The mere mention of Waiheke is enough to put a smile on anyone's face. It is a great place to go to loosen up, kick back and have fun. Waiheke has a great range of activities to partake in including adventure both on and off the water, a mix of arts and crafts, several sightseeing opportunities, tours, walks, restaurants, cafes and wineries, beaches, island shopping, and events.
Activities
Waiheke Island has a great range of adventure activities catering to those after soft adventure or the full-on adrenalin pumping adventure! Choose from biking around the island, enjoying a sailing experience, getting up-close to nature with a kayak or get out on the water and windsurf!
Arts and crafts
Local and internationally renowned artists have chosen Waiheke as the base for their studios. While visiting Waiheke you can see pastels, watercolours, ceramics, oil and acryllic paintings, sculptures and mixed media works from a wide variety of artists.
Beaches
During the summer months there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Whether you seek a lively atmosphere with a range of beach activities, a secluded hideaway where you can have the beach to yourself, a golden sand beach or a rocky bush clad bay, Waiheke will have it.
Sightseeing
Waiheke Island sightseeing is a great way to spend a day on the island. Stroll around the attractions such as the sculpture park at Connells Bay, the gardens at Te Whau, find some souvenirs and delicious food at the Ostend Market, or visit the Stony Batter gun emplacements from WWII.
Waiheke Island Walks
Walks on Waiheke Island provide the perfect way to get close to nature and discover the beauty of the island. While some of the walks on Waiheke are easy strolls, most walking experiences on the island are of tramping track standard and require a reasonable level of fitness. While on your walk, be sure to respect the environment.
Wineries
Waiheke Vineyards, Breweries and Olive Groves
With hot, dry summers and stony soils, Waiheke is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties.