Waiheke Island

It only takes 45 minutes on the ferry to get to Waiheke Island.

In the 45 minutes, you are transported to a land far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Waiheke and its locals lives at a fairly relaxed pace, but don’t be fooled by the laid back attitude – they are a very savvy bunch, those who have chosen island life. There are flourishing wineries, art and craft businesses and restaurants.

Beach life

The beaches on Waiheke Island rival any in New Zealand in terms of beauty – the sand is white and fine, the water clear and you have access to surf or not, depending on your taste. It is idyllic. You will find all the creature comforts you expect for a holiday destination, and a wonderfully welcoming attitude from the locals. There really is nowhere like Waiheke Island, especially on a sunny summer’s day.

Onetangi Beach, on the northern side of Waiheke, boasts the island’s largest beach –2.5 kilometres of firm white sand. It’s a surfspot at times and, once a year, becomes Waiheke’s race course with horse racing up and down the beach.

Around 8000 people call Waiheke home permanently, making it the third most populated island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands, but the population swells to many times that over the summer months. The main settlements are Oneroa, Onetangi and Palm Beach.

Waiheke’s influence

Waiheke Island was the first community in New Zealand to vote for a nuclear free zone and this action is said to have contributed to the national decision to become nuclear-free under the David Lange government.

Attractions

One of the must-sees on Waiheke Island is the Whittaker’s Music Museum. And what a special place it is. There are hundreds of restored antique instruments — concertinas, harpsichords, pianolas, theatre organs and a nine-foot concert grand piano from 1897. Some of the instruments are 500 years old, and the hosts Lloyd and Joan Whittaker don’t hold back when they get playing for the daily performance.

As far as history and reputation is concerned, Stony Batter is a highlight. This is one spot on Waiheke that you mustn’t miss. Situated on the northeastern end of the island it’s the generic name for a privately-owned farm and extensive vineyards. Within the farm is a 50 acre scenic reserve owned by DOC that contains rolling fields scattered with unusual rock formations. There are three concrete gun emplacements here too. The guns linked with over one kilometre of tunnels to form a major coastal defense gun battery, installed to ensure safe anchorage in Auckland Harbour for Allied shipping. The battery was started in 1942 but the first gun was not test fired until 1946 — after the war had ended. The battery is now in the hands of a preservation society, which keeps it open for the public under a concession from DOC.


Waiheke has plenty of accommodation, from dinky B&B’s to luxury lodges. It is always a good idea to book. To get around the island, there are the ubiquitous buses, taxis, hire cars, bikes and horses to choose from, or take your own car on the ferry.  It is a wonderful spot for a getaway, it feels like you’re on holiday from the moment the ferry pulls away from the dock in Auckland. Ferries are regular and reliable – why not take a trip overseas to Waiheke Island soon?