Walk it, bike it, bus it, tour it… the Waiheke world is your oyster!
Wild Estate: from archery to laser claybird shooting to gumboot throwing – and more! – Wild Estate is “the most fun you can have with your clothes on”. And that’s before you get to their outstanding wines, boutique beers, and one of the island’s most imaginative restaurants.
Adventure: the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf is an adventure capital to boot. EcoZip adventures offer the chance to explore the island canopy by way of three 200m dual flying fox ziplines; elsewhere there are the ample opportunities to take in the wonder of Waiheke from a kayak or SUP.
Island paradise: rolling green hills, native forests, strings of vines, and olive groves all bordered by heavenly beaches lapped at by crystal clear waters (Waiheke translates as ‘trickling waters’). Oh, and its very own microclimate! It’s like Aotearoa’s greatest hits all squeezed onto one island.
Hop aboard: Foxy Lady Charters offers the island’s largest charter boat, able to host up to 18 guests and visit the isolated coves and crannies of the island that most don’t get the chance to see. Enjoy local produce and your own private swimming spots.
Ėkôsauna: bringing a touch of Scandinavia to the Hauraki, the ingenious ēkôsauna offers “eco-luxury on the go” by way of mobile sauna and ice baths. Rejuvenating thermal therapy like no other, it can be experienced at a bach or a beach, with a promise to connect you to both yourself, and nature. What’s more, 5% of their profits go to supporting the vital work of nonprofit Whaleology.
Kiwi: okay, so the cute wee critters aren’t on the island just yet, but keep your fingers crossed! It was recently announced that a permit application submitted by Save the Kiwi, Ngāti Paoa, and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki to introduce a new population of our feathered icon is under review by the Department of Conservation. If the permit is approved, remote Te Matuku Peninsula has been identified as the release site.
Explore: navigate the island’s plethora of hiking trails, visit the vineyards by bike (we recommend e-bikes, the island’s hillier than you think!), or take a stroll through the Waiheke Museum and Historic Village. When you’re done on land, those rich waters beg to be explored with a snorkel mask as well.
Island shopping: since 1975, the Ostend Market has showcased Waiheke’s fun, creative, eclectic and vibrant community spirit by way of stalls that sell everything from international foods, handmade skincare products, arts, crafts, jewellery, and everything in between! Operates Saturdays 8am-1pm.
Studio Ten81: the island has long lured creative souls to its shores – apparent by the abundance of awesome galleries. This fine art establishment specialises in works sculpted from clay, bronze, wood, and glass, as well as paintings and prints. The father-and-son team aims to “showcase high-quality local artworks, support and foster local talent, engage the community with enriching art events and experiences, and attract tourists with unique New Zealand-made art and merchandise”.
Location, location, location! It’s almost hard to fathom that such a haven awaits so close to the downtown of our Supercity. Only a 40-minute ferry ride, you can even take your car over there thanks to Sealink. Or, if it it’s a really special occasion, why not splash out on a helicopter!
Awaroa Organic Vineyard: recognised as Waiheke’s most-awarded small vineyard, their less-than-five-hectares of land hosts natural springs and native bush and organically grows all grapes for the Awaroa label. Plus, they offer oils and preserved olives from their onsite grove, too.
Nudist: though not under any formal designation, the eastern end of Palm Beach is an unofficial nudist beach. Known as Little Palm – or even Nudie! – Beach, it sits in a wee private bay at the western end of the sands, separated by rocks.
Drink and dine: from world-class wineries to boutique brewing to olive grove tours and eateries serving seafood plucked straight from the local waters, few other New Zealand destinations offer such a range of premier drinking and dining options in such a compact and spectacular setting. Walk it, bike it, bus it, tour it… the Waiheke world is your oyster!
