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Waiheke Island

Close to Auckland and blessed with its own warm, dry microclimate, Waiheke Island has long been a favourite escape for city dwellers and visitors alike. On the island’s landward side, emerald waters lap at rocky bays, while its ocean flank has excellent sandy beaches.

While beaches are Waiheke’s biggest drawcard, wine is a close second. There are around 30 boutique wineries scattered about, many with tasting rooms, swanky restaurants and breathtaking views. The island also boasts plenty of quirky galleries and craft stores, a lasting legacy of its hippyish past.

When you’ve had enough of supping, dining, lazing on the sand and splashing in the surf, there are plenty of other pursuits to engage in. A network of walking trails leads through nature reserves and past the cliff-top holiday homes of the Auckland elite. The kayaking is excellent and there are ziplines to whizz along and clay pigeons to shoot.

Explore Waiheke Island

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Waiheke Island.

  • Winery

    Man O' War

    Settle in with a tapas platter and a glass of Man O' War's Valhalla chardonnay at Waiheke's only beachfront tasting room. If the weather is good, go for a…

  • Winery

    Wild on Waiheke

    Showcasing its offerings in a modern bar-and-bistro complex, this winery and microbrewery offers tastings and activities including archery and laser clay…

  • Gardens

    Connells Bay

    A pricey but excellent private sculpture park featuring a stellar roster of NZ artists. Admission is by way of a two-hour guided tour. There are only a…

  • Winery

    Stonyridge

    Waiheke's most famous vineyard is home to world-famous reds, an atmospheric cafe and the occasional yoga session on the breezy decks. Order a bottle of…

  • Winery

    Goldie Estate

    Founded as Goldwater Estate in 1978, this is Waiheke’s pioneering vineyard. The attached delicatessen sells well-stocked baskets and platters for a picnic…

  • Gardens

    Dead Dog Bay

    Wander steep pathways through privately owned rainforest, wetlands and gardens scattered with sculpture. Cash only.

  • Arts Centre

    Waiheke Island Artworks

    The Artworks complex houses the Artworks Theatre, the Waiheke Island Community Cinema, the attention-grabbing Waiheke Community Art Gallery and Whittaker…

  • Winery

    Peacock Sky

    Peacock Sky combines a rustic vineyard ambience with wine tasting (from $3), and main dishes ($30 to $35) and shared platters ($34 to $48) tinged with…

  • Museum

    Whittaker’s Musical Museum

    Part of the Waiheke Island Artworks complex, Whittaker’s Musical Museum has a collection of antique concert instruments.

  • Gallery

    Waiheke Community Art Gallery

    This interesting little gallery showcases the work of local artists. It's worth dropping by just to scour the gift shop for treasures.

  • Farm

    Azzuro Groves

    This hilltop tasting room showcases some of Waiheke's finest olive oils and also sells other artisan food products.

  • Winery

    Passage Rock Wines

    'Waiheke's most awarded winery' serves excellent pizza among the vines.

  • Historic Site

    Stony Batter Historic Reserve

    At the eastern end of the island, privately owned Stony Batter has WWII tunnels and gun emplacements that were built in 1941 to defend Auckland’s harbour…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Waiheke Island.