A Guide to Waiheke Island
This guide includes 55 places.
What's Inside the Guide
Step-by-step Itineraries
Dear friends and fellow travellers,
This guide features a carefully curated list of places to eat, shop, and explore on Waiheke.
My favourite places are usually family owned and independent, serving locals as well as visitors. I know it's a cliche, but I like to spend time at the places locals go; to slip into life there for a while.
So, this guide is for you if you also like to explore a little beyond the main attractions, or if you want to avoid being shunted onto a large bus with many other tourists, or if you just want to make the most of the short time you have visiting the island and beeline to places I have already vetted on your behalf.
My favourite places are usually family owned and independent, serving locals as well as visitors. I know it's a cliche, but I like to spend time at the places locals go; to slip into life there for a while.
So, this guide is for you if you also like to explore a little beyond the main attractions, or if you want to avoid being shunted onto a large bus with many other tourists, or if you just want to make the most of the short time you have visiting the island and beeline to places I have already vetted on your behalf.
About the author
I'm a freelance travel writer from New Zealand; from the Coromandel Peninsula to be precise. I write about travelling New Zealand for magazines and newspapers, and on my own website.
I've travelled the length and breadth of Aotearoa, and while I never seem to be able to check off everything on my wish list, I feel like I am becoming a fairly reliable source of info on everything New Zealand. My goal is to share all the best locally owned and independent places, the hidden gems and local favourites, that help visitors go a little deeper and learn a little more about our beautiful country.
I've travelled the length and breadth of Aotearoa, and while I never seem to be able to check off everything on my wish list, I feel like I am becoming a fairly reliable source of info on everything New Zealand. My goal is to share all the best locally owned and independent places, the hidden gems and local favourites, that help visitors go a little deeper and learn a little more about our beautiful country.
FAQs
When is the best time to go to Waiheke?
The summer months (from December to February) are when Waiheke is most lively, with music events most weekends. This is also when the island is at its busiest, so you’ll need to book in advance for lunch reservations or desirable accommodation. You’ll find more things open on weekends – some galleries open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Earlier in the week, smaller cellar doors and restaurants are likely to be closed.
If you’re just going for a day, aim to be there for lunch time or earlier. It’s easier to find places to eat before 3pm, when many cafes and restaurants close.
How much time should you spend on Waiheke Island?
Waiheke makes an ideal day trip from Auckland. Leave mid-morning to give yourself time to explore Oneroa village, go for lunch somewhere, and enjoy a wine tasting or two. In the afternoon you can visit a beach or savour an afternoon gelato before catching the ferry back.
Stay overnight to explore the further reaches of the island, appreciate the scenery, and get further off the beaten track - see itineraries at the end of this guide for more detail.
Can I share this guide with fellow travel companions or friends?
Yes! You can give 2 people access to your guide.