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waiheke island
 From
downtown Auckland a fast ferry can whisk you over to Waiheke
Island, the ‘Suburb on the Sea’.
Waiheke has a special charm and seaside holiday atmosphere. The
laid-back, independent island lifestyle epitomises the
traditional Kiwi way of life. The pure green landscape is there,
the outdoor heritage, the do-it-yourself attitude, the
informality and genuine hospitality of the people.
These qualities find their expression in many ways; family
picnics on the beach, barbecues on the back lawn, bushwalks in
the reserve, wine tasting at local vineyards and browsing through
arts and crafts. The predominant aspect of island life is a love
affair with the sea. Aucklanders can justifiably claim that,
proportionately, they have more boats than any other city in the
World. Waiheke, as the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf, is
pivotal to the overall boating scene in the ‘City of
Sails’.
The main settlement of Oneroa straddles a ridge, which affords
expansive views over the other Gulf islands. The visitor centre
can be found here in the Artworks complex just 1 km from the
ferry wharf. Little Oneroa and Palm Beach are two delightful
little coves on the north coast. Onetangi, the most eastern
settlement, has a long sandy beach popular for swimming, surfing
and wind surfing. The eastern end of the island is mainly
farmland and has public walking access to an interesting old
coastal defence installation called Stony Batter.
Waiheke has a range of bus tours around the island including
scenic trips and visits to art studios and vineyards. Growing
conditions are ideal for grapes here with hot dry summers and
stony soils and the island has a reputation for boutique
winemaking. Increasing sophistication has bought more à la carte
restaurants, wine bars and cafés to Oneroa. Out in the
countryside you can enjoy alfresco lunches in vineyards and olive
groves. The island attracts a variety of artistic folk including
writers, potters and painters and their work is on display in a
number of galleries and craft shops.
Scheduled transport services operate from the Auckland Ferry
Building and day trippers can book island bus tours.
Waiheke is a world of sparkling waters and peaceful living. A
great place to relax during your stay in Auckland.
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