Waiheke is a haven of pristine beaches and bays each so different, they almost have a personality of their own. Visitors to the island are often impressed by how beautiful and lush the landscape is, irrespective of the weather or time of year.
Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s city centre, Waiheke is a popular destination for locals and visitors to the region. It’s not just the natural beauty that appeals, the island also offers many places to visit, things to do, see, taste and experience.
“Waiheke has a diversity and quality of landscape, environment and community that makes it an outstanding destination. We’re proud of that and the recent international recognition we’ve received,” says Waiheke Local Board Chair, Paul Walden.
“Our community has worked extremely hard over the past 30 years to develop a sustainable tourism economy, and it’s something we are very proud of.”
The Waiheke Local Board area:
- Is made up of 14 islands and 40km of beaches. The largest island is Waiheke Island itself.
- Has more than 8,000 residents or 0.5 per cent of Auckland’s population (Census 2013).
- Offers 4,000 holiday homes and welcomes 500,000 visitors a year!
Things to do:
- Visit the playground at Little Oneroa Beach. It is big, colourful and next to one of the prettiest beaches on the island.
- Enjoy a range of delicious options from leisurely fine dining to fish and chips on the go.
- Pay a visit to the Waiheke library. It is difficult to miss and just as pretty as the rest of the island. Visitors are always welcome!
- Ostend town is home to a lively local market on a Saturday, where you can choose between home grown and homemade goodies, support the zero waste initiative, and meet friendly locals.
- Challenge yourself (a little or a lot) on the 100km Te Ara Hura circuit of walkways.
- Kayak, sail or fish around the bays - hire or bring your own gear.
- Visit one of our neighbouring islands - Motutapu, Motokorea, Motuihe, Ponui, Rakino, or Rangitoto, along with other smaller islands.
- Explore the island by horseback or feel the wind in your hair on an electric bike.
Best kept secret: Onetangi Forest and Bird reserve. Walk to the top of Pohutukawa Ridge (La Franchie Gate), where you’ll find a viewing platform that is surrounded by Kauri trees and offers spectacular views over Onetangi Bay.
Check out Our Auckland for local up-and-coming events and keep informed with what is happening in the Waiheke Local Board area by following the local board on Facebook.
