So you have your ferry ticket all booked, you’ve packed your bags, dropped the pup at your bestie’s (who you now owe a favor!) but you still have nothing planned for your Waiheke getaway weekend? No worries, we got you covered. Let’s explore some of the many things to do on Waiheke. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to test your archery skills, sip some fine wines, swim at one of the many pristine beaches or maybe find nature at the Whakanewha National Park. There are so many adventures to be had on this remarkable island.
A life of Leisure means fine wine and dining:
One of Waiheke’s main drawing cards is its incredible wines and vineyards. Yes, Waiheke is affectionately called Wine-heke for good reason. Here you can absolutely lap up all the wonderful views from the various vineyards whilst you explore new wines and savor old favorites. You are definitely spoiled for choice with the wine on the island with over 30 different vineyards. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur then you’ll know that Waiheke has fantastic conditions for producing and harvesting top-quality grapes. This is mainly because of its great weather patterns where the sun shines much more frequently compared to Auckland. Indulge in a wonderful meal from one of Waiheke’s top restaurants. You will be greeted with a range of cuisines everywhere from Mediterranean to Spanish and of course ‘Island Style’ as well. In fact there are many noteworthy restaurants with heaps of accolades awarded. Rest assured, your taste buds are going to be thanking you for both the wine and food available on Waiheke. With over 17 different wineries, all ready for you to try their high-caliber wine, what could be better? Make the most of a grape lover's paradise!
Soak up the sun on the beach: swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking- it’s all here
Waiheke is perfect for swimming- there are over 11 main beaches with each having its own quirks. The main sandy beaches are Oneroa and Onetangi which prove to be excellent spots at all tide levels. A lot of the beaches have playgrounds, tables, and chairs for those sunny picnic days. Onetangi Beach’s legendary waves make it a great spot for sharpening your surf skills. If surfing isn't your ticket, and you are looking for a zen moment, we suggest taking in the sights as you leisurely wade through the ocean on a Stan Up Paddleboard. You can rent yours from almost any major beach and near the ferry terminal.
Snorkeling fans will not be disappointed by Enclosure Bay which has very cool little rock formations perfect for you to dive in. In the case you prefer staying afloat on the water, another great option would be taking on a kayak to your selected beach; it is a must try if you haven’t already! You could even make a mega beach day of it and go on a beach-hopping frenzy. And finally, for all the sailors out there, you should not miss anchoring at Sandy Bay- it’s definitely a stunning location. No matter what Waiheke island weather you come across, there are always some amazing water activities to enjoy.
Power through the tracks with your bike!
Waiheke makes for a great cycle around the bays and little nooks. It is however very hilly so just be prepared to encounter some steep rides. You can also take your bike for free on both ferries, Sealink and Fullers. If you rather take in more of the sights rather than get a work out in, then hiring an e-bike on the Island is sound option.
As for tracks, you could take the Rangihoua mountain bike trail which is a quick little track with 8 trails, ranging from beginner to intermediate. Another option could be discovering the eastern side of the island with The Stoney Batter Track loop, which is longer at 17km. You can also tick some wineries off your list as you will pass three on your way with Man O’ War, Passage Rock, and View East wineries. Cycling is a great way to discover Waiheke Vineyards while enjoying the magnificent scenery.
Get in touch with your artistic side at Sculpture Park
Connells Bay Sculpture Park is a must for your Waiheke Island things-to-do list. It brings together a love of nature and artistic vibes. You will be greeted on the track by over 30 permanent pieces of art, and come across many unique and thought-provoking sculptures, all made by local New Zealand sculptors. There is an interesting relationship that happens between the sculptor and nature as often the sculptor is made to fit the environment within Connells Bay itself. Make sure to make a reservation as you will need to book in order to catch these eclectic art pieces. Be sure to take a camera and a picnic set if you want to soak in the experience fully.
Find some genuine nic nac treasures at Ostend Markets
You will find some great treasures at Ostend Markets- everything from fresh coffee, scones, tasty bread, and plenty of produce to use for your lunches. You’ll be covered for lunch with the wide selection of food offered and you will also be greeted with a huge range of clothes, books, crystals and other nic nacs to serve as a souvenir for your time on Waiheke. Ostend Markets starts every Saturday at 8 AM.
How about you try Ziplining for those adventurous souls out there
Another Waiheke Island attraction is ziplining. Ziplining is somewhat similar to a flying fox but it has its own unique characteristics. You get to take in the sights, elevated in the trees while you navigate your next move on a zip. You will need to wear a harness to keep yourself safe, but you stay connected to a wire that allows you to literally swoop from one treetop to the other. You can get up to speeds of 50kmph if you are feeling really adrenaline hungry. Look out for EcoZip which will have all your ziplining needs and get you zip-ready!
Shoot your shot with some Archery
Wild on Waiheke has archery and clay shooting all ready and decked out for you to experience. Go in a small group, a stag do or maybe a family outing. No matter the occasion, it’s always therapeutic to do some archery and it is a bit of a rare pass time, so it’s great to brag about! It’s super fun and you are guided through the whole thing. Do treat yourself afterwards and take in the sights and tastes of both the winery and brewery. Wild on Waiheke is very chill, but the wine still matches the caliber of what you will come to love about Waiheke wines. You can indulge in that cheese board while you roam around the outdoor garden, catching those Waiheke sunshine rays as you do.
Hike your way through Whakanewha National Park
For those after New Zealand’s famous outdoors, Whakanewha National Park is just around the corner. Whakanewha National Park is home to a native forest with a hub of multiple tracks to walk along and have yourself submerged into nature. There are a range of tracks to try. There’s one hefty track that will take you 2 and a half hours to complete. Bird spotting is key here and you might be lucky to spot a Tui, Kereru or Piwakawaka in their native habitat. If you loop around, then take the Poukaraka Pa path that traces along Gordon’s Road. We highly recommend a stay at Whakanewha National Park’s local camping grounds if you are looking to do more of the tracks and truly lean into nature with everything it has to offer. The beach is great for swimming as much as it is a wonderful place to set up camp for a good old-fashioned picnic in the sun.
No matter what type of traveler you are, you will surely find lots of exciting things to do on Waiheke Island. Between taking in the beautiful scenery of Whakanewha National Park, wine hopping around the vineyards, swimming at the countless beaches, or exploring the Connells Bay Park’s sculpture trail- you won’t be wondering for long what to do on Waiheke.