However, the water within the tidal bay is often murky and not great for underwater viewing. It's simultaneously chic and chill." I found myself taking over 100 photos on each of these hikes! Shop Our Guidebooks Another estimated 3,400 have second homes or holiday homes on the island. Book with Big Aroha--you'll be happy you did! I never leave home without their Protect sunscreen. The western end of Waiheke is a residential area with around 8,000 permanent inhabitants. I could not recommend them enough, they made our trip so easy and relaxing. Its just such a beautiful island; its inspiring, said Norma Cross, a shop assistant in a local gift store who moved here three years ago. These are part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park by-laws. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Most bottles are in the $23-$50 price range up to $250-$500 for a premium wine such as Stonyridge Larose. They were even able to help us out with rides we didn't know we needed :) As long time Waiheke residents, they know the island inside and out and offered interesting facts along the way about the island and New Zealand in general. Waiheke Island - Aucklandnz.com It is only a short ferry ride away which makes it the perfect day trip from Auckland . The island, about 17 kilometers, or 10 miles, from Auckland, has become a favorite destination for weekend getaways since the introduction of a regular high-speed ferry service in 1986. It is a great place to walk around, but the distances are hard without a car! 5.0Value. The island gets fully booked and accommodation prices rise during busy holiday periods, so dont come then if you want a deal. How to Plan a Trip to Waiheke Island - Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast It is 19.3 km (12.0 mi) in length from west to east, varies in width from 0.64 to 9.65 km (0.40 to 6.00 mi), and has a surface area of 92 km (36 sq mi). The town features the main beach of the island which looks . However they are not E-Bikes and we were nave in thinking we would be able to explore a lot of the island in the time that we had! Call 021 818 001 or visit waihekebikeshop.co.nz to find out more. The . Dont Under Estimate The Size of The Island: I dont like to finish on a negative tone but I feel like this is an appropriate and most important point to make! Along with tastings of German-style beer, it offers activities like archery, laser clay-bird shooting and ptanque, and has a cafeteria with an outdoor dining area that features beanbag seating alongside tables and chairs. per adult. We thought we had learned from our past mistake! It departs Pier 4, downtown Auckland, Sa, Su and public holidays (except 25 Dec) at 8:45AM. Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour. How to Get Around Waiheke Island - Exploring Auckland For first-time visitors, one option is to buy a Waiheke Explorer pass for 49 dollars at the ferry terminal. (Maximum: two a week). Vines as far as the eye can see in the Obsidian vineyard. CONNELLS BAY SCULPTURE PARK (Waiheke Island) - Tripadvisor Your first port of call should be our moving check list. He prongo atu an. We are a small local tour company that cares about the culture of this land past, present and future. Waihekeis famous for it, and it's some of New Zealand's best. Standard return fares are adult $36.50, child $20, senior/student $31, car $170 and there are different family passes. Thank you to Darren and Jane for a super worthwhile and informative day! The week-ends are busier, but many people only come from Auckland for a day trip and never venture very far from the town and the beach. All rights reserved. The island is a popular getaway spot. Designer and native New Zealander Karen Walker gives us her summer hit list. Waiheke is an island, and on top of that, its a tourist island, which makes it a bit of a challenge to find cheap food. 333. Fortunately Waiheke Island is free of possums - a pest animal which threatens native forest. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. A popular day trip destination for families, with good boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Frequently Asked Questions about Waiheke - Waiheke Local 4.0Food Scene. Waiheke Island is definitely a feast for the senses upon taking a 35 minute ferry from down town Auckland you arrive on to an idyllic island that is so far away from the hectic culture of Auckland. Here old-school beach shacks share the same stunning. Onetangi Bay is popular for strolls along the straight, sandy beach as well as for swimming and sea kayaking. Waiheke Island | 100% Pure New Zealand Waiheke is in the Hauraki Gulf and is the second largest island, it has a population of nearly 8,000 people its popularity is mainly due to its ease and proximity to Auckland city centre. We met Jane at the ferry terminal and she was just went above and beyond to help us. Among white wine varietals, chardonnay is the most common, followed by pinot gris. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Waiheke Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. 8 Tips to Save Money When Renting a Car in NZ, Why it took us almost 5 years too move to NZ, Going back to England to visit as a expat. Wine has become one of the main industries on the island. Filled with gorgeous wineries where you can sample locally produced wines and beers, and enjoy some delicious food. Waiheke Island: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealands fine wines. If you're a walker, explore the island's . E-bikes are almost a necessity, lots of locals have them and you soon realise why! We had an amazingly positive experience with Big Aroha Tours. We have the ripeness of Australian and yet we have the sophistication of the French wines, he said. Arrive by air or sea and begin exploring Waiheke Island is an easy 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland City. Waiheke is a large island in the Hauraki Gulf between the Auckland mainland and the Coromandel Peninsula. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Fullers offer a ferry service on a daily basis every hour until around 10pm at night. It looks out over one of Waihekes many picturesque swimming beaches. Waiheke has rolling hills rising to a maximum elevation of 759 feet (231 metres). There are many vineyards and some sheep and cattle farms. guidance. Location & Hours Waiheke Island Waiheke Island 1971 New Zealand Get directions Edit business info The Estimated Resident Population ( ERP ) for Waiheke Island for 30 June 2018 was 9,360. https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Waiheke_Island&oldid=4608454, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Licensed, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Great communication & great pricing. Return trips depart Hannafords Wharf, Coromandel Harbour, at 4:30PM. Area 36 square miles (92 square km). Oneroa is the unofficial capital of Waiheke Island, and you can reach it by catching the Number 1/4/2 bus from just outside Wild On Waiheke. and admire the views. Stonyridge is best known for its Larose wine, a Bordeaux-style blend that Mr. White has been producing on Waiheke since 1985. I have mostly limited myself to tasting two or three wines per winery, which come down to $2 or $3 a sample. Several wineries also specialize in Bordeaux-style blends. Get a transit schedule and map at the tourist office (called i-SITE) in Oneroa. It also has gained population; in 2011, the Auckland Council estimated that slightly more than 8,700 people were permanent residents of the island, which totals 92 square kilometers, or 32 square miles. $153.98. A few summers back it wasThe Luminarieseven better. How to get to Waiheke Island - New Zealand Travel Tips Our blog Going NZ is for those who have a vision for a better future in NZ, who want to overcome the roadblocks of emigrating to a new country. Also Im very picky about good beach towels so always take my own when I holiday. Waiheke Island may be a short ferry ride from Auckland but as the saying goes: its a world away. Naumai Haere mai, Big Aroha Tours, a cultural experience! Leave your dog at home as dogs disturb nesting seabirds. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Jane at Big Aroha Tours was amazing. We had lunch amongst the locals who went about chatting to each other about their day! I keep it super simple when Im awaythe great thing about Waiheke is theres zero pressure to dress up. After that,I'll grab coffee at Wai Kitchen, pick up a few supplies from Waiheke Fruit and Veg (terrific) and walk home for some readingor gazing out to sea. Explore the Island of wine and the best culinary experiences it has to offer. 15:30 - 19:00: Explore Oeneroa Art Caf And Beach. At the western end of Palm Beach is a nude beach, which you have to traverse to get to the start of the trail that climbs to the viewpoint! Walk homepast the Island Gelato Company for the best gelato this side of Italy. Waiheke doesnt really do hotels as such. Her knowledge of the island was excellent and we got to see so much and learn so much more. Are there any products you never leave home without? ), a great beach bagand Rivieras deck shoes. There are several B&Bs, motels, and lodges scattered around, but I didnt see any big hotel. Its all worth it for the views and the discoveries though. Ng mihi nui, ng mihi aroha ki a krua! 15th December 2015 / Destinations, New Zealand, Oceania / 5 comments. If you are thinking about making the big move to New Zealand. If you can only visit one place in Auckland this should be it, you can get a real sense of what the rest of New Zealand is really like! Te Matuku Bay Scenic Reserve protects the coastal fringe of part of the bay, including taraire/tawa forest with pohutukawa and kauri. Waiheke Island, a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland is a favourite week-end and holiday destination for New Zealanders and foreigners in the know. How would you spend an ideal day in Waiheke? Your email address will not be published. And for a budget conscious visitor like our selves you may have to be prepared that wallet may take the hit! Dotted with privately owned Bachs and sea front restaurants this place would probably be your last stop on any tours you partake in as it is a good 20 minutes from Oneroa town centre and the ferry terminal. Copyright Ttaki Auckland Unlimited 2023. Maunganui at 231 m ( 758 ft ). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Well, January is my middle of summer! A Simple Guide & Itinerary For The Ultimate Waiheke Island Day Trip Get to the heart of Waiheke Island with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance. I go for long-sleeved cotton voile beach shirts, a big sunhat (this is this summers), sunglasses (Karen Walker of course! Again, look on Google Maps in advance, ask the staff or download the Auckland Transport app. If your looking for something more unique then do check out Bookabach, Waiheke is now full of second home owners, so they rent out their homes to people like you when they are not on the island. Start by hopping on a morning boat to Waiheke Island from Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal, enjoying a 35-minute boat ride with views of historical Devonport and Rangitoto Island on the way. I highly recommend Big Aroha tours - They went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. Post below! I could not recommend Big Aroha Tours more. There is a filtered water fountain in the Matiatia ferry terminal. Goldie Estate. Pay just $40 per 24 hours and park at Princes Wharf. 1. The adult fare is 35 dollars at the terminal; same-day round-trip tickets are 28 dollars online. Cant wait! Here are our tips on how to explore Waiheke and where to visit, but trust me you will be spoilt for choice! Waiheke Explorer Hop-on Hop-off tour bus. The Oyster Inn in central Oneroa would be my top suggestion to anyone that loves shellfish and seafood. Without a doubt your first stop which ever mode of transport you take will be the main town of Oneroa. Do not remove any part of the sea floor, including rocks or dead sea shells. Waiheke Island with kids: The Ultimate Guide - Big World Tiny Feet Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May. Transfers are available from Kennedy Point. Corrections? Jane was always reliable and punctual every time we needed her services. No problems here! Everything was perfectly organised, and they made the whole experience really enjoyable with great stories, banter and music. The New Zealanders refer to hiking as tramping and to themselves as kiwis. Last departures from Waiheke are M-Sa at 12:30AM and Su at 11PM. 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Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Highly recommend and will only be using Jane from Big Aroha Tours for all our future visits to Waiheke! It is the fifth largest island of New Zealand. Thats more expensive than renting a car! Darren,s care in looking after my 84-year-old dad and his consideration was commendable. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Waiheke Island - Tripadvisor Fenice is a great small Italian just a few doors up from the Oyster Inn, we had our evening meal here on our most recent visit and had the most beautiful wine and chocolate desert I have tasted in a long time! Featuring rolling hills, forests, beaches, and a heavily indented coastline that gives it the shape of a fantastical creature (shown on the right), the island offers the perfect mix of civilized pleasures and rural tranquility to satisfy most vacationers. Teaching resources for learning in nature, Some activities such as weddings need a permit, Tmaki Makaurau / Auckland Visitor Centre. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Thank you Jane and Darren you guys were amazing! Kayak around the island taking in the spectacular cliffs, coves and sandy beaches. There are few destinations and distances are relatively short, which increases the chances of a driver stopping for hitchers. Te Matuku Marine Reserve protects one of Waiheke Island's largest and least disturbed estuaries, along with an area outside Te Matuku Bay in the Waiheke Channel. Do not exceed 5 knots in a boat or on a jetski within 200 m of the mainland or a dive flag, or within 50 m of a boat or person in the water. Which is exactly how I want the wine to be made.. The Boatshed. Waiheke Island Reviews | U.S. News Travel That is such a magical island, with the giant ferns, and delicious food and wines. Waiheke Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor And nothing beats going to sleep with the doors open listening to the waves lap on the shore below and watching the lights of the boats bob about. Waiheke Ferries[dead link] lists sailing times for all ferry providers scheduled to and from Waiheke Island for the current day. Wilson Parking. You can choose to purchase an all-day hop-on/hop-off bus pass with your ticket, or simply hire a bike when you get to the island, and do your own self-guided tour. . How do you figure out where to stay? The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. Waihekes landscape is a mixture of lush, wild bush and rows upon rows of grapevines, with the sea never more than a few miles away. Browse the dozens of art galleries and craft stores of the Waiheke Arts Trail between dips in the emerald waters. Waiheke Island | Resort & Facts | Britannica The main town is called Oneroa, and this is where you should base yourself if you do not have a car. WAIHEKE ISLAND - 62 Photos & 15 Reviews - Yelp Escape to a subtropical, bohemian paradise, globally renowned for wine, food, and art. AUCKLAND Northeast of New Zealands largest city is an island that combines two of the best-loved aspects of life in this country: verdant vineyards and golden beaches. Mr. White described the menu at Stonyridge as Italy-meets-Asia, because, he said, the restaurant is serving an increasing number of tourists from China and Hong Kong. Read our Privacy Policy. Most Waiheke locals live in small townships on the islands western side. Copyright 2023 Big Travel Nut. We emailed Darren and Jane at Big Aroha with our transportation needs prior to our trip and they were super helpful and accommodating in arranging rides. Since 2013, my mission is to give YOU, the 40+ solo traveller, the means and inspiration to travel safely on your own, stray off the beaten path, and have unusual adventures, all without breaking the bank! PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A BOOKING AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR TRAVEL DATES AS THE WALKS FILL QUICKLY We had a local driver guide who filled us in on what life is like on Waiheke with very quirky and fun facts. Taking a day trip to Waiheke Island is one of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand. 146. She was extremely flexible on time to work with our entry into Auckland and made stops outside of the wineries so that we can take in this gorgeous island with the appreciation it deserves.