Waiheke
Island has a laid-back, independent island
lifestyle which is characteristic of the
traditional Kiwi way of life. Green landscape
with great outdoors and genuine hospitality
of the people make it a wonderful place
to visit.
The main town of Oneroa is located on
a ridge and affords expansive views over
other Gulf islands. The visitor centre
is also located here (in the Artworks
complex) about 0.6 miles/1 km on the main
road form the Waiheke ferry wharf. Onetangi,
the most eastern settlement, has a nice
sandy beach popular for swimming, surfing
and wind surfing and... More...
Waiheke
Island has a laid-back, independent island
lifestyle which is characteristic of the
traditional Kiwi way of life. Green landscape
with great outdoors and genuine hospitality
of the people make it a wonderful place
to visit.
The main town of Oneroa is located on
a ridge and affords expansive views over
other Gulf islands. The visitor centre
is also located here (in the Artworks
complex) about 0.6 miles/1 km on the main
road form the Waiheke ferry wharf. Onetangi,
the most eastern settlement, has a nice
sandy beach popular for swimming, surfing
and wind surfing and few local cafes.
The eastern end of the island is mainly
farmland and native fern forest.
Many artists made Waiheke Island their
home; and as a result, you will find many
artist’s shops and art galleries
in Oneroa and in the other small settlements
on the island.
Also, several vineyards on Waiheke Island
provide opportunity for wine tasting tours. Less...
The best time to visit Waiheke Island is during the summer months and into the early autumn (southern hemisphere). The maritime weather is calmer and at its warmest. Less...
Climate
and Weather
Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf and enjoys a warm climate. Less...
How
to Get There
Ferry service
runs daily between Auckland and Waiheke
Island. Take the Fullers passenger ferry
from Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke
Island. The ride begins at the Waiheke Ferry
Terminal. Check Fullers schedule for the
latest ferry time tables at http://www.fullers.co.nz.
At the time of this writing - February 2007 - the fare from Auckland to Waiheke Island is NZ$ 28.50 for round trip and NZ$ 15.60 for a one way trip for an adult and less for senior citizens and children. There is no charge for transporting bicycles.
Note that transporting bicycles is subject to available space, which should not be an issue, unless you are traveling on an event day such as the Waiheke Wine Festival; in which case, you should check with Fullers ahead of time. Tandem bicycles can also easily fit on the ferry.
The Auckland Fullers' Ferry Terminal is located across the street from Britomart Transportation Station. You can take local train transit (MAXX)
http://www.maxx.co.nz/ to the Britomart Station (Auckland's Central Business District and transportation hub). A bicycle ticket must be purchased for each train trip at the cost of NZ$1 (as of February 2007). Carrying of bicycles onboard trains is dependent on space and at the discretion of onboard staff. Avoid travelling with bicycles at peak times, as space will be limited.
If you are traveling by car to Waiheke check the SeaLink Ferry Service http://www.sealink.co.nz/ or other ferry services from Auckland's Half Moon Bay. Less...
Accommodations
The accommodation on Waiheke Island range from campgrounds to youth hostels, motels, and B&Bs. Reservations are recommended during summer season. Less...
The
Roads
The roads on Waiheke Island are mostly of paved sealed chip surface and quite narrow in places with minimal or no guardrails. The very eastern part of the island is accessible only by gravel or unfinished surface roads. Less...
What
You Need To Know
Waiheke Island is only 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland. It is favored by Aucklanders for a nice one day getaway, offering a reprieve from the city hustle and enticing visitors with its art galleries and vineyards. Less...
