Sip amongst the sights and scenes on Waiheke, whether you have a day or two there is plenty to do! This guide will help plan you transport there and around the island, wineries and activities. The guide also outline two days in Waiheke Island, with a breakdown of  where to eat, drink and enjoy on Auckland's wine island. 

Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Wine & dine on Waiheke for a day or two! 

 The cheapest way to get there is to book a ferry ticket through Fullers (online or at the terminal) for $42 return. 

Bus - When you get to Waiheke the cheapest option is to jump on the local bus, its about $2 one way to the other end of the island (make sure to grab a ATHop card from Britomart train station before heading to Waiheke so you can ride the bus and get a discount). 

Bike - bikes are free to bring on the ferry and its also a great free option on Waiheke to explore! Just beware the island is actually quite hilly so prepare to earn your wines. 

Catch the ferry from the Ferry Terminal at the bottom of Queen St. Don't forget to grab a quick coffee or bagel at Commercial Bay before boarding the ferry. You can return anytime, ferries are hourly, even return the next day and make it an overnight adventure. 

Waiheke is an island most known for its wine and vineyards. Growing predominately red varietals these wineries produce high quality Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. White varieties are becoming more popular with Chardonnay, Pinot gris and Sauvignon Blanc growing in popularity. Around 30 wineries are situated on the island, most providing classy cellar door tastings, delicious food and breath-taking views. 

Here are some of the top picks across the island:

In between all the wine tasting you can try out a multitude of activities, or even while tasting wines (check out Wild on Waiheke). From hiking, admiring local art or zip-lining through the forest you can fill your mornings with adventure before filling your glasses with local wine. 

Catch the ferry from Auckland ferry terminal, grab a quick coffee at Kokako or bagel at Best Ugly Bagels in Commercial Bay before boarding the ferry. 

If on foot, start by walking to Oneroa town, grab a bite at a local cafe or enjoy a stroll along the beach to Little Oneroa. 

Grab a taxi or bus to Wild on Waiheke for pizza and a quick game of archery before starting your wine tasting journey. Head just up the road to Stonyridge for award wining reds or next door to Tantalus for a variety of whites, reds and sparkling. 

Next up head back West for a glass of Cable Bay's chardonnay on a bean bag overlooking the bay. Finish the day at Mudbrick watching the sunset, drinking cocktails or local wine and listening to live music or treat yourself to a five course degustation of artistic and delicious experience. 

If you are staying an extra day in Waiheke start your day zip lining through  the forest (check for deals on book me or grab one beforehand). Then head south for a long lunch at Poderi Crisci, enjoying a full 3 course meal with wines to match. After all that food you'll either want to walk it off amongst the Art trail or just finish the day relaxing with a local crafted gin in hand, overlooking the water at Waiheke Distilling Co.

Wine & dine on Waiheke for a day or two!

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