Waiheke Island
The 'wine island', just a 40-minute ferry ride away, where about 30 boutique wineries sit between white sand beaches and olive groves; Auckland's most popular day trip.
Waiheke Island lies in the Hauraki Gulf, 17.7 km northeast of Auckland's CBD. It covers 92 square km, has a population of about 9,000, and is New Zealand's third most populous island. It is known for its boutique wineries (about 30, especially for Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay), its artist community, and its white sand beaches. Highlights: 1) Wineries: Mudbrick (a cliff-top terrace overlooking the Auckland skyline, the most photogenic), Cable Bay (contemporary architecture and landscape), Stonyridge (home of the flagship Larose wine), Tantalus (coastal scenery), Man O' War (beside a bay on the east side of the island, where you can swim), and Te Motu. Most offer tastings (about NZD 15 to 25, which can be credited toward a meal) and lunch. 2) Beaches: Oneroa (next to the main town, the most convenient), Palm Beach, and Onetangi (the longest white sand beach). 3) The Oneroa main street, with galleries, cafés, and the Saturday Ostend Market. 4) EcoZip, a zipline through rainforest and vineyards (about NZD 145). Getting there: take the Fullers360 ferry from the Downtown Ferry Terminal in Auckland for 40 minutes to Matiatia Wharf (round trip about NZD 55 to 60; an AT HOP card gets a discount). At the wharf you'll find Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses (about NZD 35), public buses 50A and 50B (use your HOP card), and car and e-bike rentals, as the island is very hilly. You can also join a winery tour (half day about NZD 150 to 200, including tastings at 3 to 4 wineries and transfers); do not drive after tasting. Suggested route: spend the morning exploring Oneroa's town and beach, have lunch at Mudbrick or Cable Bay, visit one or two more wineries in the afternoon, and take the evening ferry back to the city to see the skyline at sunset. Notes: in peak season, book ferry seats and popular winery lunches in advance; taxis are scarce on the island; do not swim in deep water at beaches without lifeguards; the last ferry leaves around 23:00 (later on weekends), so check the timetable.
Opening hours
All day (ferry approx. 05:30–23:45; wineries mostly 11:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Rangitoto Island
- Mission Bay
- Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
- Hūnua Falls
- Maungauika / North Head
- Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Rainbow's End
- Tiritiri Matangi Island