Why visit Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is one of Auckland's most popular day trips, about 40 minutes by Fullers360 ferry from the downtown terminal.
Known for its sandy beaches, coastal walks, vineyards, cafes and relaxed island pace, Waiheke suits families, couples and groups looking for an easy day out on the Hauraki Gulf.
Things to do on Waiheke Island:
Relax at the beaches:
Oneroa, Onetangi and Palm Beach offer sand and safe swimming, all a short bus or bike ride from the Matiatia ferry terminal.
Walk the coastal tracks:
Waiheke has gentle, well-marked coastal walking tracks with harbour views, suitable for families. The headland walks near Matiatia and Oneroa are among the most accessible.
Explore by bike:
Bike hire is available near the ferry, and the island's roads and tracks make cycling a popular way to reach the beaches and villages.
Eat and explore the villages:
Oneroa village has cafes, ice cream, galleries and shops within walking distance of each other, making it an easy stop with kids.
Getting to Waiheke Island
Fullers360 runs frequent passenger ferries to Waiheke Island from the Downtown Ferry Terminal in central Auckland. As the operator serving both Waiheke and the wider Hauraki Gulf, Fullers360 makes it easy to plan a family day out on the water.
Waiheke Island: frequently asked questions
What can you do on Waiheke Island with kids?
Waiheke Island offers swimming beaches, easy coastal walks, bike rides, cafes and beach playgrounds, all within about 40 minutes by Fullers360 ferry from downtown Auckland. Popular family spots include Oneroa Beach near the ferry, Onetangi Beach on the north coast, and the walking tracks around Matiatia.
How do you get to Waiheke Island from Auckland?
Fullers360 runs frequent daily passenger ferries to Waiheke Island from the Downtown Ferry Terminal in central Auckland, departing from Piers 11 and 12. The crossing takes about 40 minutes.
How long does the Waiheke ferry take?
The Fullers360 passenger ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island takes approximately 40 minutes each way.
What are the best beaches on Waiheke Island?
Waiheke's best-known beaches include Oneroa, the closest to the ferry and village; Onetangi, a long north-facing sandy beach; and Palm Beach, a sheltered bay between them. All are reachable by island bus or bike from the Matiatia ferry terminal.
Can you visit Waiheke Island in a day?
Yes. Waiheke is an easy day trip from Auckland. With a roughly 40-minute Fullers360 ferry crossing, families can spend a full day at the beaches, walking tracks, cafes and shops and return the same evening on frequent sailings.
Is Waiheke Island good for families?
Waiheke is a low-effort, high-reward family day out. It has swimming beaches, gentle coastal walks, bike hire, cafes and ice cream, all a short ferry ride from central Auckland, making it well suited to a day out with children.
How do you get around Waiheke Island?
Waiheke has an island bus network connecting the Matiatia ferry terminal to the main villages and beaches, plus bike hire and taxis. Many visitors explore by bus or bike after arriving on the Fullers360 ferry.
Experiences on the island
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus
Waiheke Island is known for its breath-taking vineyards, beaches, and seaside villages. The Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the easiest way to access these beautiful attractions.
Waiheke Island
Taste of Waiheke
Looking for the ultimate day out on Waiheke Island? The Taste of Waiheke tour ticks all the boxes with a vineyard lunch and a variety of tastings at the best spots on the island.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Wine and Dine
Enjoy return ferry tickets, a tour of Waiheke Island and an iconic winery experience as part of Fullers360’s Waiheke Wine and Dine package.
Waiheke Island
Vineyard Explorer
Experience three of Waiheke Island’s best wineries and take a tour of the island with the Fullers360’s Vineyard Explorer package.
Waiheke Island
Ferry and e-Bike Hire
With expansive vistas at every turn, Waiheke Island is an e-bikers dream. Hit the pedals and cycle between the many vineyards on the island, stop at cafés and boutique shops, enjoy a pit stop at the beach or get adventurous and cycle one of the islands rugged coastal tracks.
Waiheke Island
Ferry and Car Hire
Fullers360’s Ferry and Car Hire provides you with the flexibility to explore Waiheke Island end to end.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Eastern Explorer Tour
Discover Waiheke Island's best kept secret. This is Waiheke’s lesser known, awe-inspiring side, with a blend of dramatic views, adventurous tastes, and rich history all packaged into a laid-back experience.
Waiheke Island
EcoZip Adventure Tour
Fly on three separate ziplines high above a vineyard and lush forest canopies, taking in breath-taking views over the Hauraki Gulf and back to the city.
