Sun, Sea, and Wine: Your Guide to a Waiheke Island Summer
Ready to start your summer adventure? Waiheke Island is waiting , and Batch Winery is here to welcome you with great food, and a glass of something special.
Just a short ferry ride from Auckland’s CBD, this little island paradise has everything you need for a holiday that blends relaxation, adventure, and a touch of indulgence. Golden beaches, award-winning wineries, unique art collections and breathtaking coastal walks come together to create the perfect holiday escape.
Whether you’re planning a wine centered day trip, or a week long family getaway, Waiheke is the go-to destination to enjoy the best of New Zealand’s summer sun.
It can be daunting planning a trip to a holiday destination with countless options, we’re here to make planning your next trip across the water a little easier.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Getting here
Located only 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is easily accessible yet feels a world away from the hustle & bustle of the city. The journey itself adds to the sense of occasion. Regular ferries run throughout the day, both through Fullers 360 at the Matiatia ferry terminal and the Sealink Ferry terminal on Kennedy Point. If you're planning to bring your own vehicle, Sealink ferry is the best option, with regular vehicle ferries departing from Downtown and Half Moon Bay.
For a more unique and unforgettable experience , consider flying over from Auckland.
check out Waiheke Wings for the opportunity to fly into the island and get a bird eye view of Waiheke and its neighbouring Islands before you begin exploring.
Getting around
Once you arrive, getting around is easy; car and scooter rentals, local buses, and tour shuttles make it simple to explore at your preferred pace. If you enjoy a more leisurely approach, cycling or e-biking is a great way to discover hidden coves and coastal trails.
There are three main villages on Waiheke Island, Onetangi, Ostend and the first one you’ll most likely arrive at - Oneroa. This is the island's busiest village, the main street is where you'll find cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries. Here you can also hire out scooters and e-bikes to get around if you've decided to carve your own path.
Some key places to check out while you're here:
Now, if you're wanting the freedom to choose where to go without the stress of planning it all yourself, Waiheke Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the way to go. Starting and finishing at the Matiatia Ferry terminal you’ll experience 15 stops on an 80-minute loop, showcasing Waiheke Island’s best restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches, nature walks and wineries saving the best for last with our very own Batch Winery.
When it really comes to kicking your feet up and leaving the logistics to someone else, Waiheke Island has a host of tour companies each with a tailored from private tours to large group tours. Here's a couple options of tour companies that’ll take you on a unique trip around Waiheke Island’s best spots:
Bonus - most of Waiheke Islands tour companies will make a stop at Batch Winery, so you really get the best of what Waiheke has to offer. Exploring the island is easy, and each winding road seems to lead to another postcard-worthy view.
You won't find Ubers operating on Waiheke Island however, here’s a list of Taxis that can get you where you need to go.
Local Taxi / Ride Services:
Dede Cool Taxi - +64 220 776 409
Wai Not - +64 22 689 5921
Waiheke Five-O - 027 50 50 510
Wai Cabs - 027 924 2227
Waiheke Island Taxis - 09 372 0088
Waiheke Executive Transport - 09 372 0097
Note: If you're planning on staying out late, make sure to book your taxi in advance otherwise you might find yourself on a late night stroll back to your accommodation.
Wine, Food and Local Flavours
No trip to Waiheke is complete without experiencing its diverse and unique wine culture. The island is home to more than 30 boutique wineries, each with its own character and style.
If you're short on time or maybe a little indecisive, head straight to Onetangi road. With Wild Estate, Soho, Te motu, Stoneridge, Tantalus and Postage stamp Wines all within walking distance as well as The Heke Brewery, Alibi Brewing Co and the Waiheke golf club, you can easily spend an entire day on this stretch of road and still not tick off everything there is to do.
Batch Winery, perched high above Onetangi Valley, is a must-visit destination offering panoramic views, locally produced, award winning wines, and relaxed summer dining experience. With a summer menu expertly crafted to incorporate the local flavours and the expressive wines that define Waiheke Island. Whether you're coming for a unique wine tasting experience or a family day out relaxing on the bean bags and taking in the view Batch Winery has something special for everyone
The strand is another local favourite for food and drink. Running alongside beautiful Onetangi beach, there are three different restaurants and bars, Waiheke beach rental and Casita Miro Winery sitting at the top of the hill. Enjoy a couple drinks in between swims, a sunset dinner outdoors with ocean views or walk off a big meal along the beach and take in the sea breeze.
Beaches, Nature and Outdoor Adventures
When you’ve had enough wine and you’re ready to explore, lace up your walking shoes and hit one of the many scenic trails weaving through vineyards, native bush, and coastal cliffs.
As an island surrounded by water, of course, you’ll find many beaches here on Waiheke, some of which are a little more hidden and require a bit more adventure to access. Palm beach is a great place to start, sheltered and surrounded by beautiful palm trees (hence the name).
For those with restless feet, Waiheke Island offers plenty of tranquil, walking tracks taking you through some of New Zealand's natural beauty. Walk Waiheke gives you all the info you need, from directions to the walking tracks, difficulty grading and more. The Whakanewha loop, takes you right through the regional park that surrounds Batch winery, and features the beautiful Cascades Waterfall. The best part - when you're done working up a sweat, Batch is around the corner, stop by and grab a drink to refresh before heading on your next adventure.
For the most adventurous way to experience Waiheke Island’s natural beauty, EcoZip offers a multi award winning ziplining experience. With an up to 3 hour experience gliding over native bush, this is hands down one of the best ways to learn about and see for yourself the beauty of Aotearoa.
Lastly, don't forget Waiheke’s art scene. The island has Galleries, Exhibitions and sculptures scattered all over. Home to over 100 working artists, you will experience diverse and inspiring artwork of national and international significance that you would never expect to find on a small island.
Where to Stay and What to Know
Accommodation on Waiheke Island ranges from beachfront batches to luxury villas. During the summer months, booking ahead is highly recommended, as the island fills quickly with holidaymakers. Remember to plan your transport and dining reservations early, and allow time to simply relax. Part of Waiheke’s charm is slowing down and soaking in the island lifestyle.
If you’re wanting convenience during your stay, we suggest staying in or close to one of the villages for easy access to shops and bus routes etc. However, if you're seeking a more authentic Waiheke retreat, try and find something a little more hidden away. Really escape into the peace and quiet, enjoy stars above your head and if you’re lucky, a short walk to the beach
Once you’ve unpacked, the best thing you can do is slow down, Waiheke time moves differently. Spend your days beach-hopping, winery-hopping, and soaking up the laid-back island lifestyle.
Planning the Perfect Waiheke Summer Trip
So to recap, if you want to make the most of your summer getaway, mix a little exploration with plenty of relaxation and a couple glasses of wine.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for another round, Waiheke Island never disappoints. It’s the kind of place where every turn leads to a new discovery; a tucked-away bay, a cellar door you didn’t expect, or a view that makes you stop and stare. So pack your sunnies, book that ferry, and don't forget to include Batch Winery in your summer adventure.
Because on Waiheke, the wine tastes better, the sunsets last longer, and the memories stick around long after the holiday ends.