It is often said that this island is all about art, food, and wine and in any order you like. Whilst we can’t disagree there is also so much more you can do to explore the best of Waiheke. Here is our list of things to do on Waiheke.
The best things to do on Waiheke Island
1. Go for a walk
Walking on Waiheke really is the perfect way to explore the island and discover its true natural beauty. The Te Ara Hura walking track network allows you to explore the coastline, pass through native bush and visit historic sites. There’s a great range of walks, from short and easy through to the more challenging, and all of them are now connected. You can start at any point, finish wherever you want and go in any direction. A Te Ara Hura adventure can be built around overnight stays, wine tastings or great meals at vineyards. Simply follow the Te Ara Hura marker posts to stay on the trail.
2. Camp at the Whakanewha Regional Park
Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay at Poukaraka Flats campground, which is set back from a sheltered swimming beach. There are many places to explore and you’ll get tent-side viewing of the birdlife.
3. Visit a Beach – Visit all the beaches
Waiheke is known for its stunning coastline and of course, the beautiful Waiheke beaches are a huge drawcard. There are numerous sandy beaches and bays to visit, though the best swimming can be found on the Northern side of the island as the beaches on the southern side (whilst still worth a visit) are generally tidal.
4. Cycle or eCycle
Bike hire on Waiheke Island is thankfully easy with operators close to the ferry terminal and in the Oneroa Village. You can discover all that Waiheke Island has to offer with its beautiful beaches and spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf at your own pace. If you decide to bring over your own bike on the ferry then there is some good news, there is no additional charge.
5. Visit the Saturday Market
Come rain or shine you will always find something at the Waiheke Ostend Market. Market stalls are both inside the hall and outside on the reserve and include a great range of local artisan products. A great place to pick up a keepsake to remind you of your time on Waiheke. So come along, grab a coffee and join the locals who congregate to buy, sell and swap stories every Saturday from 7.30 am.
6. Go shopping
The main village of Oneroa offers a strip of the shops that is not long but there are certainly enough places to pick up a Waiheke souvenir. These include fashion boutiques, homeware stores and a small selection of specialty shops.
7. Go fishing
If you want to try your luck at catching your dinner than Waiheke has plenty to offer the fishing enthusiast. There is a myriad of charter fishing companies who can cater to the newbie and old hands alike. If you prefer to stay on land then there are always options to fish off the piers or the rocks.
8. Hire a kayak
Kayaking is a fun and great experience allowing you to take in a different view of Waiheke, and heh you will even get a solid arm and ab workout while you’re at it. You can hire a kayak down at Matiatia and if you wish, opt for a guided coastal tour.
9. Try paddle boarding
Everyone should try paddleboarding and believe it or not it’s a whole lot easier than it looks. It also has the benefit of providing a full-body exercise whilst you paddle. Give it a go and I promise it will instill a sense of peace and freedom like no other, as well as a few comical moments. For more information on hiring a stand-up paddleboard on Waiheke visit Kayak Waiheke.
10. Take a picnic to the top of Trig Hill
The top of Trig hill is one of the highest points on Waiheke and once at the top, you can enjoy a beautiful 360° view of almost the whole west of Waiheke Island. There is a large stone slab with a
compass embedded pointing to various landmarks to help confirm the place you are looking at.
11. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Explore the waters surrounding Waiheke by snorkel or Scuba with Waiheke Dive, located in Oneroa. The PADI Discover Snorkelling Experience is a great way to explore the Waiheke coastline using a mask and snorkel. All your gear is included, so that’s your mask, snorkel & wetsuit, ready for you to explore. Alternatively, join one of the Waiheke Dive teams for two chilled-out dives from the stunning beaches here on Waiheke.
12. Zip lining / flying fox
EcoZip Adventures is an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism destination, offering state-of-the-art flying-fox ziplines with a beautiful eco-immersive forest experience. Dedicated to lovers of nature and adventure of all ages, you’ll enjoy ‘the complete Waiheke experience’, starting first with their Waiheke highlights tour, then riding a series of giant flying-fox ziplines, followed by a step back in time beneath the cooling canopy of a regenerating rainforest. EcoZip’s twin cables make this a unique experience as, unlike other zipline tours, you can fly side-by-side with a friend!
13. Play golf
Waiheke golf course has been voted the best 9 hole course in northern New Zealand. Visitors and new members are warmly welcome and open for play every day of the year – weather permitting. The current layout is planted in mature trees, with picturesque water views from several areas on the course. Normally there is no need to book, although they encourage larger groups to call to ensure the course is available for play.
14. Geocache around the island
Perhaps best described as a high-tech treasure hunt. It’s a great family activity, with the objective to find a geocache, a waterproof container with a logbook, and perhaps some small items to exchange. To play use your smartphone to download the Geocaching app and simply select a cache you would like to find. Forget Pokemon Go and instead join the geocaching fun at geocaching.com
15.Archery / Clay Pigeon Shooting
The wild at heart can take up their bows and skewer bullseyes on the archery range. Not sure what to do? Not to worry, Wild on Waiheke offers trained facilitators providing full instructions to help you be the master, whilst ensuring your safety of course. So why not practice your Hunger Games skills amongst the vines for a 1/2 hour shoot.
16. Try our olives
Waiheke, with its unique micro-climate and long, dry summers is perfect for the growth of olives and grapes. The olive oils on Waiheke are recognised as some of the best in the world, winning many awards. Come and taste for yourself, take a tour and enjoy the locally produced extra virgin olive oil.
17. Go horse riding
Why not enjoy a gentle horse ride through the stunning Waiheke landscape from valleys, vineyards, to our local beaches all on horseback. For those who are horse mad, there surely is no better way to experience the Waiheke scenery.
18. Try our wines
We simply can’t have a list of things to do on Waiheke, without the ever-popular wine tour or at very least a taste of some award-winning Waiheke wine. With a handful of options you really are spoilt for choice.
19. Watch a movie or go to the local theatre
The local community-run cinema is a quirky 50 seat venue filled with comfy sofas, allowing for a comfy viewing of the latest blockbuster or art-house film. Alternatively, you can visit and enjoy a diversity of shows and events, from dance, comedy, music, and theatre at the Artworks Community Theatre.
20. Visit the local museum & the art galleries
Experience a slice of old Waiheke at the Waiheke Museum and Historic Village. Waiheke is also home to an international mix of artists and you can visit the artists at their studios, and see why they choose to live and work on Waiheke. Enjoy a personal commentary from the artists and have the opportunity to purchase their works.
21. Take the kids to the skate park
The Waiheke Skatepark, a concrete paradise for the passionate skateboarder is located in Ostend. Bring along your skateboard or scooter and test out your skills on Waiheke’s small collection of ramps and rails.
22. Take a scenic drive to the east side
The Eastern end of Waiheke is certainly considered off the beaten track for most tourists to Waiheke, but the drive and effort are certainly worth it. The east side is a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming a ruggedly beautiful coastline. Make a stop at Man O war Bay and treat yourself to a glass of wine before your journey back.
