Top Things to do in Waiheke Island
The 10 Best Things to do in Waiheke Island, North Island
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Browse the dozens of art galleries and craft stores of the Waiheke Arts Trail between dips in the emerald waters. Soar above the landscape on a chartered scenic flight, then refuel your engine with a casual beachfront café meal or an upscale, multi-course affair. Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealand’s fine wines.
Restaurants in Waiheke Island
1. Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
The Connells Bay Sculpture Park hosts a private collection of large scale sculpture by New Zealand artists bringing art and nature together on a two hour + guided walk in a beautiful coastal landscape. Bookings by apointment only. $30pp. PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A BOOKING AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR TRAVEL DATES AS THE WALKS FILL QUICKLY
Reviewed By Trek219898
The owners have done a great job of returning this site to native bush and framing some fantastic art works by New Zealand Artists. Do not be put off by the access in our view this is an absolute must visit and shouldn't be missed. Jo and her husband have obviously made a very major investment in bringing this site to life. We couldn't stop talking about it after we left
2. Man O' War Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This lovely winery at the beach on Man O' War Bay is rather out of the way, accessed by a long gravel road - very dusty. However, the trek is worth it because the setting is lovely and the wine, honey and olive oil they have to offer is GORGEOUS! There is a cafe - we didn't eat but ran into some people we kew so were chatting with them while they ate. I think I coud say that I wouldn't choose this for my lunch place on the island but the total experience is certainly very worth the drive. It's a good thing to combine with an expedition to Stoney Batter as it's on the same out of the way end of the island. Lovely.
3. Mudbrick Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By L2624MUjohng - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Picture perfect: you want an incredible setting with panoramic view of Harbour back to the city, high quality accommodation with attention to detail, great food, friendly staff, fun wine tasting experience that went on for hours and top it off with a private spa to end the evening, then the cottage stay package at Mudbirck is hard to beat. An exception way to celebrate our 20th anniversary - may have to make it an annual event
4. Peacock Sky Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Our cellar door and restaurant have now closed to the public. Visit our online shop to order your favorite wines!
Reviewed By I7500WYjm - Cincinnati, United States
We toured a few wineries on Waiheke Island and Peacock Sky was our favorite. The wines were excellent, in fact I ordered some to be shipped home. I finished them so quickly that I ordered more online! Connie had prepared some small bites to accompany the wines, a nice added touch to the experience. I would love to head back someday when things get back to normal.
5. Te Motu Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By dogdadler
This winery has a wonderful vibe - the wine is delicious and the rolling hills provide the perfect backdrop for some afternoon drinking. The waitress was extremely friendly and personable. I would highly recommend this spot!
6. Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
The newest edition to Auckland’s vineyard destinations has been honored with international accolades for our estate-grown wines, plus national awards in architecture and design, building craftsmanship, cuisine and dining. The idyllic sloping vineyards of the family owned Tantalus Estate are located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley - a gentle picturesque twenty-acre vineyard in Waiheke’s renowned wine growing region. Complete with olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen gardens, native trees and boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a destination not to be missed.
Reviewed By KiwiKerry53 - Wellington, New Zealand
Very cool place providing a home to a micro brewery underneath the restaurant and wine tasting area, I loved the ambience - fabulous light fittings, good wine and warm and welcoming surroundings. I really loved this place. I think one should spend the day here! Lovely gardens, views of the vines and a great atmosphere.
7. Oneroa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 241alang - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Spectacular beach - safe and sandy beach. A short walk from Oneroa Cafes and restaurants. Just a short bus ride from the Waiheke ferry terminal. There are often lots of pleasure craft in the bay.
8. Waiheke Community Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Thirty five minutes into the morning sun from downtown Auckland lies beautiful Waiheke Island - home to a lively community of painters, sculptors, jewellers, photographers and ceramicists. Nestled between world-famous vineyards, olive groves and stunning beaches you will find the Waiheke Community Art Gallery ~Te Whare Taonga o Waiheke - promoting visual arts to an international standard and providing a focal point for arts-related activities. Our diverse range of exhibitions is updated monthly and designed to inspire and delight, bringing the best of New Zealand art to the island and offering the best of Waiheke's art to the world. The gallery is supported by our wonderful shop featuring high quality New Zealand ceramics, glass, jewellery and art forms - something for all! Our two national annual award exhibitions (Walker and Hall award for 2-dimensional art held in October) and Perpetual Guardian Prize for Small Sculpture (held in May) attract entries from all over New Zealand.
Reviewed By KKiwis
Visited the Arts Centre again on recent trip to Waiheke. Tucked up around the corner from the Library in Oneroa, a definite must visit!!! The centre always has a great range of exhibitions and a diverse retail shop area representing a wide selection of NZ Art Great art to buy and also some great gifts available too, at a variety of price points .. Something for everyone. Congratulations to all involved
9. Goldie Estate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
Goldie is the name of our boutique vineyard on beautiful Waiheke Island. Here we create character wines that draw on the knowledge and experience of Kim and Jeanette Goldwater who founded winegrowing on Waiheke Island in the 1970’s and produced iconic wines from this vineyard over many decades. We host The Goldie Room Vineyard Cafe, The Tasting Room, and the University of Auckland Goldwater Wine Science Center and are a fabulous venue for your wedding, conference or special event.
Reviewed By nikkistravelmap - Hamilton, New Zealand
I had my wedding at Goldie Estate March 2021 and it was one of the best days of my life. From day one Charlie was an absolute dream and made our wedding day so easy to plan. Leslie put together the most beautiful menu and over a week on from the wedding my friends and family still comment on how amazing the food was. Nothing was too much trouble and Charlie went above and beyond for my 91 year old grandmother-in-law which was extremely kind and thoughtful. We cannot wait to return in the future and considering my husband has already purchased his second case of wine from the Cellar door I think Goldie will continue to have a warm place in our hearts for years to come. Huge thank you to Charlie and the team and we look forward to seeing you all soon! Highly recommend!
10. Batch Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 186 reviews
Waiheke's highest vineyard with spectacular views. Linger at Thomas's Bach vineyard restaurant enjoy long lunches and sunset dining. Seasonal plates and High Tea & Bubbles. Lunch, sunset dining and wine tasting all day. We look forward to welcoming you. Parties in The Hedge. Book to enjoy your own special long table event. This private space can be booked for 20 - 45 people. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, hen's parties and all those special occasions including weddings. Waiheke's newest state-of-the-art gravity flow winery. Cellar door open for wine tastings and wine sales. Batch produces wines crafted in small lots without compromise. With vines growing for up to 20 years Thomas Estate grows quality Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Flora. Our premium wine developing a passionate following. Batch Winery is a unique addition to the Waiheke wine destination.
Reviewed By jshigi - Bellevue, United States
Incredible panoramic views and you can even see the ocean. I heard that the high tea experience is great. We just did the wine tasting which was very nice and relaxing. We rented our car from Waiheke Motors and picked it up right at the ferry terminal. I'd recommend doing this over the tour buses and public buses because you are in control of your own time schedule. Also it is way better than biking because you will be covered in dust and it was so hot walking around in the summer time. Only regret was not staying on the island in a hotel for 2 days. We had to cram in 6 wineries into one day - they were all great! If you only have one day then try to hop on the 8am ferry from Auckland because the ferry lines get packed after 9am. Here was our schedule: Man O' War - Wine Tasting Passage Rock - Wine Tasting and Pizza Lunch Casita Miro - Wine Tasting Stoney Ridge - Wine Tasting/Nap on the lawn Batch - Wine Tasting Mudbrick - Sunset Dinner
