Waiheke Island, a picturesque island in New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf, is well worth a day trip if you're in Auckland.
Visiting Auckland and have a spare day? Spend it on Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards, wineries, and stunning coastal scenery. Located in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, the island is just a 30–45-minute ferry ride from Auckland CBD. Read on for a comprehensive guide to one of Auckland’s most popular day-trip destinations.
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Taking a Ferry to Waiheke Island
On the ferry to Waiheke Island. Photo: Lord Acuña
To reach Waiheke Island, you must take a ferry from Auckland’s Downtown Terminal. It’s best to head over early in the morning to make the most of your visit. The first ferry departs at 06:00, although most visitors tend to leave between 07:00 and 08:00.
Location: Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 daily
Cost: From NZD 31 (one-way)
Arrives at: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Getting Around Waiheke Island
Photo: Lord Acuña
Now that you’ve reached the island, there are several ways to get around. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can take the bus, or rent a car or bike.
1. Public Bus
Multiple bus services operate on Waiheke Island, most of which connect the ferry terminal with major attractions across the island. Routes 50A and 50B are the most commonly used by visitors.
Routes:
50A / 50B – Matiatia to Onetangi via Oneroa, Surfdale and Ostend
502 – Rocky Bay to Ostend
503 – Onetangi via Te Toki
Payment: No cash accepted. Tap on and off with an AT HOP card or any contactless debit or credit card.
2. Waiheke Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Photo: Headout
If you want a more tailored visitor experience, the Waiheke Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus provides an all-day loop with stops at vineyards, beaches, and scenic lookouts. This flexible service connects you to 16 key attractions across the island at your own pace.
Departs from: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Ticket validity: All-day pass
Includes: Guided commentary on Waiheke’s history and attractions
3. Car Rental
If you’re arriving at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, the most convenient rental companies are located at or near the terminal. The most popular options are:
A. GO Rentals – Located inside the ferry terminal, with a modern fleet including hybrids and SUVs.
B. Waiheke Car Rental – A local operator offering a range of vehicles and ferry-terminal pickup.
C. Enterprise Rent-A-Car – An international brand with a Waiheke location near Matiatia Wharf.
D. Wheels on Waiheke – Another ferry-terminal-based local rental provider.
4. Bike Rental
Rented a bike from Bikes & Beyond. Photo: Lord Acuña
For a more affordable option, you can rent a bike. However, Waiheke is very hilly, so regular bicycles can be challenging unless you’re very fit. As a result, most visitors opt for electric bikes.
A. Bikes & Beyond – Formerly Bikes & Barbers, they offer a wide range of options including standard bikes, e-bikes, tandems, and scooters.
Location: 108 Ocean View road, Oneroa
B. eRide Waiheke – Electric bike rentals near Matiatia Ferry Terminal with guided/self-guided cycling tours.
Location: 6 Ocean View Road, Oneroa
C. Waiheke Bike Hire – Standard bikes and e-bikes with flexible rental options.
Location: 7 Ocean View Road, Oneroa
D. See-NZ eBike & Scooter Hire – E-bikes and scooter rentals inclusive of delivery to the ferry terminal.
Location: 12 Dickson Road, Surfdale
Top Places to Eat in Waiheke Island
Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring or a leisurely meal between attractions, Waiheke Island has plenty of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the island’s best places to eat.
1. Little Oneroa Takeaways
A popular local spot for traditional fish and chips on Waiheke Island, Little Oneroa Takeaways is just a short stroll from the beach. It serves all the classic takeaway favourites, from battered fish and chips to burgers, hotdogs, and toasted sandwiches, plus sweet treats like the deep-fried Moro bar.
Location: 2 Goodwin Avenue, Oneroa, Auckland 1081
Opening hours: 11:00 – 20:30 (Closed on Wednesdays.)
Price range: $
2. The Island Frenchie
A quick breakfast at The Island Frenchie before exploring Waiheke. Photo: Lord Acuña
The Island Frenchie is a casual container-style café serving French-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes. Expect classics like pastries, brioche, and crème brûlée, alongside freshly baked house-made ciabatta used in dishes such as grilled fish, rib-eye steak, and pork belly burgers.
Location: 106 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1081
Opening hours: 08:00 – 14:00 (Closed on Tuesdays.)
Price range: $ – $$
3. Fenice Café & Restaurant
Fenice Café & Restaurant is an Italian eatery serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with pizza and pasta among the most popular choices. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and supports local suppliers wherever possible. It changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and new culinary ideas.
Location: 122a Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1081
Opening hours: 08:30 – 21:30
Price range: $$
4. The Oyster Inn
Photo: The Oyster Inn
The Oyster Inn is a coastal-inspired bistro serving daily market fish, crisp salads, fish and chips, and mac ‘n’ cheese. For meat lovers, their standout steak frites is a favourite. Fresh oysters are also a highlight, including Waiheke’s own Te Matuku oysters, harvested daily from nearby waters.
Location: 124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1081
Opening hours:
Mon – 12:00 – 16:00
Thu – 17:00 until late
Fri to Sun – 12:00 until late
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Price range: $$
5. Akito Eatery
Photo: Akitō Eatery
Inspired by its name, derived from a Māori verb meaning “to do something slowly”, Akitō Eatery prepares its food with care and attention. It serves creative dishes that showcase the versatility and flavour of vegetables, incorporating house-made ferments, pickles, and preserves. Although the menu features many vegetarian and vegan dishes, there are also options for all kinds of diners.
Location: 153 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1081
Opening hours:
Mon to Sat – 07:30 – 15:00
Sun – 07:00 – 14:00
Price range: $$
Top Vineyards and Wineries in Waiheke
A visit to Cable Bay Vineyards. Photo: Lord Acuña
No trip to Waiheke is complete without visiting its renowned vineyards and wineries, where you can savour exceptional wines alongside breathtaking coastal views. Below are some of the island’s most popular options.
1. Cable Bay Vineyards
Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards. Photo: Lord Acuña
Cable Bay Vineyards produces hand-crafted wines using premium fruit grown in small-batch vineyards on Waiheke Island and in Marlborough. Known for its elegant wines, the vineyard showcases the character and diversity of New Zealand’s unique wine-growing regions. Overlooking the working winery below, the cellar door is the perfect place to sample a range of its award-winning wines.
Location: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Auckland 1840
Operating hours: 10:00 – 18:00
2. Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
A romantic vibe at Mudbrick. Photo: Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is one of Waiheke’s most established boutique wineries, founded in 1992. Set on a hillside estate in Oneroa, it produces classic Waiheke-friendly grape varieties, including Bordeaux-style reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, along with Syrah and Chardonnay. The vineyard also features two dining experiences: a formal fine dining restaurant and a more relaxed bistro-style option.
Location: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Auckland 1971
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00
3. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Established in 1996, Kennedy Point Vineyard produces expressive, unadulterated wines from its certified organic vineyards, tucked among mature pōhutukawa trees overlooking Kennedy Bay. Syrah is the focus, alongside a range of Bordeaux-style wines, as well as Chardonnay and rosé.
Location: 44 Donald Bruce Road, Surfdale, Auckland 1081
Opening hours: Fri to Sat – 11:00 – 16:00 (Or by appointment.)
Best Beaches on Waiheke Island
Beyond its vineyards and wineries, Waiheke Island is also known for its beautiful beaches. Pay a visit to any of the beaches below for some water activities or simply to relax and unwind. Just don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen, especially on warmer summer days.
1. Oneroa Beach
Enjoying a peaceful moment at Oneroa Beach. Photo: Lord Acuña
Just a two-minute walk from the island’s main village, Oneroa Beach offers a perfect balance of beauty and accessibility. This calm, sheltered bay features soft sand and safe swimming, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and a lively beach atmosphere. Visitors can either walk from the ferry in around 15–20 minutes or take a short 10-minute bus ride into Oneroa Village.
2. Palm Beach
With clear, calm waters and golden sand, Palm Beach is one of Waiheke’s most loved beaches. It is a wide stretch of coastline framed by pōhutukawa trees and grassy reserves, as well as local residences and holiday homes. The overall vibe is laid-back and relaxed, with a subtle coastal charm.
3. Enclosure Bay
Enclosure Bay is a quiet, semi-hidden spot where rock formations almost fully shelter the bay from the open sea, forming a shallow swimming area. Its protected waters make it ideal for snorkelling, sea scootering, and safe swimming lessons for children, with little to no wave action at the shoreline. The narrow channel leading out to deeper water also makes it a popular site for beginner scuba diving. On rare occasions, orcas have been spotted around the bay’s edges in search of food, sometimes travelling with their calves.
4. Onetangi Beach
Stretching for over two kilometres, Onetangi Beach is Waiheke’s longest beach, known for its golden sand and clear turquoise waters. Backed by lush greenery, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or a long, quiet walk along the shoreline. During summer, the beach hosts a variety of summer events, including the popular Onetangi Beach Races, complete with live music, food stalls, and activities for all ages.
Going Back to Auckland CBD
View from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Photo: Lord Acuña
After a full day on Waiheke Island, it’s time to catch the ferry back to Auckland CBD. Ferries operate throughout the day, typically at hourly intervals. The best time to return is between 16:00 and 18:00, allowing enough time to enjoy the island before sunset and the evening ferry rush.
Location: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Opening hours: 06:30 – 20:45
Cost: From NZD 31 (one-way)
Arrives at: Downtown Terminal
So there you have it — a full-day guide to visiting Waiheke Island. Have fun!
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