Hidden inside the pocket of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke beaches are spread across the island on all sides, providing the best escape from the city hustle. Even revealed within its own name, Waiheke literally translates from Maori to cascading or ebbing water, and here on this island you will find no shortage of stunning beaches to explore and get lost in. Swimming is of course super popular on the remarkably golden beaches of Waiheke. As well, there are many unique spots for everything from snorkeling and kite surfing right through to fishing, coastal walking tracks, and kayaking. There are many things to do on Waiheke, no matter what you are looking for and with the over 10 main beaches on Waiheke, you are definitely spoiled for choice.
Oneroa, one of the hotspots of Waiheke
As one of the most popular beaches on Waiheke, Oneroa effortlessly impresses with its inviting pohutukawa trees, rich grassy areas, and glistening beach vibes. It’s perfect for setting up the day with its handy BBQ facilities and swing sets to entertain the kids. And at just a quick 10-minute bus ride from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal, it might very well be your first experience of what Waiheke beaches have to offer. Because it’s so close to the village, it’s easy to find some of the best restaurants on Waiheke, accommodations, and craft shops- all ready and available for you to discover. Oneroa is great for swimming during all levels of the tide, making it a versatile beach that you may come back to again and again for more.
Find adventure or balance with Blackpool Beach
Blackpool beach is stunning with its unique rocky terrain, shallow bay, and classic mudflats. Although it is a close distance to Oneroa Beach it provides a stark contrast to the sandy beach of Oneroa. Instead, Blackpool Beach offers a more adventurous beach day. This beach is ideal for those keen on a crisp southerly walk or perhaps those who want to experiment with more adventurous Waiheke activities, like windsurfing or kitesurfing. Perhaps this isn’t your scene, then you may be keen for some holiday snaps or to really soak in the moment? If you wait around long enough you will be treated to a gorgeous scene as you watch the sun go down, with Auckland’s CBD far in the distance as you take your evening dip. Or maybe stand-up paddle boarding in the sheltered bay could be a restful experience for your time on Waiheke's southern side? Remember there are no public bathrooms here, so you will have to walk to Oneroa.
Discover the hidden gem that is Sandy Bay
For the safe swimming vibe of Oneroa Beach minus the crowds, Sandy Bay is the Waiheke beach for you. It’s also a practical beach as it’s close to Oneroa but has the advantage of being more low-key and private. You will be treated to a somewhat secluded area with little nooks and crannies of rock pools to venture around. On the beach itself, it is very safe to swim. Of course, there are other Waiheke things to do as boats are welcomed all year round to wander. There are public toilets to change into your togs, plus a lovely picnic area for those full days of sand and sun.
Embrace the elements, with Surfdale Beach
This is another tidal mudflat beach based on the southern side of Waiheke Island. If you are planning on swimming, be prepared for a hefty southerly wind to duel against. Also, you may encounter some sea lice, due to the mudflat terrain, so watch where you swim in the ocean. Surfdale beach is best for Waiheke activities like windsurfing and kite surfing. Surfdale is an easy two-minute walk to the local Pizzeria, bakery, dairy, and pub. There are public toilets to change into your togs, making it a good spot to swim at high tide. You could even take your canine friend out for a walk, within the times displayed of course.
Find both convenience and beauty with Onetangi Beach
Two kilometers in length this extremely sandy, golden beach is the longest beach on Waiheke Island. Compared to the other northern beaches on Waiheke, Onetangi has the most surf and waves to catch. Together with Oneroa Beach, Onetangi beach is great for swimming at all levels of the tide, making it an essential spot to test the waters. Convenience-wise, it is located very close to some well-visited cafes, a beach store, and a bus stop, making your journey planning much easier. As far as Waiheke activities go, you might also find yourself choosing to go on one of the Waiheke Island Walkways. This particular route intersects with Onetangi Beach by the Strand and you will be able to take in the astounding heights and views from the clifftops. It’s a short walk, clocking in at just an hour where you will have the chance to spot bush life, with both a nikau grove and a stunning kauri tree. So whether you're in for a walk to take in Waiheke’s lavish surroundings, or if you want to surf, or perhaps take a dip after you’ve had a bite to eat- there’s something for everyone at this charming, golden beach.
Event-wise, Onetangi is the place to be in February/March where it hosts the Onetangi Beach Races. Included in the lineup is horse racing, tractor racing, and even kids' karts. This has been going on for over 100 years and attracts many tourists and locals alike.
Explore Hooks Beach's warm waters
Hooks beach is one of the beaches on Waiheke Island that allows unleashed dogs. This could be a great place to bond with your dog while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. At high tide, you can also swim and take advantage of the still and warm waters. On this beach, you will find an environment that can be both serene and adventurous, depending on the activities you choose. As it is another muddy, tidal flat beach it makes for unique fish life as well.
Spend the day at Palms Beach
Palms Beach is very popular and proves to be a go-to beach to visit on Waiheke Island. It is often compared to Oneroa Beach, which has a similar shape geographically. Namely so, it gets its title from the phoenix palms that grace the eastern side of the beach. You could easily spend a full sunny day here with all its fantastic facilities. There’s a children’s playground, ample grassy areas for picnics, and BBQ spots as well as plenty of tables. You can also change into your swimmers with a public toilet readily available plus an outdoor public shower area.
Stay tranquil with Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach can be a good getaway for swimming, which is much less populated than the likes of Oneroa and Onetangi. Instead of sandy terrain, here you will find stones and shells to cast a backdrop to your beach view. You can also jump off the diving platform that is located towards the end as well. Typically, this is a good place to relax and set up camp for the day for a good old-fashioned picnic or get-together. You might even find that kayaking could perhaps call your name in this splendid bay.
Hide away and explore Hekerua Bay
This hidden gem is found on the northern side of Waiheke, the next coastline along from the bustling Oneroa. If you're ready to get into nature and take a break from people, then this beach is great for exploration! It is reachable via two walking tracks, but the Te Aroha Ave track makes for a lovely walk through the local bush and thick vegetation. This is a great spot to regenerate and refresh, especially with a picnic after your walk.
Meet the local fish life at Enclosure Bay
Enclosure Bay is a little bay, tucked away from the ocean. It has some amazing rock formations that make for a perfect spot for Waiheke activities like snorkeling. It’s very much in the back beyond and is nice and secluded to have some time away from the crowds.
Get all the benefits from Oneroa, plus more with Little Oneroa.
This is a great swimming beach, with convenient amenities close by. Perhaps you want to grab some fish and chips, well this is easy with a shop just across the road. There is also BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and bathrooms for you. On top of this, there is a great playground if you want to spend some more time in the sun. Little Oneroa is in close proximity to Oneroa Village and you can very easily hop on a bus to travel to and from. To get two times the beach experience, at low tide you can walk right through from Oneroa Beach to Little Oneroa Beach, around the headland and rocky area. It’s worth noting that there is one stream that you cannot swim in.
So many choices of beaches to discover
At just 30kms from Auckland’s noise, you can find a restful escape full of Waiheke activities and new places to discover on this island. There’s a unique coastline for everyone to enjoy from the white sandy beaches of Onetangi, which boasts some of the best swimming spots, through to Hook’s Beach, where the mostly tidal mudflats offer countless adventures. Waiheke is truly a beautiful, beachy backdrop to get lost in.