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Things to do in Waiheke Island

Our most recommended things to do in Waiheke Island

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

1. From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

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.

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

2. Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

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.

Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

3. Waiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

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.

Auckland: Waiheke Island Fast Ferry Pass

4. Auckland: Waiheke Island Fast Ferry Pass

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.

Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch

5. Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter 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. 

Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour

6. Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour

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

Waiheke Island: Vineyard Tour With Wine Tasting & Appetizers

7. Waiheke Island: Vineyard Tour With Wine Tasting & Appetizers

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.

Auckland: Waiheke Island Group Boutique Wine Tour

8. Auckland: Waiheke Island Group Boutique Wine Tour

If you’re looking for a world-class experience close to Auckland, look no further than Waiheke Wine Tours. Visit 3 of Waiheke Island’s world-renowned vineyards for wine tastings and one lunch stop; Sample a wide range of artisan wines; Learn about the island from your local guide’s engaging commentary! Discover the flavours of Waiheke Island on our shared group vineyard tour. Be picked up from the Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, just a short 40-minute sailing from downtown Auckland, and travel through the scenic beauty of the Waiheke vineyards. Relax in a modern vehicle as your guide shares insight into the island’s history and world-famous wines. You will visit three cellar doors on this tour and sample award-winning wines. Learn about the island’s unique conditions and the challenges winemakers must overcome. 12pm – Lunch at Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island with spectacular views and north-facing sun-soaked hillsides of vines, including terraces of traditional elegant vines. 2pm – Wine Tasting at Stonyridge Vineyards, nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees, colourful vines, and the aromas of the south of France. 3pm – Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard, an idyllic setting with spectacular sea views out across the Waitemata Harbour to Auckland city. 3.45pm – Depart Waiheke on Fullers sailing to Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal. Our lunch venue is the gorgeous Thomas Batch with wrap-around views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf for miles! You will experience a delicious meal to be chosen on the day – one main and a complimentary drink. We will be there for 1.5 hours or longer if tastings are held at this venue. All tastings are included; lunch is at your own cost and is to be paid directly to the restaurant. Your tour will end with your safe delivery back to the Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

9. Auckland: Auckland City & Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight

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.

Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

10. Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & Lunch

Enjoy this stunning day out on a premium sailing experience from Waiheke Island. After boarding you will stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Your guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands, history and people. You’ll learn about the oceanography of the Gulf, the resident and migratory species which make the Gulf their home and current conservation efforts on land and sea as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help to trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

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What people are saying about Waiheke Island

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,280 reviews

Michael is a Waiheke island resident and was very informed about local culture in addition to his winery knowledge. We enjoyed learning about the economy and tourism in addition to his commentary on island life and landmark sights along the way. Highly recommended our favorite tour from Auckland!!

I am a local Waihekean & have had family visiting. ZIPLINE, ARCHERY, STONY BATTER TUNNELS, BEER TASTING. Am so very impressed with every event we went to. Superb staff & the running of these events, excellent. Each place remembered out names, were totally professional AND friendly.

Awesome activity, the staff are excellent. Dave the bus driver very friendly and obliging. Our instructors/guides Olivia and Beth were fantastic. The walk out of the valley was very enjoyable and the information Beth relayed to us during the walk was very interesting.

Waiheke Island is gorgeous, and they have beaches, missed the wat areas but I see they are pretty neat

Excellent day. Well organised, knowledgeable guide, good wine and great scenery