'''Waiheke Island''' is an island in the Hauraki Gulf, just off the North Island of New Zealand. It is 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland and is a popular destination for day trips and longer visits.
Understand
Waiheke Island is the third most populous island of New Zealand with around 8,000 permanent residents, many of whom commute to Auckland each work day. In summer the population swells dramatically as the island is a popular destination for both overseas travellers and New Zealanders. The island is home to over 14 vineyards and it's microclimate is well suited for winemaking. Olives are also quite established on the island and some extremely nice olive oils are produced.
The northern side of Waiheke is well known for it's relatively uncrowded white sand beaches, while on the southern side beaches are quite tidal and swimming is dependent on the tides.
Waiheke is administered by the Auckland City Council.
Visitor Information Centre, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa, +64 9 372 1234 (''fax +64 9 372 9919, info@waihekenz.com''), [http://www.waihekenz.com/]. Every day 9am-5pm. There is also a centre on Matiatia Wharf.
Get in
By sea
Passenger ferries
[http://www.fullers.co.nz/ Fullers] passenger ferries (phone (+64) 9 367 9111) run from downtown Auckland to Matiatia on Waiheke, taking 35 minutes, hourly or more frequently between 5:50am and 7:15pm and less frequently at night. Last departures from Waiheke are at 12:30am M-Sa and 10:15pm Su. Ferries leave Auckland from Pier 2 ferry terminal, near corner of Quay St Albert St. Buses meet all ferry arrivals at Matiatia. Taxis and hire cars are also available at Matiatia. Return fares are adult $26, child (5-15 years or high school ID) $13, senior $22 - family passes are available. The [http://www.maxx.co.nz/ MAXX Journey Planner] covers the Fuller ferries and Waiheke buses.
Fullers also run passenger ferries from Half Moon Bay (near Pakuranga in Manukau City, east Auckland) to Matiatia on weekends and public holidays (except 25 Dec), at 8:15am, 11:15am, 2:15pm and 5:15pm, returning from Matiatia at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm. Fares are the same as from downtown Auckland. Fullers run a bus service on Waiheke to and from all sailings.
[http://www.kawaukat.co.nz/ Kawau Kat] stops at Orapiu on Waiheke several days a week on its return trips from Auckland to Coromandel. It departs Pier 3, downtown Auckland, Tu, Th, Su and public holidays at 9am arriving at Orapiu at 9:50am and Friday 6pm, arriving 6:50pm. Return trips depart Hannafords Wharf, Coromandel Harbour, at 4pm (Friday 8pm), arriving Orapiu at 4:50pm (Friday 8:50pm). Orapiu is on the south-eastern tip of the island, well away from the island's main residential region, and there is no public land transport. Auckland-Orapiu adult $18 one way, $29 return.
[http://www.pineharbour.co.nz/service.asp Pine Harbour Ferry] runs from Pine Harbour to Matiatia on Waiheke several times a day. Pine Harbour is east of the Auckland conurbation, between Whitford and Maraetai.
Vehicle/passenger ferries
[http://www.sealink.co.nz/ Sealink] (phone (+64) 9 300 5900) operate a passenger/vehicle ferry service from Half Moon Bay to Kennedy Point on Waiheke, taking 45 minutes. Transfers are available from Kennedy Point. Standard return fares are adult $30.00, child $16.50, senior/student $26.00, car $130.00 and there are different family passes. Check their website for "hot deals" - sometimes two people with a car only have to pay for the car. Cheaper fares are also available with 10-trip tickets or with day return passes.
[http://www.waiheke-shipping.co.nz/ Waiheke Shipping] operate a vehicle ferry from Half Moon Bay to Waiheke several times a day, the trip taking about 70 minutes. It takes longer than Sealink but it's cheaper. Return fares are adult $20, child $10, senior/student $15, car $80 and there are family passes. Sometimes there are special deals.
By air
[http://www.helilink.co.nz/ Helilink] makes charter helicopter flights to Waiheke.
Get around
A bus service runs around the main populated areas between Matiatia Wharf and Onetangi and Rocky Bay. It doesn't go to Kennedy Point, Orapiu or Stony Batter. All day passes are available (but not before 9am on weekdays).
There are many taxis, and cars can be hired near the Matiatia ferry terminal. The main town, Oneroa, is about 20 minutes walk from the ferry terminal.
See
'''Waiheke Island Historic Village''', 165 Onetangi Straight, Onetangi (''the Onetangi bus, (number 1), stops here ? just ask the driver to stop''), (+64) 9 372 2970. Open year round Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays if they are public holidays, noon?4PM. Visit the woolshed museum and a 1930_fs restored cottage. There is also a photographic gallery and a textile display area. Admission is by donation.
'''Stony Batter''', [http://www.stonybatter.org/]. 9:30am-3:30pm. World War II gun emplacements and tunnels. Located at the eastern end of the island. There is a 1.2 km (20 minute) walk from the carpark. Tunnel entry $5 per person, $15 per family; double those prices for a guided tour.
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Do
'''Fullers Waiheke Island Explorer Tour''', a one hour 30 minute bus tour and commentary, twice a day in conjunction with ferry trips from Auckland. The tours start on arrival of the 10am and noon sailings from Auckland. Bookings are essential. Fares include return ferry trip, the bus tour and an all-day bus pass for the regular bus services. Adult $42, child $21, senior $40, under 5s free.
'''Fullers Waiheke Island Vineyard Tour''', tastings at 3 vineyards and a light lunch. Ferry leaves Auckland at 11am. Days vary with time of year. Waiheke Island produces some of New Zealand_fs finest red wines which thrive in the hot, dry summers and stony soils. The vineyards are not large and wines are produced in limited quantities. Fare include return ferry trip, the tour and an all-day bus pass for the regular bus services. Adult $85.
'''Whittaker's Musical Experience''', Artworks, Korora Road, Oneroa, 09 372 5573. Open 6 days. Tu by appointment only. Live performance at 1PM. Collection of musical instruments. Learn their history and the period they were made for.
'''Waiheke Island Jazz Festival''' takes place over the Easter weekend. [http://www.waihekejazz.co.nz/]
Try '''deep sea fishing''' with '''Fat Snapper Fishing Charters''', 21 Waiheke Road, Onetangi, (+64) 9 372 8755 (''andfloor@xtra.co.nz''). Full or half day deep sea fishing. Includes all equipment (rods, reels & bait). Half day charter $80 per person. Minimum charge $200.
Try '''sea kayaking''' with '''The Kayak Company''', (+64) 9 372 2112 (''dawnperk@slingshot.co.nz''). Half or full day guided tours from $60 to $95 or freedom rent a kayak at $55 per person per day. Escape the crowds and kayak around the island. [http://www.thekayakcompany.co.nz/kayakco_index.html]
Go '''walking''' round the island's tracks and bush reserves. Pick up a copy of the guide "Explore Waiheke Island's walkways" [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/waiheke/index.asp].
Buy
Eat
'''Cafe De Stefanos''', Miami Ave, Surfdale. Nice thin crust pizza place with great outdoor seating area. BYO. Food is generally on time. Reasonably priced; pizzas $16 - $19. BYO but wine is also available.
'''Ajadz''', Oneroa Arts complex. Basic Indian, eat-in or takeaway.
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Drink
'''Molly Malones''', Miami Ave, Surfdale. Irish styled pub with reasonably priced beers including of course Guinness on tap. Nice food as well - particularly the Guinness Pie. Outside seating and pool table. Good place to watch the rugby or listen to live music on the weekends.
Sleep
Get out