Things to do in Waiheke Island

Discover the magic of Waiheke with a combined ferry and hop-on hop-off bus tour. Travel from Auckland harbor on a ferry and board a double-decker bus to attractions like Oneroa Village, Oneroa Beach, and several local wineries. It’s the most flexible and cost-effective tour option on the island, introducing you to the island’s top spots. Hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 16 convenient stops, which include vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a scenic tour of the island. The buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, and more. The knowledgeable tour drivers, and the addition of an on-board host, ensure you’ll receive the most informative commentary as you travel around and you can get all the local tips and tricks for how best to enjoy Waiheke. The Explorer Hop-on Hop-off departs from each location approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day in summer and every 60 minutes throughout the day in winter.

Start by hopping on a morning boat to Waiheke Island from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal, enjoying a 35-minute boat ride with views of historical Devonport and Rangitoto Island on the way.  Meet your guide once you reach the island, and head on your way to 4 of the island’s finest wineries. Savor tastings at each of the 4 wineries, with an extended lunch break for your own free time at one of them. As a bonus, see why the island is famous for its beaches and see the rolling hills of vines, with your guide’s commentary accompanying.  At the end of the tour, either choose to take a transfer back to the port for an afternoon ferry back to Auckland, or choose to remain in the village and stroll back to the ferry on a 15-minute walk.

Hosted on Waiheke Island, just 30 minutes by fast ferry from central Auckland, this 3-hour zipline adventure offers nature lovers a thrilling, state-of-the-art dual zipline flight over native forest. Enjoy a mini-tour of Waiheke's beaches, million-dollar properties, and boutique wineries en route to the zipline site, where you'll be geared-up for one of New Zealand’s most exciting eco activities. Soar along 3 dual ziplines, each more than 650 feet (200 meters) long. Glide smoothly, side-by-side with a partner or friend, over a working vineyard and stunning tracts of original and regenerating native New Zealand bush. Catch views of Auckland, Rangitoto, and the Hauraki Gulf, as you zip. On completion of the 3rd line, enjoy a spectacular interpretive walk back to the visitor center, while guides share stories of the local flora and fauna, and Maori and European history of Waiheke.

Catch the 10:00 AM ferry from Auckland City to Waiheke Island where you will be greeted by your tour guide. The first stop is for a lovely wine tasting at the Cable Bay Boutique Vineyard. Sample around 4 boutique wines grown on the island and Malborough. Visit Thomas's Batch Vineyard, where you'll have the option for lunch (at your own expense) and can admire incredible views and enjoy their wonderful food and wine within a great atmosphere. After lunch, make your way to Te Motu Vineyard for classic Bordeaux wines. The last stop is The Mudbrick Vineyard for rose, pinot gris, and more. Return to the wharf at 3:40 PM for the ferry back to Auckland. If you wish to stay on the island, you can be dropped off at Oneroa Village, where you'll find beautiful shops, eclectic Kiwiana gifts, plus good bars and restaurants. Or stay at Mudbrick and enjoy more wine and views.

Make your visit to Waiheke Island as easy and stress-free as possible with use of this fast, reliable and affordable ferry service. With all the comforts and necessities you could wish for, travel from the city to the island and back, while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning surrounding landscapes. With regular departures throughout the day, fitting the ferry ride into your travel schedule is no problem at all, meaning you can explore the island at your own leisure. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a popular tourist destination just a 40-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. During the sail, admire the view as the ferry cruises past Auckland’s stunning coastline. Upon arrival at the island, spend the day exploring and wandering through the unique landscapes of olive groves and sandy beaches before your return journey to the city.

Acquaint yourself with Waiheke Island's world-renowned wine on a vineyard-focused guided tour. Discover some of Waiheke’s scenic highlights as well as visits and tastings at 3 boutique vineyards.   Catch the 10:00 AM ferry from Auckland for a cruise over to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke island where your guide will meet you. Begin with a scenic drive, taking in spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. Marvel at stunning scenery around every corner and be entertained by your guide’s insightful commentary on the history, geography, culture, people, and produce of Waiheke. Sample a range of Waiheke wines from Rose, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wine, and Syrah and Bordeaux blends. Encounter spectacular scenery from sun-soaked hillsides of vines to spectacular 360-degree views over the island and beyond to the gulf islands. The tour returns you to Matiatia Wharf in time for the 4:00 PM ferry for a 4:45 PM arrival in Auckland. Or, if you would like to linger a little longer on the island, you can be dropped off at Oneroa Village to explore further. Sample Itinerary: 10:00 AM Depart Auckland on a ferry to Waiheke Island 10:35 AM Arrive at Matiatia Wharf 11:00 AM Mudbrick Vineyard visit and wine tasting 12:00 PM Kennedy Point Vineyard visit and wine tasting 1:00 PM Obsidian Vineyard visit and wine tasting2:00 PM Lunch

Discover the flavors of Waiheke Island on a fully-guided, gourmet food and wine tour. Journey by ferry from Auckland over to Matiatia Wharf on the island where your guide will meet you.  Your guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout the day about the various delicacies you will taste. Enjoy succulent fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil, and other locally-produced specialty foods. Delight in a platter lunch, consisting of a selection of cold meats, seafood, breads, and dips, at one of the island's top vineyard restaurants. Savor wines from some of the island’s top boutique vineyards, and visit an award-winning olive oil mill and two vineyards. Each vineyard offers a range of gourmet tastings to accompany their wines.  Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread, or artisan cheeses.  The tour returns you to Matiatia Wharf in time for the 3:00 PM ferry for a 3:45 arrival in Auckland. If you wish to stay and enjoy the island longer, let your guide know on the day of the tour and they can drop you off in Oneroa Village. 

Spend a day exploring the Island of Waiheke. Visit multiple vineyards and enjoy tastings of wine, snacks, and olive oil throughout. Catch the ferry from Auckland City to Waiheke Island. Meet your guide when you step off the ferry and begin your island adventure. Start with Casita Miro, a Spanish-style vineyard with the chance to try wine and food pairings. Then, make a stop at Waihekeana Store for honey and olive oil tastings. Move onto either Stonyridge Vineyard or Cable Bay Vineyard, here you will try the finest blends to accompany your gourmet platters of food. The final stop will be Thomas Batch for wine and food pairings with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City.

Delight in a 45-minute scenic flight offering the best of both worlds: the natural splendor of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and the iconic urban skyline of the city of Auckland. Take off from Waiheke Airport, nestled among the vineyards, and instantly get amazing views of Waiheke Island’s coastline, beaches, and many vineyards. Follow the coastline before breaking off to track toward Auckland. Admire fantastic views of Motuhie and Browns Islands before cruising past downtown Auckland. In the city, enjoy a half-orbit of the famous Sky Tower to take some awesome photos. Then, fly past the Harbour Bridge, Davenport Naval Base, and North Head Volcano. Next, marvel at New Zealand’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto, and peer into its crater as you are flown just 500 feet (152 meters) above its summit. Finally, head back to Waiheke to land.

Discover Waiheke Island from a Māori perspective. Visit the focal point of the Māori community on Waiheke, learn about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalization of the Māori language, and the impact of colonization on Māori people. Be greeted by your local guide at the wharf upon your arrival. Stroll around Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City, and the Pacific Ocean. Purchase lunch at a local cafe where you will have an opportunity to mix with the locals and experience delicious food and coffee. The sub-tropical Waiheke climate has allowed for award-winning wine and olive oil industries to be established on the island. You will be able to taste both as an option when visiting a local vineyard. During a guided walk through native bush, your guide will explain the traditional and medicinal Māori uses of native plants and take you to the summit of a historical pa site with archaeological remains of kumara pits, shell middens, and defensive terraces. You may spot native birds like the tui, kereru, and piwakawaka. Your guide will drop you back at the wharf in time for the return 4:00 PM ferry. Or, if you wish to stay on the island longer you can be dropped in Oneroa, the main village, and make your own way back to the ferry by either a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride.