a must-do on a visit to Waiheke Island. Yes, yes, yes.. The wine here is excellent (try the Mudbrick Chardonnay) and there are two restaurants here overlooking the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. After Man O War, go gin tasting at Waiheke Distilling Company, go olive oil tasting at Rangihoua Mill, and then go wine tasting at Tantalus Estate or Stonyridge Vineyard. Hi fellow cruisers. Check availability and book your room online here. Most ferries arrive on Waiheke Island at the main port,Matiatia Wharf, but some go toOrapiu WharfandKennedy Point. The only way to get to Waiheke Island is by ferry. For families and thrill seekers, put ziplining on your Waiheke Island to do list. One of my top picks is Man OWar Vineyard the waterfront location is amazing! If you are new to these underwater activities, Waiheke Island is a great place to start learning and getting involved in it, and if you are experienced, then scuba diving or snorkeling here will be a dream! If you dont have transportation, they can pick you up from several locations on the island. The seafood here is delicious, but theres a large menu to choose from and youll be treated to outstanding views of the beach while you eat. Wine, Relaxation, and Fine Food on Waiheke Island Near Auckland New Zealand. If you feel like you might get lost on your own or want to know more about your surroundings, a guided hike is a nice option. WAIHEKE ISLAND - 62 Photos & 15 Reviews - Yelp Read all of our articles about New Zealand in our New Zealand Travel Guide. Located on Ostend Road, every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm you will find the Waiheke Ostend Market bustling with locals and visitors checking out the different stalls of items, food, and gifts. Small coves harbor boats, yachts, and kayakers exploring the island. Your email address will not be published. - See 2,641 traveller reviews, 1,982 candid photos, and great deals for Auckland Central, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. End the day with dinner at Mudbrick, either at the restaurant or the bistro. Should we just get a ferry over and use public transport or should we book an organised tour, we want to go to a winery for lunch. Prepare for stunning vistas and a steep, yet doable hike when visiting Rangitoto Island. Onetangi Beach | Things to Do on Waiheke Island. This beach is split into two sections. For any thrill seeker or adventure lover, ziplining in New Zealand is the perfect way to not only have fun but also take in the islands scenery in a new and exciting way. If you head to Waiheke Island, you have got to make the most of the beaches! . It will be a popular time of the year to visit Waiheke, so with that in mind you may want to book a tour. Ferries depart from theAuckland City Ferry TerminalonQuay Street in central Auckland. Get timetables and pricing on the official website. Local buses meet the ferries at Matiatia Bay. While spending a couple of hours on this scenic island is great,spending a few nightshere is what I recommend to really soak up all this place has to offer. Ananda Tours also offers specialty tours, such as ones with stops at an olive oil grove or a local brewery. Various tour operators offer guided tours of the coastline from your watercraft of choice. Like Oneroa and Palm Beaches, there are public toilets, picnic areas, and access to a few restaurants. Best time to visit Waiheke Island. Oneroa Beach is the main beach here, and with lots of sunshine and calm waters, its a great spot for swimming. Guided vineyard tours are a good idea, as you'll be driven around to some of the best. If youre looking for a magical way to spend an evening, try the Guided Sunset and Moonlight Invigoration tour. This is the view of Langgitoto Island from Waiheke Island. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The drive to Man O War Vineyards and the Stony Batter Historic Reserve is one of the most beautiful on Waiheke Island. Day passes cost between NZ$6 (about $4) and NZ$10 (around $7) per person, depending on age. This ferry terminal is most convenient for travelers staying in or around the central city. A major drawcard is the island's many wineriesthere are about 30 dotted around the hilly island. Throughout the garden, sculptures enhance the atmosphere with their beauty. Not only can you get some exercise in, but its also a great way to enjoy the sunshine against your skin and the fresh salty air on your face. Take a late ferry back to Auckland. There are many wineries on Waiheke Island, and many of these serve snacks or full meals. Waiheke Bike Hire has an office next to the Fullers ferry port in Matiatia Bay. Learn more about Mudbrick and make your reservation in advance for lunch or dinner on their website. By now, you may have realized there are countless wineries and wine tastings available on Waiheke Island, but if you are keen on spirits, you are in luck! On weekdays, ferries operate between 5:30 and 12:30 a.m., with reduced hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. They have both a restaurant and a bistro. How to Spend a Day on Waiheke Island, New Zealand - Culture Trip We visited Batch Winery for the Legacy Wine and Food Pairing, which was fantastic. Related read: Get more fast paced fun by checking out some of the exciting adventure activities in Queenstown! If you're staying a bit longer, add Palm Beach, Onetangi Beach, Enclosure Bay, and Sandy Bay to the itinerary. Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Stony Batter Historic Reserve is a place of New Zealand history, as well as being a beautiful scenic reserve. Waiheke Island is the wine capital of Auckland and is known as New Zealand's 'Island of Wine'. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Interested in Waiheke Islands History? Its located above Onetangi Beach, so the sea views are amazing and beach days are a breeze by heading down the hill to hit the sand. A beautiful island worth visiting again. The Connells Bay Sculpture Park has on display sculptures and photographic works created by New Zealand artists. Worth a visit! Whether you desire to go to the Mudbrick Vineyard, hit Oneroa beach, or explore the historic village, the bus can transport you around for the day. Our website uses cookies. We finished dinner a little earlier than expected at Mudbrick and were able to get on the 7:30 pm ferry with our 8 pm ticket. Monarch butterflies and native birds find refuge here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A lover of mountain peaks, craft beer, and of course, New Zealand! Waiheke Island: Zipline and Forest Walkis a great tour to book if you want to spend 3 hours soaring through the treetops. It felt like I was on an amazing adventure in the wilderness of a beautiful island. Bookings must be done in advance, and the season runs from the end of October to the beginning of April. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. I guess it comes down to costs and how much time you have on the Sunday.Oneroa has plenty of cafe's for dining alsobut I do like the Mudbrick Vineyard. At noon, have lunch at Man O War Vineyard. Fuller's Ferry leaving Auckland. They offer tastings daily at their Cellar Door, so you can try a few different wines to find what you like. Ferries run from early in the morning to after midnight, so you're likely to find one that suits your schedule. It's possible to get to Waiheke Island by ferry or air, but most travelers take the ferry from central Auckland because it's the cheaper option. Outside of the school holidays in the summer, it's still busy on weekends but less so mid-week. Not long after visiting NZ for the first time, I packed my bags leaving behind the cold weather in Canada to settle in this beautiful place called Queenstown!