Friday, December 18, 2009

Waiheke Island "Destination of sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, a relaxed vineyard tour"

Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. There is a great range of activities on Waiheke. Options include sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, a relaxed vineyard tour and much more. The delectable cuisine on offer is complemented by a range of award-winning wines produced at the island's many wineries. Significant industries on the island include wine-making, olive production, tourism and arts, crafts.

Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand 17.7 km (about 35 minutes by ferry) from Auckland. Of the Hauraki Gulf islands, it is the second-largest (after Great Barrier Island), the most populated and the most accessible by regular ferry and air services. Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands. Waiheke Island has a permanent population of around 8,000 residents. Much of the population lives close to the western end of Waiheke Island, at or close to an east-west isthmus between Huruhi Bay and Oneroa Bay which, at its narrowest, is only 600 metres wide.



Northern Beaches and Bays

Oneroa

Facing towards the sunny north, Oneroa is a popular visitor spot with a busy and vibrant village. A range of accommodation exists at Oneroa as well as stunning views of the white sand bay below and Coromandel Peninsula in the distance.

Little Oneroa

Little Oneroa is a white sand, sheltered bay lined with pohutukawa trees for shade, calm waters that are safe for swimming and a popular bay for boats to moor. Just a stone throw from Oneroa, Little Oneroa is within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops of the village.

Palm Beach

Set in native bush with a beautiful beach below, Palm Beach is another popular place to live and to visit. At certain times of year, phosphorescence can fill the bay making a stunning display in the water. The area has its own restaurant, beach store and playground yet is also close to Oneroa Village.

Onetangi

The two kilometre stretch of white sand on Onetangi Beach makes this settlement a popular holiday destination. The beach is perfect for water activities such as windsurfing, swimming and the occassional surf. The beach is lined with houses and has some great cafe´ and restaurant dining options.

Western Beaches and Bays

Matiatia

Matiatia is an entry point to Waiheke with a busy ferry terminal, several yachts moored in the harbour and a bay scattered with olive groves. The Matiatia Wharf terminal has an information kiosk, cafe´ and bus and taxi transfers.

Church Bay

Church Bay, just south of Matiatia is fast growing into an exclusive retreat with its sprinkling of vineyards and olive groves including the renowned Mudbrick and Cable Bay. The vineyards and the accommodation match their views - spectacular!

Southern Beaches and Bays

Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay offers the perfect secluded island escape. Clad with native bush, the area is graced with stunning surrounds and as its name implies, sheltered rocky bays.

Whakanewha Bay

Whakanewha is a 2700 hectare Regional Park with a mature forest of native bush, a large wetland, remains of Maori and European history and rare native New Zealand bird species. Whakanewha has a campground, areas for picnics,bush walks and shallow swimming ideal for all the family.

Putiki Bay

Putiki Bay is a popular haven for boaties, offering good shelter in all except southwest winds. At the entrance to the bay, two small islands are joined by an isthmus.

Surfdale

Surfdale is a favourite spot for windsurfers with a frequent breeze to set the sails and a sandy bottom to protect the feet. Surfdale village has a range of shops, services and restaurants.

Blackpool

Blackpool is a small settlement of beach houses and permanent residences set on a peaceful rocky beach making it perfect for kayaking and admiring views of Auckland City in the distance.

Eastern Beaches and Bays

Man O' War Bay

Man O' War Bay is located on the eastern side of Waiheke, commonly referred to as 'The Bottom End'. A very popular bay for anchorage, Man O' War Bay is on the isolated side of the island so is scarcely populated. A Department of Conservation walking track leads up to the historic site, Stony Batter.



Artworks Courtyard

At the top of Oneroa Village, Artworks incorporates the Community Gallery, theatre, cinema, library, Beach Radio, Whittakers Musical Museum, arts and crafts, a cafe and bar and the Waiheke Visitor Information Centre.

Location: Artworks, Oneroa
For more information phone (09) 372 2941

Connells Bay Sculpture Park

Breathtaking coastal property with special spaces dedicated for a growing New Zealand sculptures, which are scattered throughout the park. Open by appointment only, mid October to mid April. Bookings are essential and children must be supervised.

Location: Cowes Bay Road, Connells Bay
For more information visit www.connellsbay.co.nz

Ostend Market

A colourful weekly market with a great atmosphere. The market sells hand-made crafts, ceramics, pottery, fruit, vegetables, food, clothing and plants.

The market operates every Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Location: Ostend War Memorial Hall.
For more information visit www.ostendmarket.co.nz.

Stony Batter Gun Emplacements

Built during WWII, this is a fascinating place to visit with its restored network of 1.3km's of tunnels, three concrete gun emplacements, magazines, an engine room, command post and associated military history.

Location: eastern end of Waiheke. Access via Man O' War Bay Road
For more information visit www.doc.govt.nz

Te Whau Garden

Te Whau has a beautiful garden bush walk which is open to the public. Highlights include gardens fully planted with subtropicals, perennials, palms, and natives, a moderate grade forest track through coastal broadleaf forest, and garden art and sculpture.

Location: Vintage Lane, Te Whau
For more information visit www.tewhaugarden.co.nz

Toytime

A nostalgic review of over 2,000 diecast models and toys on display.

Open Sundays only from 10am - 4pm.
Location: 51 Pacific Parade, Surfdale
For more information phone (09) 372 8659

Waiheke Island Historical Village

This village consists of the Woolshed Museum and two cottages, which display a collection of artifacts, including the textile gallery, photography display, wool press and whaler's cauldron.

Location: 165 Onetangi Straight, Onetangi
For more information phone (09) 372 7143 or (09) 373 6861

Whittakers Musical Museum

A unique opportunity to see a well presented show featuring a variety of instruments dating back to the 1500's.

Open 10am - 4pm, the show begins at 1pm.
Location: Artworks Courtyard, 2 Korora St, Oneroa
For more information phone (09) 372 5573 or visit www.musical-museum.org

Bliss by the Beach

While visiting Waiheke Island, why not treat yourself to some indulgent time-out? Check out Bliss by the Beach, a beauty therapy and spa treatment company located within Oneroa village.

Bike Hire Waiheke Island

Excellent quality bikes, 21 speed, clean, tidy, and well maintained. The office is located on Maitatia Wharf (ferry terminal), giving you the perfect opportunity to pick up your transport and return it at the end of the day. Optional multi-day hires are also available with discounts.
Telephone: 64 9 372 7937 www.waihekebikehire.co.nz

Flying Carpet Sailing Adventures

Lie on the decks or nets of the Flying Carpet catamaran while you watch the ocean pass by beneath you. Anchor for a sumptuous lunch made by the skipper who is a qualified chef and sailing expert. For a wonderful day spent cruising amongst scenic islands, beaches and inlets, Flying Carpets can offer day sails or longer cruises on request. www.flyingcarpet.co.nz.

Generation Yacht Charters

Generation Yacht Charters offer half day and full day sailing charters with friendly, experienced crew. The yacht is very well designed for safe sailing so everything is controlled from the cockpit. A maximum of 6 guests are allowed to enable hands on involvement or just sitting back and relaxing. Sailing routes are very flexible. www.gosailing.co.nz.

Redquarters

Redquarters is a charter vessel specialising in backpacker cruises. On board facilities include accommodation, a licenced bar, fishing and snorkelling gear, kayaks, a dive compressor (own gear required), BBQ and smoker.
www.redquarters.co.nz.

Waiheke Bowling Club

Waiheke Bowling Club has been part of the community since 1945. In a friendly atmosphere with a fully licenced bar and quality, affordable meals we are able to offer visitors a fun day trying their hand at lawn bowls. Phone 09 372 7108 to make sure there is a member to welcome you, sign you in and show you the ropes.
Location: 2 Marama Ave, Surfdale.

Waiheke Sea Kayaks

Ross Adventures offers various kayaking packages from guided half-day excursions to full overnight trips. Explore a mangrove system and paddle into a lagoon with rare bird species. The short distances from Waiheke to outer islands gives even more options for exploring the area. Telephone: +64 9 372 5550

Wild on Waiheke

Wild on Waiheke is a unique multi-activity venue offering a range of activities including archery and laser claybird shooting set within the magic of a Waiheke vineyard and brewery. Their on-site team building division, Insync, specializes in customized team events such as The Great Escape Team Challenge and The Wild Woozey, suitable for conference & family groups, team away-days and Christmas parties.
Address: 82 Onetangi Road, Onetangi.
Phone: +64 9 3724225
Email: info@wildonwaiheke.co.nz
Website: www.wildonwaiheke.co.nz.



Cable Bay Vineyards

The Cable Bay winery, restaurant and cellar door are set amidst vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy stunning rural and sea views looking towards Auckland City while enjoying internationally acclaimed wines.

Goldwater

Goldwater combines old world traditional wine making techniques with modern day technology to achieve outstanding and memorable hand-crafted wines. Their supplying vineyards similarly participate in the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Scheme.

Jurassic Ridge

Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc vines are planted over 155 million year old Jurassic rock. Come and taste our hand-crafted single vineyard varietals, ‘blush’ and rose wines and our premium extra virgin olive oil from our own press at the winery cellar door - open daily from 11-4.

Kennedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove

At the International Wine Challenge, London 2009 the Kennedypoint 2007 Syrah was awarded International Syrah Trophy, Best NZ Red, Best NZ Syrah. Wine and delicious lunches are served on the deck or in the Olive Grove during the summer months.

Man O' War Vineyard

Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War first introduced grapes in 1993, firm in the belief that world class wines could be produced here. Since then we have carefully selected and developed almost 90 individual pockets of Man O’ War’s hillsides for wine growing, each chosen for the unique and exceptional qualities they bring to our wines.

Mudbrick Vineyard

Named after the Barn/House was built from mud bricks, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant offers a unique Waiheke wine and cuisine exprience, available all year round. Enjoy a wine tasting with their knowledgeable cellar door staff, or dine in their award winning restaurant, while soaking in the ambiance and views of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.

Obsidian Vineyard

Obsidian Vineyard nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley. The cellar door is open for 6 months of the year from mid Oct. to Easter and offers visitors the chance to try an award winning range of wines including Bordeaux Blends, Syrah, Montepulciano, Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose.

Passage Rock

Passage Rock Wines was established in 1994 by David and Veronika Evans-Gander. This boutique winery is set in Te Matuku Valley and also has a cafe open to the public.

Peninsula Estate

With spectacular views of Oneroa Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, Peninsula Estate is focused on producing single estate, world-class premium red food wines, that can be confidently cellared for many years. All wines are proudly estate grown, produced and bottled.

Poderi Crisci

Poderi Crisci is a small family owned vineyard with a passion for growing Italian varietals. and olives The land that the vineyard is on is believed to be 30 million years older than the rest of Waiheke Island.

Rangihoua Estate - Olive Growers and Producers

Rangihoua Estate had its inaugural harvest in 1997 and this was the first time that olive oil had been made on Waiheke Island. It is now a leading brand in Extra Virgin Olive Oils, and produces the most prolific award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils in New Zealand.

Saratoga Estate

Saratoga Estate Vineyard is a family owned business that has strong links to Saratoga, California. It is surrounded by eight acres of grape varieties including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc, syrah, sangiovese and chardonnay.

Stonyridge Vineyard

Stonyridge Vineyard is a specialist cabernet-blend winegrower producing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, combining traditional winemaking with meticulous organic viticulture.

Te Motu Vineyard

Te Motu Vineyard was established by the Dunleavy family in 1989 and is noted for its fine reds, notably the Te Motu cabernet /merlot.The first vines were planted in 1989, and the first vintage was produced in 1993.

Te Whau Vineyard

With breathtaking 360° views, stunning architecture, exquisite food, and a fantastic wine list, including its own five-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and Cafe is a truly unique wine lover's experience.

Topknot Hill

Located in the beautiful Onetangi wine growing area, enjoy complimentary tastings of our wines and boutique brewery beers made on site. Visit our "Taste Waiheke" Area to sample locally made products including award winning olive oils, dukka, sauces dips and chutneys, as well as local art and craft.

View East Vineyard

Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island on Cowes Bay Road near the small coastal settlement of Orapiu, this vineyard is situated on a ridge with breathtaking views.

Olive Groves

Azzuro Groves

Award winning olive oils are produced at this stunning olive grove on Te Whau peninsular. Alpacas are bred on the farm and can often be seen grazing under the 500 trees. The Azzuro farm shop offers olive oil tastings and sales plus fine alpaca clothing, tableware and bodycare gifts.



Windsurfing Waiheke

Waiheke Island offers an exciting playground of picturesque bays for windsurfers to get out on the water and have a bit of fun. Windsurfing Waiheke operates over summer, spring and autumn and can provide lessons or equipment to suit your needs.
Telephone: +64 (0)9 372 6275

Local and internationally renowned artists have chosen Waiheke as the base for their studios. While visiting Waiheke you can see pastels, watercolours, ceramics, oil and acryllic paintings, scultptures and mixed media works from a wide variety of artists.

Waiheke Community Art Gallery

The Waiheke Community Art Gallery is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting visual arts and crafts. The gallery exhibits works by local, national and international artists and the shop offers a range of reasonably priced art and gifts.
Admission is free.
Location: 2 Korora Rd , Oneroa
Telephone: (09) 372 9907
Open 7 dyas 10am to 4pm

www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz


Cable Bay Summer Sculpture Exhibition

Cable Bay Vineyard in association with Gow Langsford Gallery will have a magnificent display of sculptural pieces from a range of well known New Zealand artists.

All works will be on display until the end of summer. Visitors are welcome to wander around the vineyard and enjoy the artwork between 11am and 6pm daily. Cable Bay’s award winning restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner through summer.

Island Time - New Years 2010. Island Time is back for another night of celebration and slinky sounds, headlined by luminaries of New Zealand's electronica scene The Nomad, International Observer (Tom Bailey formerly of The Thompson Twins), and hip hop maestro King Kapisi.Last year tickets for this exclusive event sold out fast. Island Time 2010 will be no different.

Earlybird tickets $60, or $75 later From Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz and The Waiheke Island Visitor Information Centre 09 372 1234


Fiesta Del Sol Fiesta Del Sol is returning to Waiheke Island's Stonyridge Vineyard this summer with a legendary international music line up of UK artists including Norman Jay, and Crazy P (DJ set) with Danielle Moore.

Fiesta Del Sol only happens once a year and this is the only Stonyridge party of the summer!

So get your friends together, book some accommodation and enjoy what promises to be a great long weekend summer holiday away from the city, on Waiheke Island.


Onetangi Beach RacesOnetangi Beach Races, Auckland's most iconic beach event, has been going for over 100 years and gets better and better each year.

There will be Races, TOTE, huge raffles, silent auction, cafes, food stalls, competitions and Tug O War.

And for the kids there will be a huge Sandworks competition, The Big Dig, Mad Hatter competition (bring a hat you have made and win prizes). Also egg and spoon races for the littlies under five.

Find out more online: www.onetangibeachraces.co.nz

Watch or join in, just don't miss out! A great free family day out.

Transportation

Fullers

Fullers Ferries provide the most regular service to Waiheke Island, with ferries departing from downtown Auckland (some via Devonport) and Matiatia, Waiheke. Fullers service the island transport with a scheduled bus service that meets and delivers to every ferry sailing.
Timetables & pricing

360 Discovery

360 Discovery provide passenger ferry services to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland. The coromandel ferry departs from Pier 4 and stops at Orapiu Bay on the western end of Waiheke Island.
Timetables & pricing (Waiheke fares towards the bottom of the page)

SeaLink

SeaLink operates car and passenger ferry services to Waiheke Island from Half Moon Bay and to Great Barrier Island from Auckland city. A Waiheke service also departs from Auckland city on Friday nights and weekends. SeaLink offers holiday packages combining ferry and accommodation with optional activities.
Timetables & pricing

Heliflight

Heliflight is a privately owned New Zealand company offering a diverse range of helicopter touring adventures to Waiheke Island, from a local sightseeing tour to heli-dining, lodge indulgence packages and heli-sport.
Waiheke Island helicopter tours & charters

Helilink

Helilink Limited is based at Auckland's only downtown helipad, five minutes from the city centre. You can charter a helicopter for your personal use, as an exclusive touring vehicle or as a way to get you where you want to go quickly.
Waiheke Island helicopter dining experiences

Heletranz

Auckland's longest serving helicopter operation. Heletranz regularly fly from helipads in Albany, the City (Mechanics Bay) and Auckland Airport to destinations within the Auckland region including Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island helicopter dining experiences

Skywork Helicopters

The Skytours name is synonymous with first class quality and service, ensuring that either your adventure experience or your holiday satisfaction is second to none. Offering a multitude of exclusive activities created specifically for your needs.
Waiheke Island skytours overview


Robbies Double Decker Travel

Operates over the summer months, or longer if demand continues. The red London Double Decker bus is ideal for something a bit different and Robbies can put together a number of options to suit. Wedding transfers are their speciality. Ph: 0800 ROBBIES (762 243) or +64 9 838 2266 Email: robbiesfunbus@xtra.co.nz
www.robbiesfunbus.co.nz

Waiheke Chauffeured Cars

Waiheke Chauffeured Cars specialises in corporate transfers, weddings, vineyard and olive grove tours, as well as half day and full day top of the range tours on the island.
www.waihekechauffeuredcars.co.nz

Waiheke Executive Transport

We can personally meet and transfer you to your chosen destination on the Island. We have a modern fleet of reliable vehicles that can accommodate individuals or large groups. Ph: 0800 372 200
www.waiheketransport.co.nz

  • Dial a Cab: (09) 372 3000

  • Jaguar Tours Ltd: (09) 372 7312

  • Waiheke Buses: (09) 372 8823

  • Quality Cabs: (09) 372 7000

  • Waiheke Independent Taxis: 0800 300 372

Boat Anchorage

Waiheke Island has long been a treasured destination and stopover for boaties. Not only is the journey to the island highly scenic, the island itself offers a plethora of sheltered bays surrounded by native bush and calm waters ideal for water skiing, diving, fishing and exploring.


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