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Before you go
Your trip to Waiheke Island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Waiheke Island – Auckland Destination Auckland about 22 km from Auckland
How to get there
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Cais de Matiatia 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By ferry from the Ferry Building in central Auckland to the Matiatia wharf, about 40 minutes, with departures throughout the day. Cars go by vehicle ferry from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland to Kennedy Point. On the island there are buses, taxis and car, motorcycle and bicycle rentals.
How many days
One day, as a round trip from Auckland, to see Oneroa, a beach and a winery. Two days allow you to include Onetangi, Stony Batter and a section of the coastal trail.
When to go
From December to March, when the sea is warmer and ferries and buses run more services. Summer weekends are the busiest. In winter the island is quieter and some restaurants reduce their hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not essential: the island buses link the wharf with Oneroa, Onetangi and other bays. A car, motorcycle or electric bike helps to reach the eastern tip and Stony Batter, which have no regular bus service.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Waiheke Island
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Morning
Ferry and Oneroa
Take an early ferry from central Auckland to Matiatia and walk up to Oneroa. Stroll along the main street and the galleries and then go down to the beach.
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Afternoon
Onetangi and the vineyards
Take the bus to Onetangi Beach. After lunch, visit one of the valley wineries, either on an organized tour or by bus.
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Late afternoon
Return to Matiatia
Return to Oneroa to see the bay at the end of the day and head down to the wharf for the ferry back to Auckland, with views over the gulf.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Auckland to Waiheke Island?
By ferry from the Ferry Building in central Auckland, about 40 minutes. To take a car, there is a vehicle ferry from Half Moon Bay.
Is Waiheke worth a day trip?
Yes. In one day you can see Oneroa, a beach and a winery. To see the east of the island, it’s worth spending a night.
Do you need to book the ferry to Waiheke?
Generally no for passenger ferries, but queues increase on summer weekends and public holidays. The vehicle ferry does require a reservation.
How do you get around Waiheke Island?
By bus, which connects the wharf to the main villages and beaches, by taxi, or with a car, motorcycle or bicycle rented on the island.