Top Things to do in Waiheke Island
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Browse the dozens of art galleries and craft stores of the Waiheke Arts Trail between dips in the emerald waters. Soar above the landscape on a chartered scenic flight, then refuel your engine with a casual beachfront café meal or an upscale, multi-course affair. Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealand’s fine wines.
Restaurants in Waiheke Island
1. SegWai
Overall Ratings
5 based on 125 reviews
SEGWAI - SEGWAY EXPERIENCES Certificate of Excellence Winner 2017 A most unique way to see Waiheke Island! When you take one of our Journeys you will be immersed in the inner beauty of our Island. Take it slow and glide on through native bushland, wetlands, vineyards and beach environments to truly experience Waiheke. We look forward to seeing you on-board with SegWai. It's about the Journey!
Reviewed By Angela W
The Segway tour with Andrew was amazing! We ended up luckily with a clear perfect weather to do this twilight tour after a week of rainfall in Auckland. The Segway is easy and I think it will suit all ages. Gliding around the beautiful landscape in Waiheke and weaving through the vineyard was so much fun. The sunset is probably the best time and we can see all the great golden colours. Andrew is so much fun to hang out with and we truly enjoyed the time with him.
Must also mentioned the little video clip Andrew made is sooooooo good it took us back all the great moment and scene we have seen in the tour.
Highly recommended. Must go!
2. EcoZip Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
We offer state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and an eco-immersive forest walk for nature lovers of all ages. With a complimentary pick up from the island's ferry terminal at Matiatia Wharf, or from Oneroa Village bus stop if you're already on the island, you'll enjoy a "mini-tour" of the island en route to our site on Trig Hill. Upon arrival and welcome at our visitor centre, you will be checked-in, geared up, and readied for one of Auckland's most eco-friendly activities! Three 200m dual flying fox ziplines will fly you smoothly side-by-side with a partner, friend or relative down into a stunning tract of original and regenerating native 'bush' (forest). It's a scenic interpretive walk back to base, where you'll learn about local flora and fauna and the conservation of our spectacular natural environment. With a choice of drop-off locations afterwards, we'll make sure you have plenty of things to do on the island!
Reviewed By QueenGuinevere222 - Norwich, United Kingdom
We were expecting the gravity-defying zipline adventures, but the highlight of this experience was actually the guided nature walk back up to the starting point. Wandering through New Zealand foliage, bird spotting and tree hugging, was the best part of the trip. We'd never been...MoreOh yeah, if you're on Waiheke you definitely need to hug a tree!!! So thrilled you enjoyed your time with us at EcoZip Adventures and thank you so much for your Trip Advisor review. Cheers Becks & the the EcoZip crew.
3. Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 128 reviews
The newest edition to Auckland’s vineyard destinations has been honored with international accolades for our estate-grown wines, plus national awards in architecture and design, building craftsmanship, cuisine and dining. The idyllic sloping vineyards of the family owned Tantalus Estate are located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley - a gentle picturesque twenty-acre vineyard in Waiheke’s renowned wine growing region. Complete with olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen Gardens, native trees and boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a destination not to be missed.
Reviewed By Theresa D - New York, New York, United States
It's really tough picking a favorite meal on Waiheke, but this one came close -- and it feels a bit like cheating because we only had appetizers. The truffle fries were hyped up by our bus driver and they were even better than that! Oysters were from Coromandel and thus, really creamy and delicious. Then we had squid pressed into "noodles." Really cool and perfect for a summer day. We did a beer tasting at the table and really enjoyed that, too, more than other NZ beers we had tried. We did a wine tasting afterwards and I thought the prices were very fair and I enjoyed the estates reserves more than the regional tasting. Would definitely return -- the estate is gorgeous! We even saw some super rich people land a helicopter in the vines. Very fancypants. Our waitress was nice.
4. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Kennedy Point Vineyard Celebrating our 21st birthday in 2017, Kennedy Point is still the only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke Island. Wild yeast coming in with the harvest helps ensure our small batch, basket pressed wines truly reflect the unique beauty of our island paradise. Our Mission is to take gentle care of this beautiful land to allow healthy vines to produce amazing wines. Our world famous Syrah is the obvious star of our cellar door but there are plenty of unsung heroes as well including the exquisitely crafted Cuvee Eve Chardonnay. The Cabernet Franc and Malbec are also worth visiting for. We only make those two if the year has been exceptional. Open every day from 11am to 4pm for lunch and tastings of our organic wine, olive and avocado oils and our Manuka and Pohutukawa honey.
Reviewed By drjandthemissus - Dubai
It's hard to have a bad location on Waiheke but Kennedy Point has all of the Pohutukawa trees, some 300 years old, so you can't beat that. Peter was helping us out through our tasting and he was AMAZING! We tasted some inside, tasted some outside, learned about the olive trees, saw the wine cave, saw how they keep the vineyard organic. It was a truly fabulous experience with first-class customer service.
We tried the "Oyster Shot" and I can't say that anyone in our party really like it. But "when in Rome..." so we went for it. For $5 NZ, why not?
"Shot. Shake. Chew"
We didn't inquire about food so I have no idea if they serve food or not. They do have a lovely patio with tables and picnic tables on the grass. It's a great place to spend an afternoon on a beautiful day. This winery also has other vineyards throughout NZ so you can get wines from off Waiheke island here.
5. Mudbrick Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By Cocoribbon - Brisbane, Australia
Just came back from an amazing wedding here! There is enough space for an indoor & outdoor event with great views!!! The reception was held in the restaurant which served the most scrumptious meals, great service from the staff & a really homely atmosphere! Thank you for the experience!
6. Obsidian Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Obsidian wines are the true embodiment of their place of origin. Every exquisite glass of Obsidian speaks of this unique terroir, encapsulating not only the character of the weathered soils at Onetangi, home to Obsidian's vineyard on Waiheke Island, but the coastal beauty of the surrounding environment.Tucked away in an Amphitheatre setting amongst the vines, Obsidian offers wine tastings in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our knowledgeable cellar door staff will take you through a range of Obsidian Reserve & Non-Reserve wines.All are available to purchase in the shop. Winter Opening Hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm Friday through Sunday.
Reviewed By RobLeesy - Warrington, United Kingdom
This place was average. The views are nice on the walk down but none whilst you’re there. 10 dollars gets you 4 samples. Our host however was very welcoming and informative. The wine is processed elsewhere
7. Man O' War Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin L - Cardiff, United Kingdom
No you can’t get a three course al a carte meal or manicured olive trees or fields of lavender. What you do get is a laid back platter for two, ( single platters and vegetarian platters are also available), costing $39, full of lovely pork rillette, cheese, bread, chutneys, fruit, etc. The wine is also top notch - very nice Bordeaux style red for €16.
Then all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the view. It’s not fancy, but it’s hard to beat.
8. Stonyridge Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 160 reviews
A walking tour of this picturesque vineyard reveals beautiful roses interspersed with the grape vines, used to make the vineyard's signature Larose Bordeaux style red wine.
Reviewed By Ichaso17 - New York City, New York
The sommelier was knowledgeable and wonderful. The grounds felt like a classic winery. I didn't eat here but had several of the wine tastings. I encourage everyone visiting the island to try this. Well worth it. I learned a lot about wines while having a good time with friends. Well worth your time.
9. Whittaker's Musical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By kehoedds - Merida
Every musical instrument in this little museum has a story, and often it's written for all to read. I was amused by the various accordions, but my favorite instrument in the collection was the "mission organ" as I could just imagine it on the back of a wagon pulled by horses to its rural destination.
10. Headland Sculpture on the Gulf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By ToTravelIsBrilliant - Wolfville, Canada
We were so fortunate the 'Headland Sculpture on the Gulf' was happening while we were on Waiheke. This wonderful blending of sculpture and local trails showcases the beauty of the island, and the talent of artists. We enjoyed all of the sculptures, and their positioning was so interesting, as they took your eye to places you might not normally look. Exercise, nature and art - what a concept :-). The volunteers involved are to be commended for all their work.
TAGS
