Waiheke Island is known for its stunning scenery, sandy beaches, vineyards, olive groves, art galleries, and relaxed lifestyle.
If you are planning a vacation to Waiheke Island, here are some things you can do:
– Taste Waiheke Island wine: Waiheke Island has about 30 wineries that produce award-winning wines, especially red varieties such as syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. You can visit the cellar doors, join a wine tour, or enjoy a meal at one of the vineyard restaurants with spectacular views.
– Relax on Oneroa Beach: Oneroa Beach is the main beach on Waiheke Island, located near the town of Oneroa. It is a long and wide beach with white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, or playing. You can also walk along the coastal track to Little Oneroa Beach, which has a playground and a barbecue area.
– Taste Waiheke olives, oysters, and more: Waiheke Island is not only famous for its wine, but also for its olive oil, honey, cheese, oysters, and other local delicacies. You can visit the olive groves and taste the fresh oil, sample the honey from the island’s bees, try the artisan cheese from the dairy farm, or slurp the oysters from the bay. You can also join a food tour or a cooking class to learn more about the island’s cuisine.
– Kayak or SUP on the coast: Waiheke Island has a stunning coastline with many bays, coves, islands, and rock formations to explore. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and paddle along the shore, enjoying the views and the wildlife. You might see dolphins, penguins, seals, or even whales on your adventure.
– Cycle around the island: Waiheke Island has many cycling trails that suit different levels of fitness and experience. You can rent a bike or an e-bike and cycle around the island, passing through vineyards, forests, beaches, and villages. You can also join a guided bike tour or a bike wine tour to learn more about the island’s history and culture.
– Zipline over the vineyards and through the trees: If you are looking for some adrenaline rush on Waiheke Island, you can try ziplining over the vineyards and through the native forest. You can soar above the treetops and enjoy panoramic views of the island and the gulf on three different ziplines that range from 200 to 400 meters long. You can also learn about the island’s ecology and conservation efforts on a guided walk through the forest.
– Do an art crawl: Waiheke Island has a vibrant art scene with many artists living and working on the island. You can visit their studios and galleries, see their artworks in various mediums and styles, and chat with them about their inspiration and techniques. You can also check out the public art installations around the island, such as sculptures, murals, and mosaics.
– See fascinating bird species: Waiheke Island is home to many native and exotic birds that add color and sound to the island’s landscape. You can spot kereru (wood pigeons), tui (parson birds), korimako (bellbirds), riroriro (grey warblers), piwakawaka (fantails), kotare (kingfishers), kakariki (parakeets), pukeko (swamp hens), takahē (flightless rails), kaka (parrots), kiwi (nocturnal birds), and more. You can also visit the bird sanctuary at Whakanewha Regional Park or join a birdwatching tour to learn more about these feathered friends.
