Rent a Car, Van, SUV for a self-drive visit Walking Tours . So, once you reach Auckland, do not forget to take just a 35 minutes ferry to Waiheke Island in New Zealand to explore more. One important thing to note: You need an AT HOP card to pay for buses on Waiheke. Compared with other islands in the Gulf, Waiheke is the most accessible one. You can even stay in cottages at Mudbrick vineyard, for a fully immersive experience. The island isnt too hilly and there isnt a lot of traffic, so you can cycle around Waiheke. The estates like Tantalus in Onetangi, Waiheke, include a winery with fabulous vineyards, a craft brewery, and a restaurant. You can also take your car to Waiheke by car ferry, but it is cheaper to rent a car for the day on Waiheke. And there are around 50 wineries scattered around the island. Waiheke Horse Tours takes you on horse treks from Te Makutu Bay. Hire a car or scooter to get around Waiheke quickly without breaking a sweat. (Waiheke Island), Waiheke Island in New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide, If you are planning a tour to Waiheke, basically, there are four options to reach and tour around the island. There are beaches other than the Little Palm nudist beach Oneroa is one of my favourite beaches in the whole Auckland region. Transport & Getting around Images courtesy of Sydney Struwig Explore pristine beaches and world class vineyards Your guide will help you spot native wildlifewhich is notoriously shy in New Zealandand lead you to the best lookout points on the island. Catching the ferry to Waiheke Island is easy, fast, and convenient. Taking a day trip to Waiheke Island is one of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand. Drink wine, explore, lazy on the beach, kayak, zipline through trees, drink more wine Waiheke Island is a paradise for Aucklanders and backpackers alike. Well, the climate is quite cool, but it is close to the amenities of Oneroa. Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. We think the best way to see the island is on one of our private tours. If its your first time on an eBike, dont worry the team walks you through how they work and the different modes, and makes sure youre comfortable before setting off. And also, there are helicopter rides as well. So, do not miss it once you visit Auckland. (Waiheke Island). This open area park consists of exotic trees and unique, large sculptures. To ride the bus, youll first need to purchase an Auckland Transit HOP card. It has a proper island vibe which invites you to kick back and relax. His eBiking business had been going strong prior to March 2020, but the isolation restrictions threw a spanner in the works. Here are a few of my favourite ways to spend time on Waiheke. Sample some of Waiheke Islands finest food and drink on this handy day tour from Auckland. Your guide meets you upon arrival and shares lively commentary as you head to local vineyards for tastings. Did I forget anything? Getting to. So, we must have fun out of it. You can also shop for extra virgin olive oils from Rangihoua Estate, Allpress, and number29, which capture the islands golden sunshine in every bottle. You can bring your luggage onboard the ferry, so its still smooth sailing if youre planning on staying a few days. You should, Normally, the zipline offering tour companies like, offer you several types of zip line adventures to cover all the ecosystems. If you are on a budget tour, I suggest using the public bus service that works on time. 12 Wine Tastings on 3 Top Vineyards included Use Your Own Car If you have your own transport, it is definitely possible to use it on the island. Its one of the best places to eat on Waiheke, outside of the fancy vineyard restaurants. If I explain more about the climate, Waiheke has a kind of subtropical climate like Auckland. Our luxury 4WD tour whisks you away from the crowds to the stunning less accessible parts of the island the larger corporate bus tours cant reach, including the rugged dirt roads with incredible views across the Hauraki Gulf. Outstanding views from coastal beaches to inlands vineyards and small towns await for those wishing to hike on Waiheke Island. The SeaLink car ferry departs from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland, and Wynyard Quarter in Aucklands CBD. You can see the stunning coastlines, little mountains, vineyards, and many more together. Make your own way to Waiheke Island and then discover local produce and wines from top boutique vineyards on this fully-guided food and wine tour. Suggested Reading: Black Sand Beach in Iceland. You can take your bike on the ferry free of charge, so one option can be to take your own two wheels! And the next tip is a commonly known one. Like Waiheke Express Taxi Service. 45 - 60 minutes Sealink provides the perfect start to your journey - Stretch your legs, savour a coffee or snack on board and soak up the outstanding scenery that's to be enjoyed from the comfort of our vessels. Taxi rates are quite expensive however, for example, Onetangi Beach is approx. 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). As well as being an ideal climate for grapes, Waiheke also produces top notch olive oil. Its a tough time to be in the tourism industry. You can either pre-book or just grab one from outside Matiatia Wharf. Another option for getting to Waiheke is to catch the car ferry. Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour With Platter Lunch. Over summer there are a string of epic events, including Flamingo Pier. Required fields are marked *. Make sure theres room in your backpack, because youll want to take a bottle or three home with you A few minutes ride up the road is this lovely Spanish-inspired winery and restaurant, perched atop the hillside overlooking rows of vineyards and the water. In my opinion, walking sections of this trail is one of the most overlooked activities on Waiheke. Make sure you book in advance, and check out transport options before you go. The chief mechanic Evan is passionate about bikes, so can fill experienced cyclists in on the more technical details. Embrace the Italian tradition of a long and sumptuous weekend lunch at Poderi Crisci. Here, I have categorized the things to do in Waiheke. It's located about 12 miles from downtown Auckland and is accessible by ferry or charter plane. There are tons of different activity options around the island for children and adults alike. And if you want, you can walk for around 2 hours by discovering Waihekes natural things around. This is a popular anchorage spot. Do not forget to pack a bottle of Waihekes unique wine to your picnic basket. Getting Here | Waiheke Island of Wine You could call your second-cousin-twice-removed who owns a boat, or ask your colleague who lives on the island if theyre happy to be your chauffeur. The total cost of the ferries per person (whole tour) will be around $50. Food is prepared over a wood fire. Getting to and around Waiheke Island. Discover the wines and scenery of Waiheke on a half-day wine tour from Auckland. And on the other hand, there are water taxi services as well as Auckland Sea Shuttles Service. Opting for the public bus or a wine tour means no one needs to be the sober driver, but you have to work to a timetable. To add more items, please delete some old ones. Along the way, admire the native bush and vineyard scenery. Active travelers can enjoy a guided hike amid the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island without getting lost. But Auckland is cooler than Waiheke. A romantic dinner date on a secluded beach in Waiheke is the next best idea for couples. Return tickets cost $46 if you buy them online. Our accredited nature and forest therapy guide will lead your group through a series of invitations to deliberately slow down, and to become present and mindful, while gently walking in a beautiful location. Booking a tour is a convenient way of getting around. The writer was a guest of the Waiheke Bike Shop. These Waiheke Island experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: What How to Get Around in Waiheke Island are good for avoiding crowds? Some of the best wineries on Waiheke are in remote corners, so its fun to be able to explore them. We will conclude with a tea ceremony to integrate the experience. Palm Beach is a family beach where you can have all the facilities. You can also take home a bottle as a Waiheke souvenir - try the Spirit of Waiheke gin, which is crafted from dried New Zealand kelp. The Waiheke eBike experience began at the ferry terminal, where my travel companion and I were picked up by Mark Seavill, owner of the family-run Waiheke Bike Shop. As Stony Batter is 40 minutes from the ferry terminal, its best to take the shuttle service, go by car or scooter. Sandy Bay is one of Waihekes smallest and most secluded northern beaches. Tour Highlights: Be a big kid on a water trampoline. Another awesome thing is that the buses are fully electric. We will give you map, helmet and lock and everything you need. Especially here, you can see large kauri trees. Another crime would be to not explore this beautiful island by something a little different. When you visit Oneroa, Waiheke, I highly recommend visiting this gallery to let your inner artistic feelings come out. It will offer you a great aerial view of the whole island through Hauraki Gulf. We cant write a Waiheke Island guide without mentioning the wineries. Therefore, people cultivate with the help of rainwater. You have the option to purchase lunch at the second winery, and you can either remain on the island at the end of the tour, orreturn to Aucklandby ferry. Ferries run about every half hour and the journey takes between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on the weather. And, this all takes place on beautiful Waiheke Island, just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Ferries Departing Downtown Auckland Getting a spa treatment for both love birds is a great idea for relaxing. By the end of the day my bike was down just one bar of battery the E-Greens definitely have great range. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Because it is beautiful, bohemian, full of happiness, simple, and unique, those are the words that I can use to explain Waiheke. Whether you want to relax on the island or take on some challenging walks, watersports or bike rides, Waiheke is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of Auckland city. Fullers offers a Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus option. You can walk through the village or down to Oneroa beach, which is one of my favourite beaches in Auckland. Waiheke Mini Tours. The easiest and cheapest way to get to most places on Waiheke is by public bus. So, if youre planning on spending a day exploring the island, Matiatia Bay Beach is a great place to start (or end) your adventure. Have a couple of drinks in the bars lining the streets of Oneroa. To create a new list, please delete some old ones. Since it is locating in an isolated place on the eastern side of the island, it is very calm and not crowded like other beaches. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Since the island has more sunshine and a warmer climate than the other New Zealand destinations, this is almost like heaven for beach lovers and vineyards. Using your HopCard, jump on the local AT buses to go all over the island, or in summer you can buy a ticket for transport with your ferry ticket and use the Fullers Hop On Hop Off Bus that stops at all the key areas including right at the gate of The Heke! The Auckland Council website has more information on specific water quality testing results for each beach. I am a freelance travel writer from New Zealand. So, the summer months (from December to March) are the best time to travel to Waiheke since you can do many outdoor activities. This nudist beach feels like a slice of the old Waiheke Island, which used to be the domain of hippies before fancy vineyards and swarms of hens parties took over the island. With a small group and guide, taste world-class boutique wines and meet local producers who provide the chance to get to know the island's culture a little better. After a quick ferry from Auckland, your half-day tour of Waiheke Island starts with a brief overview of the idyllic island by minivan and ends with an interpretive bushland walk. Getting to Waiheke IslandGetting around WaihekeGetting around the wineries on Waiheke. Here's how to navigate transport to and around Waiheke Island. Use the AT Journey Planner to see all your options. What you have to do is to check the timetable of the buses when you reach the ferry terminal. On dry land, zip through the trees on flying foxes with Ecozip Adventures (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). Book now Visit website Email Phone. The following scenic trails will blow your mind and relieve your stress. Enjoy the privacy and attention unmatched to big group tours! We also enjoyed the fact that after each stop we were able to get some fresh air, as those afternoon wines made us feel like a nap. The inner of the island is very hilly and has very few amounts of flatlands. People in New Zealand call this a flying fox. The water is like blue glass and the sand as soft and white as vanilla gelato. Be sure to bring your camera the views from this little beach with crystal clear waters are absolutely breathtaking! Waiheke Island is an easy 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland City. Do not forget to have a glass of wine while reading a book by sitting in front of Waiheke Islands following stunning beach in New Zealand. Just take a left from the Matiatia ferry terminal and follow the trail. Waiheke Island in New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide All it takes is a 45 minute ferry from downtown Auckland to be whisked off to an island of wine, sun, and boutique brunches. Kiwis prefer to holiday on weekends, so without international visitors, local tourism operators like his have gone from seven to two days-a-week businesses. (Waiheke Island). Good bus service, taxis, rental vehicles, scooters/bikes and private transfer options are available on . Kauri Art Studio is his home. With a maximum of six people per guide, explore back streets, parks, and Victorian villas, then scale the summit, soak up 360-degree views, and discover the mysterious mushroom patch. Hi, Im Petrina! The inner of the island is very hilly and has very few amounts of flatlands. Just check here. Enjoy a fun intro to Waiheke Island before your day at the beach or restaurant booking. The hot dry summers and ideal soil conditions have put Waiheke on the map as a top wine-making region. Et voila! The cruise out across the Hauraki Gulf is part of the whole experience. Call +64 21 840 296 The northern edge of Waiheke Island is lined with white-sand bays. This small cove is tucked away from the main beaches on Waiheke and feels like your own personal slice of paradise. Wild On Waiheke is a one stop shop for fun on Waiheke Island. How To Get Around Waiheke Island (By Car, Bike, Bus & On Foot) Heres the list of the best beaches on the island. Begin your adventure cycling along the northern part of the island. The most economical way to get around the main areas of the island is by bus. You cant leave Waiheke without a giant double cone from Island Gelato. The track itself if gorgeous, looping past quiet bays and giant mansions alike. Your email address will not be published. The bus stops at 17 points around the island so it can be a good way to explore. The $85 a day seems reasonable considering you have the flexibility to go where you want and when. 21 Things to Do in Waiheke Island For the Perfect Day Trip Top Waiheke Island How to Get Around - Viator 3) Go for a hike around the island. 6 Ocean View Road,, Oneroa, New Zealand . Ride up Fourth Avenue and onto Onetangi Road, and after a few kilometres youll reach a cluster of wineries including Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus Estate and Wild on Waiheke. Arrange a candlelit dinner for your sweetheart on the beach will be unforgettable. If you take a series of buses - with no more than 30 minutes between trips - it still counts as one trip.
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