Don’t get us wrong—we love wine as much as the next person, and with Waiheke's famed vineyards scattered all over the island you’d be forgiven for thinking that's all the place has to offer. Though long viewed as a luxury destination, Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.
Just a 45-minute ferry from Auckland, it's the perfect weekender. To get you started, here are 16 of the best things to do in Waiheke that aren't drinking wine.
Zip Through The Trees
150 Trig Hill Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island & Man O' War Forest Flight, Man O War Bay Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Forest Flight Zipline | supplied
See the island from an exhilaratingly different angle as you whistle along on zip lines over vineyards and trees with the famous Auckland skyline in the background at Eco Zip Adventures. There are zip lines of differing intensity for you to enjoy on the island—the steepest line will see you pelting along at 50km an hour. Not for the faint of heart. Afterwards take a stroll through the ancient forest and discover more about the flora and fauna that call this beautiful island home.
Man O' War has also just introduced its own Forest Flight zipline too where you'll enjoy a 2-hour flight through the forest before touching down right outside Man O' War's tasting room and restaurant. Convenient.
Play In The Water
Various
During the summer months there’s an absolute plethora of exciting watersports available, there's an activity for you no matter what floats your boat (sorry not sorry). While you won’t find many surfing breaks on the island, there's plenty to entertain yourself with a body board. Onetangi beach has some pretty good waves most of the time, and with all that space you’re unlikely to drift into anyone else.
Perhaps you’ll want to try your hand at Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP to those in the know), you can hire boards from Matiatia bay where the ferry comes in from Auckland or from Oneroa or Onetangi beaches. Torch your core as you paddle serenely across the bay where you may even spot a stingray.
…Or On The Water
Matiatia Bay And Beyond
Image credit: Kayak Waiheke | Facebook
Get your dose of exercise in and partake in a good old kayaking adventure. Take one out into the bay for a trip on your own or join a guided tour—where you’ll be taken to secluded bays for a swim and enjoy a packed lunch on a remote beach.
Sail Around The Island
Various
Make like a millionaire and charter a boat to take you around the island complete with access to remote beaches and other nearby islands. Take a packed lunch or stop off at Man O' War for one of their epic platters, before skipping back to the boat to continue your tour.
Explore The Island By Foot
All Over The Island
Image credit: Waiheke Walking Festival | Facebook
Did you know that Waiheke is home to more than 100 kilometres of walking track ranging from the easy peasy stroll to the more challenging hours-long hikes and an annual walking festival? There’s a network all over the island which allow you to strike off into the great unknown and discover breathtaking views from all angles. And if you're keen to clock up the most impressive stretch yet, consider Te Ara Hura and circumnavigate the entire island (just check ahead as parts of the track may be closed).
Go For A Trot
Woodside Bay Road, Woodside Bay, Waiheke Island
For an adventure on horseback, saddle up for a trot around the island. Based on a private 1,000 acre peninsula on the Eastern part of the island, Waiheke Horse Tours cater for newbies right up to expert. With various packages and durations on offer this tour guarantees stunning views and good vibes.
Rest And Flow
115 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
While Waiheke is known for its vineyards, the other face of Waiheke is a more contemplative one. In fact, some say the island is the Bali of Auckland so it's one of the best places to zen out. Resident yoga teacher, Neal Ghoshal, is renowned in the yoga realm for his exquisite restorative yoga flows and supportive teaching style. He teaches morning classes on Fridays at the Morra Hall Meeting Room and every so often he holds an epic 2.5 hour relaxation class called The Big Rest which is simply stunning.
Eat Up
Various
Image credit: Soho Street Food | Instagram
Whilst you’re enjoying all that Waiheke has to offer, don’t forget to refuel. There are plenty of top-tier restaurants in town but a few of our favourites include Mudbrick’s Italian Fenice cafe and The Oyster Inn which are both in Oneroa, Soho Street Food (pictured above), and Three Seven Two and Ki Maha from where you can enjoy stunning views of Onetangi beach. For a feed that’s welcome at any time of the day we can’t go past the I Love Crepes food truck where you’ll be served delicious crepes at decent prices and right next door, the Island Gelato Company because basically, ice cream is a good choice at any time of day.
Get On Your Bike And Ride
Rangihoua and Whakanewhea Regional Park
Hire a bike (or better yet, an e-bike) for a chance to explore more of the island. There are two bike trails of varying difficulty; Rangihoua mountain bike trails, which are located at the Onetangi Sports Park and in the Whakanewhea Regional Park. If you fancy getting around under your own steam but minus the exhausting pedal power, consider hiring a scooter.
Kick Back On The Sand
Various
Whilst lying on the beach is one of the best things to do on a sunny afternoon (wearing sunscreen of course), the stunning variety and placement of long white sand can also be taken advantage of to help you reach your fitness goals. Go for long walks on the beach early in the morning (again, wearing sunscreen) and work up a hunger for brekkie; or kick it up a notch and go for a jog.
If you really want to feel like you’re alive, work up a sweat with some interval running, one of the fastest ways to get fit. Oneroa and Onetangi beaches are perfect choices for those wanting to make the most of their days in an active way and don't forget those romantic sunset strolls too.
Channel Your Inner Katniss
Image credit: Archery at Wild On Waiheke | supplied
Head to Wild On Waiheke for ‘the most fun you can have with your clothes on’ to hone your Hunger Games skills. Try your hand at archery and laser clay bird shooting amongst the vines, nabbing eternal bragging rights with your crew. But the competition need not end there, why not order a platter and get stuck into the free options on offer such as petanque, giant chess and volleyball. We can’t go past a good game of Californian sandbags and noughts and crosses. Alternatively, you’ll be well within your rights to take a relaxing break on a bean bag, and why not, we say.
Try your Hand At Fishing
Various
If fishing is more your thing there are options galore. Besides a myriad of charter fishing companies who can cater for newbies and old hands alike, there are options to fish off the pier if you prefer staying on terra firma.
Take In Some Art
10 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Sculpture On The Gulf | Facebook
Waiheke is home to a fabulous sculpture exhibition for most of the month of March called Sculpture On The Gulf where you can view artists’ creations set on a stunning backdrop. There’s also the option to walk around an art trail, details of which can be found here.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching
Palm Beach Hall, Waiheke Island
Who says you need booze to get your boogie on? Boost your endorphins naturally with a bout of ecstatic dancing with 5 rhythms, the global dance movement where you’re encouraged to leave your inhibitions at the door and revel in the power of sound.
Catch A Film
127-129 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Waiheke locals don’t need to catch a ferry to get their movie night fix as they have one right in Oneroa. Waiheke Island Community Cinema is more than just a cinema, it’s a symbol of teamwork as it’s fully funded and governed by a board of trustees and movie buff volunteers within the Waiheke community. Not only do they screen blockbuster hits but they also screen short documentaries which capture the stories of the locals and is filmed by Waihekeans. Sink back into one of the couches for an intimate experience you won't forget.
Take To The Skies
Various
Image credit: Heletranz | Facebook
Arrive on the island in style by chartering your own chopper with Heletranz which will whisk you from Auckland's Albany to the heart of Waiheke in less than 15 minutes. Offering all sorts of all-inclusive options including heli-dining, heli-adventures and personally organised tours, go ahead and live your best life.
Make it an overnighter:
- The Best Airbnbs On Waiheke For Any Budget
- Waiheke's Best Restaurants To Feast Up At
- This Waiheke Distillery Does Napoli Fried Pizza And It's Everything
Main image credit: Onetangi Beach | Greg & Lois Nunes.