Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Day Trip, What to see & do.

Waiheke Island is 45 minutes over the Hauraki Gulf from downtown Auckland by ferry. It is one of the best day trips from Auckland. Waiheke is an alluring destination that one must have on their itinerary when visiting Auckland, New Zealand.

Endless experiences await on a Waiheke Island trip. You can laze on its white-sand beaches. You’ll indulge in some of the finest food & drink near Auckland. It’s all here. While you won’t fit in everything in one day, start your journey with these best things to do on Waiheke Island.

Oneroa
Oneroa is perched upon a sheltered bay on the northern coast of Waiheke Island. This is a great place to start your exploration of the island. Oneroa Beach numbers among the most beautiful beaches in Auckland. It’s popular for its pristine golden sands, gentle surf, and assortment of activities. Best of all is the beach’s prime location. Oneroa is the first bus stop after the ferry terminal. The beach sits on the edge of Oneroa, the island’s main town.

Palm Beach
For a quieter Waiheke Island beach experience, head a few kilometres east to Palm Beach. Located on the sheltered waters of Mawhitpana Bay, the beach has a super laid-back vibe to it. Its calm waters and palm-shaded white sands deliver much-needed relaxation.

Wild on Waiheke
Need a breather and want to add little more action to your day on Waiheke Island? Strike both off your list with a visit to Wild on Waiheke.

If you’ve ever thought vineyard tours are stuffy & snooty, let Wild on Waiheke change your tune. This eclectic Waiheke Island attraction is all the best of New Zealand—fun, wine & food—all rolled into one. This magical vineyard estate offers a little of everything. Enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting at the Wild Estate Vineyard. Sip craft beers with a meal at the Waiheke Island Brewery. More adventurous outdoor pursuits also await. Try your hand skeet-shooting clay birds with lasers. Or hit bullseye on the archery course.

Onetangi Beach
Onetangi Beach stretches across almost two kilometres of coastline. It’s the longest beach on the island and among the best places to visit in Waiheke Island for a seaside stroll. Hunting Beach is one bay over from Palm Beach, connected both by road and via the scenic Te Ara Hura Track.

Whakanewha Regional Park
A short 15-minute drive from Oneroa will land you at Whakanewha Regional Park. Aside from frolicking on beaches and sipping wine in lush vineyards, one of the best things to do on Waiheke Island is to hike. And, for hikers visiting Waiheke on a day trip, this accessible park is a great place to start.

Stony Batter Historic Reserve
Stony Batter Historic Reserve is perhaps too far removed to toss into the end of Waiheke day trip. But this popular nature reserve is a must for hikers, walkers, and history buffs alike. Located on the eastern edge of the island, Stony Batter is a unique heritage site. It showcases several artefacts dating back to the WWII-era. The reserve’s main trail is one of the best walks on Waiheke Island and among the best walks near Auckland. As you explore, you’ll stumble upon several gun emplacements. These military installations helped defend Auckland Harbour from attacks during World War II.

GO HIKING
Waiheke Island has plenty of lovely walks you can do. Most of them are gentle walking trails rather than challenging hikes, and you can spend a few hours or an afternoon enjoying coastal views and native bush. They’re all free to do too!

The best hiking trails in the area are:
CHURCH BAY CIRCUIT
LITTLE ONEROA BEACH WALK
MATIATIA OWHANAKE WALK
HEKERUA BAY TO PALM BEACH
WAIHEKE ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
SEA KAYAKING
WAIHEKE ISLAND HORSE TOURS
WAIHEKE ISLAND ECOZIP
GO BEACH HOPPING