Explore Waiheke Island

One of Auckland’s more well-known gems, Waiheke Island is a tropical island haven located just a 35-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf from downtown Auckland.

Dotted with world-class wineries, golden beaches, restaurants, cafes, water activities, and an intriguing mix of hippies and wealthy high-flyers, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to visit or stay on any trip to Auckland.

Things to do

For a relatively small island, Waiheke has a plethora of activities to choose from.

Whether you’re after a fun-filled adventure, a day at the beach, a day of good food and wine, or an exploration of the turquoise sea, there is something for everyone.

Hire an e-scooter

While there is a public bus that picks up passengers from the ferry terminal, for those who haven’t bought their car over, hiring an e-scooter is the perfect way to explore the island while breathing in the freshly salted air (all while doing your bit for the environment!)

With a variety of scooters to choose from (both electric and normal) for very reasonable prices, this is highly recommended on our to-do list.

If you’re after a more subdued experience, you can also choose to hire a pushbike instead.

Go ziplining

EcoZip Adventures provides a day of adrenaline-fuelled fun in the midst of one of New Zealand’s most stunning native forests.

This 3-hour tour includes a pick up, incredible giant ziplines with views over the lush canopies across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland, and a guided ancient forest walk.

Visit a winery

Waiheke Island is known for its world-class wineries. With 26 to choose from, you can take a tour and experience the variety of wines this island has to offer, or visit one or two for a tasting or meal.

You can find the list of wineries here.

Go sea kayaking

Sea kayaking is a unique way to explore the surroundings of this stunning island.

Take a guided sea kayak tour, escape the crowds, and keep an eye out for the native wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may even swim alongside some dolphins - a quintessential part of any experience Down Under.

Explore the art galleries

Waiheke Island is home to a lot of talented artists. 

With a range of exhibitions and galleries dotted around the island, you can explore the best of New Zealand art and help support local.

Relax on the beach

Boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the country, there is no shortage of beaches to choose from.

Choose to lounge on the beach with a good book, listen to the waves lapping at the shore edge, or spend the day taking in the sun's rays.

Whichever beach you choose to go to, this is one quintessential kiwi summer destination that you can’t miss.

Transport

Fullers360 ferry connects the suburbs and towns of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland.

In peak summer season, ferries to Waiheke Island are extremely popular, so it’s recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes beforehand in order to get a ticket.

To find out more about how to get to the downtown ferry terminal in Auckland from your destination, download the AT Mobile app on Google Play or via the App Store.