Waiheke Island offers an exciting calendar of events this winter and spring. From gallery openings and food experiences to boutique concerts and workshops, here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up.
Open Studios Waiheke
Dates: 31 May – 2 June 2025
Explore over 30 local artist studios and galleries during King’s Birthday Weekend. Includes a weekend pass, venue map, and a Sunday Soirée.
More info: https://www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz/events/events/waiheke-open-studios-2025/
Autumn Art Exhibitions
Dates: 9 May – 8 June 2025
Seasonal exhibitions at Waiheke Community Art Gallery, featuring local artists.
More info: https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/whats-on
Small Sculpture Prize
Dates: Through May 2025
A national award for small-scale sculpture, hosted by Waiheke Community Art Gallery.
More info: https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/whats-on
Ladi6 – Le Vā Album Release Tour
Date: 11 July 2025, 8:30 PM
Location: Artworks Community Theatre
Award-winning NZ artist Ladi6 performs her new album live.
Event details: https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/whats-on
Waiheke Chamber Music Festival
Dates: Spring 2025 (exact dates TBC)
Location: Various venues
A weekend of intimate chamber concerts paired with local wine and hospitality.
More info: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/waiheke-chamber-music-festival-2025/auckland/waiheke-island
Waiheke Whisky Club at The Heke
Location: The Heke, 64 Onetangi Road
Monthly whisky tasting events, each with a unique theme and speaker.
Upcoming dates:
16 May: https://www.theheke.co.nz/whats-on/o12b1thekfmafomuqjekv0mc4jifit
13 June: https://www.theheke.co.nz/whats-on/xue08pvtzetvw1icub4nwknj9mdl2x
18 July: https://www.theheke.co.nz/whats-on
22 August: https://www.theheke.co.nz/whats-on/63nrpef3t8ikxr9xwd6spwlgksuz2t
26 September: https://www.theheke.co.nz/whats-on
Jewellery Making Workshop
Date: 14 June 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Catherine Mitchell Arts Centre
Learn to make your own wax-sculpted and gemstone-set jewellery.
Details: https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/whats-on
Forage Waiheke
Date: 30 August 2025
Discover Waiheke’s edible wild plants and learn sustainable foraging.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/forage-nz-2025-4233243
Ostend Market
When: Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Belgium Street, Ostend
Waiheke’s popular weekly market with fresh produce, food, crafts and more.
Info: https://www.waihekeostendmarket.co.nz/
Waiheke Community Cinema
Location: Artworks Theatre
Daily screenings of indie, festival, and family films.
Cinema schedule: https://www.waihekecinema.co.nz/
Here is a snapshot of what is to come later in the year:
Waiheke Garden Festival
A self-drive tour of beautiful private gardens with live music and local art stalls.
Waiheke Olive Festival
Held biennially at Rangihoua Estate, celebrating Waiheke’s olive oil harvest with food, music and tastings.
Waiheke Island Garden Safari
A long-standing favourite where guests explore the island’s most exquisite private gardens.
Highlife New Year’s Eve Festival
31 December – A high-end vineyard party featuring DJs, live performances and gourmet food at Wild Estate. Strictly R23.
Sundance New Year’s Day
1 January – A relaxed daytime festival at Stonyridge Vineyard with music and sunshine vibes.
Summer Activities at Waiheke Recreation Centre
Weekly sessions in basketball, pickleball and youth activities throughout January.
Sea Kayak & Vineyard Glamping Experience
A two-day adventure with sea kayaking, bush walks, a gourmet dinner at Batch Winery and luxury glamping.
Waiheke Recreation Centre Activities
Basketball, pickleball and play gym sessions continue through summer.
North Island Wine Tour (Waiheke Stop)
3–12 March – Part of a 10-day expert-led wine journey across NZ’s best vineyards, including a Waiheke visit.
Waiheke Recreation Centre Events
Continued community fitness and leisure events throughout the month.
For up-to-date event details and ticket info, visit:
https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/whats-on
