Here you'll find information to help you better understand and enjoy the island:
"ALWAYS BOOK DIRECT FOR THE BESTS RATES"
- The Island is easily accessible from Auckland via a 35 minute ferry leaving Queens Wharf/Wynyard Qtr about every 1/2 hour
- Where possible, we think it's better to experience the island at a slow pace by foot, bus and taxi
- Book ahead to join us for private guided tours (4-5hrs). Great for getting your bearings. We visit some secret spots as well as better known island attractions
- When you arrive at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, take a 20 minute stroll up to Oneroa Village for a swim or check out the local cafes
- Or if you want to head straight to the wineries...look for the bush track on the other side of the carpark that leads to Cable Bay, Mudbrick and others...
- Car ferries come to the island regularly (usually from Half Moon Bay but sometimes Wynyard Qtr)
- 'Waiheke' means cascading waters. The island has deep-seated Maori culture and history
- Locals manage their own water and waste systems so preventing misuse of both resources is important to all islanders
- Waiheke is a picturesque island about 19km across. The highest point is Maunganui (231m). The climate is slightly warmer than Auckland
- Resident population = 8340 (27% were born outside NZ) which swells to approx 30k during peak times
- There are no traffic lights and locals drive a little slower and more considerately than some neighbouring cities
- Transport options are varied: Bus (public and tour), car rental, taxi, walking, segway rental, bike rental, seaplane, ferry, helicopter
- Public buses aren't as regular as on the mainland - check out the timetables online. Daily passes cost $9/day. Fullers run a tour bus which costs $22/day
- Food options; Supermarket, cafes, self-catering, restaurants, Saturday Market - all accessible from the guesthouse
- To get the full experience, we recommend at least 4-5 nights stay but there's plenty more to discover for those who stay longer
- Winters here are relatively warm so off-peak visits are popular with tourists who like open spaces and less crowds
- Recommended: See Auckland in a less conventional way by basing yourself here on Waiheke. Be a local for a while and take day-trips to the city if needed
- Explore the Hauraki Gulf Islands and Auckland wharves like an early settler - by ferry. 100 years ago boats were Auckland's main transportation
- Coromandel and Rotoroa Island can be accessed directly from Waiheke via ferry
- There are swimming beaches dotted all around the island. Most are easily accessible and all are beautiful
- Surf is inconsistent here but, if it's flat, you can always hire a stand up paddle board
- Palm Beach (our nearest beach - and the islands best one) has the best Fish 'n' Chips around. Great for a sunset meal on the sand
- Little Palm Beach (around the point from Palm) is open to everyone...including nudists
- Little Oneroa Beach is the starting point for a great coastal walk towards Enclosure Bay
- Waiheke's walkways are well worth exploring - see Auckland Council website or our info desk for more details
- For an easy hike, walk 'The Cascades' track near Rocky Bay - approx 1 hour walk through a Nikau forest
- The hike through the Onetangi Forest and Bird Reserve is popular with nature lovers
- Tour the local art galleries - we have over 35!
- Enjoy local vinyards - we have 3-4 highly renowned places within 3km of the guesthouse (Nat and Grant can arrange special winery discounts)
- RECOMMENDED: Our favourite place to eat in Oneroa is Solar where they grow much of their produce/herbs and change their menu with the seasons
- Pop in to the sculpture studio underneath Solar - very cool
- RECOMMENDED: Visit some of the historical parts of the island like Stony Batter - Nat and Grant can provide advice and transport (pending availabilty)
- Stony Batter is a historic war relic out east - definteyl worth a look
- Whille you're out east, park the car and walk to one of the remote beaches or drive around to Man O War vinyard, where our guests enjoy a 20% discount
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Ostend Markets - 9am Every Staurday morning
Blackpool Market - 9am Sundays
Live Music @ (Onetangi) Charlie Farlies - 5PM Thursdays
Waiheke Wine and Food Fest April 2
Last Laugh Comedy Show April 26
Joining The Dots - Artworks Community Theater April 30
Waiheke Half Marathon May 7
