December 19, 2019
The ultimate day on Waiheke Island
Sip, zip, swim and savour – here’s to a day full of discovery and delight on Waiheke Island.
After a quick and easy 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland, relax and indulge with the best Waiheke has to offer.
From high flying morning adventures to a lunchtime unwind along the beach and an evening of wining and dining, a single day on Waiheke promises to literally sweep you off your feet.
Morning ziplining adventures + ancient forest walk
There’s no better way to start your day on Waiheke Island than an exhilarating ziplining adventure – a bucket list item to tick off as you soar above vineyards.
EcoZip offers complimentary pickups from the main ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf making transport easy breezy – enjoy onboard commentary during the highlights tour as you pass golden beaches and olive groves on your way to EcoZip HQ.
The 3-hour experience delivers 3 totally unique zipline courses – the first over stunning Syrah vineyards, the second more elevated course with spectacular city views and the third steepest gradient takes you over and above stunning pre-historic NZ rainforest dominated by majestic podocarp trees.
Upon your descent, you will be taken on a guided walk through the forest floor beneath a canopy of evergreen giants, lush ferns and native birdsong. Just a little bit of magic to start your day on Waiheke!
Lunch at Onetangi Beach
The beautiful white sands of Onetangi beach is the perfect place to explore next. The stunning waters are perfect for a swim or explore local reserves nearby including native kauri and nikau groves.
An iconic bar and restaurant – Charlie Farley’s is a hotspot for locals and travellers alike. With million-dollar views along the beach front, a great menu and lively atmosphere, this is the perfect place to grab a bite for lunch. Favourite menu items include crispy calamari, house made corn tortillas, double wagyu cheeseburgers and Charlie’s seafood risotto with vegan and vegetarian options also available. Hungry yet?
Officially opened in 2015, the renowned Te Ara Hura track is also easily accessed from Onetangi beach so you can explore Waiheke wilderness at your own pace. Translated to ‘discover the way’ in Te Reo Māori, the Te Ara Hura track is 100 km of stunning walking trails that allow you to circumnavigate the entire island, starting at any point you like. Pristine coastline, native bush and historic sites – discover the natural of beauty of Waiheke one step at a time.
Evening Wine + Dine
No visit to Waiheke is complete without a proper tour of a winery. Better yet, wining with some dining. It’s like picking from the best of the bunch with numerous award-winning wines and restaurants to choose from including Cable Bay Vineyards, Passage Rock Wines and Mudbrick Vineyards.
Blessed with breathtaking views, delectable local cuisine and the finest wines locally grown in Waiheke, a day on the island would not be complete without spending a few hours at a vineyard to sip and savour the good life. Cheers to a perfectly blissful day on Waiheke!
The last ferry back from Waiheke to Auckland leaves at 12.30 am Monday-Saturday with an earlier departure on Sunday evenings at 11 pm, so timings aren’t an issue – take your time to enjoy your evening without rushing back to the city. You can keep stay up to date with the official Fullers 360 ferry timetable here. If you need some more itinerary inspiration, have a look at our Waiheke Island Itineraries
