Planning a day trip to Waiheke Island for two? Here's our locals' itinerary: ferry, e-bikes, brunch in Oneroa, a brewery and distillery tour, a long lunch and a stroll on Onetangi Beach.
If you've got one day and two people who'd like to slow down, Waiheke Island is hard to beat. It's about a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, yet it feels like a different world: sparkling bays, olive groves, art studios and some of the best long lunches in New Zealand.
We live and work here, so we've put together the day we'd plan for friends visiting as a couple. It's relaxed, it doesn't need a car, and it leaves room for a lazy lunch and a swim.
Morning: catch an early ferry and get on two wheels
Aim for an early sailing. Ferries get busier as the morning goes on, and an early start gives you the whole day. When you step off the ferry at Matiatia Wharf, you'll find ERIDE Waiheke right in the terminal. We recommend you book ahead! E-bikes flatten Waiheke's hills, so you arrive with less puff and more panache. They have maps, and they can plan a route for you if you tell them what you'd like to see.
Prefer not to pedal? Book a tour with one of the awesome providers. Catch the Hop on Hop Off Bus. Or get the normal local bus. Buses meet the ferries and are quick and good value, and taxis are available at the wharf (note there's limited Uber on the island). Our guide to getting to Waiheke covers all the options.
Early brunch in Oneroa
Oneroa village is Waiheke's best brunch district, and it's all within a short wander. Keep it relaxed but not too long, because you'll want to reach The Heke by 11 am for our tour.
Fenice: big breakfasts, and the eggs benedict is a local favourite.
Akito: health-focused, plant-based food in a cosy space. The turmeric chai latte is as good as the coffee.
If you have a little time, browse the village now, or save it for the walk back to the ferry. Timmy Smith is a bright space of hand-crafted pieces from around the island, The Tailor & His Lover is known for natural fabrics, and the Artworks Gallery, toward the ferry end of the village, has an ever-changing exhibition and a shop full of local ceramics, books and art. You'll probably leave with a gift for each other, or at least a very good tea towel.
Late morning: the tour and lunch on Onetangi Road
From Oneroa, hop on the 50A or 50B bus (or ride) across to Onetangi Road. Heading from the ferry direction, you'll pass Wild, Stonyridge, SOHO, Tantalus and Postage Stamp in turn. Save the cellar doors for after lunch. For the Tour, book a day ahead and aim to arrive by about 11 am, and look for our flag and signs, The Heke is at 64 Onetangi Road, opposite the golf course.
Want to see how it's made? Join our brewery and distillery tour and go behind the scenes at Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co. It runs daily at 11.15 am, takes about 45 minutes and includes a tasting of beer and whisky. Mention it when you reserve your table, and arrive a little early. Book the tour here.
After the tour, stay on for the long lunch. Sit in the garden or under the pergola, wander the olive groves, and order from a menu cooked on our wood oven and wood-fired grill, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Then do something a little different from the usual wine tasting:
A whisky flight from Waiheke Whisky, our gold medal award-winning distillery
A gin and spirit flight in our tasting room
An ice-cold Heke lager from Waiheke Brewing Co
Or a glass from our extensive wine list. Our designated drivers are well looked after too, with plenty of delicious non-alcoholic drinks.
Book ahead for lunch, especially on weekends and in summer: call us on 09 372 0020 or book online at theheke.co.nz/book-now.
Afternoon: sand, sea and a little history
Wander back along the golden mile and stop at a cellar door or two. Heading toward the ferry, you'll pass Postage Stamp, Tantalus, SOHO, Stonyridge and Wild.
Walk it off. Onetangi Beach is 1.87 km of white sand with Pohutukawa trees for shade. You can grab a takeaway coffee or an ice cream there, or a cold rosé and a bowl of fries if you feel you've earned it.
Feeling more adventurous? Other good options:
Palm Beach: the ultimate summer beach, where the water gets deep quickly, so it's great for a dip.
Stony Batter Tunnels: wander the historic tunnels and take in 360 degree views of the ocean and vineyards. You will need a car or private tour for this!
Sacred Blessings Garden: a quiet, lush subtropical hideaway with sculptures and seating (check their website for opening times).
Getting around without a car
You really don't need one. The local buses are electric, frequent and cheap (around $3 per adult, and you can tap on with a debit or credit card or an AT HOP card). The Fullers Hop on Hop off bus stops right outside our gate and is handy for reaching vineyards the public bus doesn't pass. Check its timetable though, as it doesn't run every day in winter. If you do bring a car, we have a big car park. See more about getting around Waiheke Island here.
A few tips for a smooth day
Check the return ferry times before lunch, and give yourselves a buffer. Lunches on Waiheke have a way of getting longer.
Book lunch, and any bike hire, ahead on busy days.
Pack swimming gear and a light layer for the ferry. The beaches are very tempting.
FAQs
Is one day enough on Waiheke? It's enough for a lovely taste: brunch, lunch and a beach. If you'd like to see more, a weekend lets you slow down even further.
Do we need a car? No. Buses, e-bikes and taxis cover the island, and the Hop on Hop off bus stops at The Heke.
We're not big wine drinkers. Is it still worth it? Absolutely. See our guide to things to do on Waiheke if you don't like wine, and come and try our whisky, gin and craft beer.
We'd love to see you
When you plan your day, make The Heke your lunch stop. Tell us it's a special occasion and we'll make sure you have a lovely time. Book at theheke.co.nz/book-now or call 09 372 0020.