Overview
Waiheke Island boasts 92 square kilometres of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, vineyards, olive groves and seaside villages – and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of our most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world.
For an indulgent culinary experience, taste the fresh local cuisine, sip your way through wineries, and sample fresh pressed olive oils. Or if you're feeling adventurous, explore the network of coastal walking and cycle trails or go ziplining – perfect for breathtaking cliff-top views.
Waiheke Island $35 Return Deal
Travel Off-Peak and Save
Buy a $35 return ticket to Waiheke today, and travel on selected sailings tomorrow and beyond to unlock great savings.
If you’re flexible with your travel times take advantage of our off-peak sailing times and get to Waiheke Island and back for just $35 return.
How it works:
Purchase your ticket online at least one day prior to travel.
Plan which sailing you want to take. The $35 return ticket is valid between specific sailing times. Traveling outside of these times requires a standard return ticket.
Tickets are valid from Auckland and returning from Waiheke between:
- first ferry departure in the morning until 8:29am
- 12:01pm to 3:29pm
- 7:01pm until the last ferry sailing
Scan your ticket at the gate, hop on board and enjoy your sailing to Waiheke Island.
When it’s time to return, your ticket is valid between the same sailing times off Waiheke Island.
Traveling with kids? You can purchase a standard child’s ticket with your $35 return ticket.
* Full offer terms and conditions apply, available online here.
Where is it?
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is approximately a 40-minute ferry ride from the Downtown Auckland ferry terminal. You'll cruise past Auckland's stunning coastlines and beautiful islands as you journey towards your destination. You can also catch the ferry from Devonport Wharf.
What can I do?
- Vineyards - Home to more than 30 boutique vineyards, Waiheke has become known as New Zealand’s "island of wine". This group of winegrowers have successfully matched the maritime climate and ancient soil structures to produce some of the country’s best wines. Visit cellar doors, or enjoy wine and food pairings at vineyard cafes and restaurants.
- Food - The many island wineries are perfect for culinary indulgence. You'll find a range of onsite options - from food pairings, to platters and casual lunch options, to gourmet meals at award-winning restaurants. Oneroa Village has beautiful cafes, gelato shops and takeaway options. For a relaxing lunch, take in sea views from The Oyster Inn's restaurant verandah, or venture to Onetangi for casual beachside dining at Charlie Farley's. Visit Rangihoua Estate to sample internationally awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or stop by Te Matuku Oysters to purchase locally farmed seafood.
- Shopping - Oneroa, Ostend and Surfdale have great shopping opportunities. Unique stores are bursting with local art, gifts, jewellery, clothing and more. The Ostend Market operates every Saturday from 7.30am - 1:00pm.
- Beaches - Waiheke is best known for its pristine beaches, and its warm microclimate makes it the perfect swimming spot. Oneroa Bay and Little Oneroa sit side-by-side, and are within walking distance of the main village. Little Oneroa is a perfect place to spend the day, with BBQs, a children’s playground and a sprawling grassy area. Onetangi Beach features 2.5 km of beautiful white sand, plus convenient bars and restaurants at the water's edge.
- Walking Tracks - Waiheke offers a number of native bush tracks, and scenic coastal walks with sensational views of surrounding islands and the Coromandel. Starting from Matiatia Wharf, the Northern Walk features the most diverse track - without venturing too far from the ferry. Follow the headland track to Cable Bay, Owhanake Bay, and Oneroa Village before completing the loop back to Matiatia. See more detailed directions for a recommended track.
Please be advised: Onetangi Reserve and Goodwin-Te Haahi Reserve have been closed to help reduce the spread of Kauri Dieback and protect our remaining native Kauri forests. For more information about this closure please visit Forest and Bird here.
How do I get around?
There are plenty of options for travel once you get to Waiheke, from a convenient Hop-on Hop-off bus to public buses to car hire to taxis to bikes. You can...
- Hire a set of wheels and explore at your own pace. As your own tour guide, you'll be able to venture to parts of the island that most tours don't visit. Pick up and drop off is conveniently located at Matiatia Wharf. More car hire info here
- Explore Waiheke Island like never before - on a mountain bike or e-bike. Cycle to cafés, past vineyards, or on rugged coastal tracks. Bike and e-bike hire info here
- Travelling to Waiheke between Friday and Sunday? The Waiheke Island Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a flexible and convenient choice to see Waiheke your way. The Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus meets the ferries on arrival every hour on Thursday and Friday (operating between 9.00am to 5.00pm) and every 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday (operating between 9.00am to 5.20pm). The last tour finishes back at Matiatia ferry terminal to meet the 7.00pm departing ferry to Auckland. The Explorer tour includes 16 stops around the island - including Oneroa and Onetangi village as well as popular vineyards, walking tracks and art galleries. Read more about the flexible tour here.
- Catch a bus. The Waiheke Bus Company operates a network of public bus service to transport you to key parts of the island. Most services connect with the ferry arrivals and departures. For more information and timetables visit our section on the Waiheke Bus Company.
- Take a tour. Whether you’re planning a full-day foodie adventure, an afternoon of wine tastings, or just a special dinner date away from the big city, Waiheke is the perfect destination. Find tour details here
What do I need?
- Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat
- Swimming gear and a towel, in the warmer months
- A light rain jacket, and warm layers. Temperatures can change quickly, regardless of the season
How long should I stay?
Waiheke Island makes for a perfect half or full day trip from Auckland. But with so much to see, it's also a superb weekend getaway or extended holiday destination.
On-Board Safety Guidelines
Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please follow our On-Board Safety Guidelines.
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