Waiheke Island is a paradise for nature lovers and wine lovers alike. This small island in the Hauraki Gulf is home to some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in New Zealand, as well as fresh seafood and world-class wine. And, luckily, it’s only a short ferry ride away from downtown Auckland! Here is a quick guide to some of the best beaches on Waiheke Island.
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The best Waiheke Island beaches
Oneroa Beach
Oneroa Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Waiheke Island. Located in the Oneroa Village center, this beach is perfect for those who want to relax and soak up the sun. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the sand and surf. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also kayaks and paddle boards available for rent.
Little Oneroa Beach
From the east end of Oneroa Beach, you can take a short walk over a rocky outcrop at low tide to reach Little Oneroa Beach. This short stretch of sand has free BBQ facilities, picnic benches, and a children’s playground, making it a great spot for families with young children. If you get hungry after your time in the sun, hit up Little Oneroa Takeaways or the Little Oneroa Beach Store to stock up on snacks.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is one of Waiheke’s smallest and most secluded northern beaches. Water activities like boating and fishing are popular here, as is snorkeling around the interesting rock formations. The public bus doesn’t stop here, though, so you’ll need to have your own transportation if you want to visit.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches on Waiheke Island and as such, it tends to be warmer and sunnier than other beaches on the island. It’s a lovely spot for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and picnicking. Pro tip: bring your own food as there are no cafes or restaurants at Palm Beach (there is the Palm Beach Store, though, which sells convenience store snacks).
Onetangi Beach
If you’re looking for a longer stretch of sand to call your own, head to Onetangi Beach. As the longest beach on Waiheke Island at over two kilometers (1.2 mi) long, you won’t have any trouble finding a spot to spread out your towel. Onetangi is also a great beach for swimming, boating, and windsurfing. And, when you get hungry, there are plenty of fun restaurants and bars along the street — we stopped at Charlie Farley’s and had a great time.
Man O’ War Bay
Located on the eastern end of the island, Man O’War Bay is a long beach that is sheltered from most winds and makes a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon. Small children can feel safe swimming in the calm waters and parents can enjoy a seaside wine tasting at the nearby Man O’ War Vineyards.
Owhanake Bay Beach
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot to relax, Owhanake Bay Beach is the perfect place for you. This small cove is tucked away from the main beaches on Waiheke and feels like your own personal slice of paradise. Be sure to bring your camera — the views from this little beach with crystal clear waters are absolutely breathtaking!
Matiatia Bay Beach
For stunning views of Auckland city and an easy walk to some of Waiheke’s best restaurants and cafes, Matiatia Bay Beach is the perfect choice. This beach is located at the end of Matiatia Wharf, which is also the departure point for many of Waiheke’s ferry services. So, if you’re planning on spending a day exploring the island, Matiatia Bay Beach is a great place to start (or end) your adventure.
The beach also connects to a walking track called the Matiatia Headland Path. This easy 90-minute walk follows a gravel road and offers fabulous coastal views.
How to get to Waiheke Island
Taking a ferry is the easiest and fastest way to get to Waiheke Island from Auckland. Fullers 360 is the most popular company that offers service from Auckland to the Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
Round-trip tickets cost $49.50 NZD ($31.75 USD) and can be bought from the Auckland Ferry Terminal or online in advance. Ferries run about every half hour and the journey takes between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on the weather. The ships are large and comfortable — they reminded me a lot of the ferry between Wellington and Picton!
How to get around Waiheke Island
Rental car
Having your own rental car to explore Waiheke Island can be convenient, but it’s definitely not necessary. If you have the money, though, it can be worth it, especially if you want to get off the beaten track.
If you rent a car in Auckland and want to bring it to Waiheke, you’ll need to book a specific (and expensive!) car ferry with Sealink. I’d recommend taking the regular passenger ferry and picking up your car once you’re on the island itself. There is a ferry ticket & car rental package offered by Fullers for $249 NZD ($160 USD).
By bus
The public bus is an affordable and easy way to get around most of the island. It’s also the best option if you’ll be winery hopping — that way, you won’t need a designated driver!
To ride the bus, you’ll first need to purchase an Auckland Transit HOP card. The card itself costs $5 and can be bought from the Auckland Ferry Terminal building. You can top your card up at the same time — every bus ride on Waiheke Island costs $1, unless you get off and back on within a 30 minute period.
We each spent $12 for transportation on the island: $5 for the HOP card and $7 for 7 bus rides.
Once on the island, you’ll probably start your bus journey from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. From there, you can connect to the east, south, or north side of the island.
You can check out the Waiheke Island bus routes and timetable online.
Other things to do on Waiheke Island
Hit up the wineries
Believe it or not, there are over 30 wineries on Waiheke Island! Wine tastings are, for good reason, one of the most popular activities to do on a Waiheke Island day trip. You can expect to pay between $15 and $40 NZD per person for a tasting, depending on the quality of the wine.
The wineries are usually set in beautiful locations, with views of rolling hills or white sand beaches. They’re also great places to feast on some fancy nibbles and grazing platters.
Some of the most popular vineyards to visit:
- Cable Bay Vineyards
- Mudbrick Vineyard
- Stonyridge Vineyard
- Wild Estate Vineyard
Take a wine tour on Waiheke Island
Take a hike
Hiking on Waiheke Island is an underrated but highly enjoyable way to spend a day. Starting from the ferry terminal, you can find several coastal walks with views over pristine beaches, including Church Bay Circuit and Matiatia Headland Path. On the south side of the island, Whakanewha Regional Park is a popular choice that offers lush forest trails. And if you want to go deeper into the Waiheke Island bush, try the Coast to Coast walk from Rocky Bay to Onetangi.
Try some adventure activities
If adrenaline is what you’re after, Waiheke Island is a great place to find it. There are tons of different activity options around the island for children and adults alike. You can try your hand at ziplining, horseback riding, or archery and claybird shooting (perfect for a small group!).
Waiheke Island FAQ
Is Waiheke Island worth visiting?
Waiheke Island is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re going to go wine tasting with a group of friends for a special event. If you’re coming to Waiheke just for the beaches, try to come on a day with nice weather — everything looks more beautiful when the sun is shining.
Can you swim at the Waiheke Island beaches?
Yes! Waiheke’s beaches are clean and safe for swimming. The Auckland Council website has more information on specific water quality testing results for each beach.
How long should you spend on Waiheke Island?
Most people come to Waiheke Island as a day trip from Auckland, but if you have the time, it can also make for a fun overnight or weekend getaway. One day on Waiheke is enough time to visit a few vineyards, enjoy a bit of time relaxing by a lovely beach, and have a good meal.
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Thanks for reading this post on the best Waiheke beaches! Waiheke Island is truly the perfect day trip destination from Auckland. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why this island is such a popular tourist destination.
xoxo Niki
