The most common way is by ferry. Fullers360 operates regular passenger ferries from downtown Auckland (Britomart/Quay Street) to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island. The journey takes about 35–40 minutes. SeaLink offers vehicle and passenger ferry services from Half Moon Bay and Wynyard Quarter.
There is a second ferry company - Island Direct who also offer a regular service from downtown Auckland to Matiatia, they provide a high quality service and are fully bookable guaranteeing your preferred sailing time.
Yes, SeaLink ferries allow you to bring your vehicle. Bookings are essential, especially during peak times. Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle once you arrive.
If you have to arrive at a certain time, it’s strongly recommended to book in advance either with Fullers 360 or Island Direct, especially during weekends, holidays, and event periods. Walk-on passengers can generally buy tickets on the day, but spaces on your chosen sailing cannot be guaranteed. Bookings for the car ferry are essential and spaces fill up fast during peak season.
Public transport and taxis are available to many key locations. However, having a car gives you the most freedom and convenience to explore the island’s beaches, wineries, and attractions and to reach some of the harder to find spots on the island.
Yes, there are taxis and local shuttle services. Rideshare options like Uber are not currently available on Waiheke Island. Taxis are generally available until late in the evening but should be booked in advance during peak times.
Yes. Auckland Transport (AT) operates buses that connect key locations including Matiatia Wharf, Oneroa, Onetangi, Palm Beach, and Rocky Bay. You can use an AT HOP card or pay with your credit card. Cash is not accepted.
Yes. Several local companies offer car, scooter, and e-bike rentals. We recommend booking ahead during peak seasons.
Waiheke is known for its world-class wineries. Some of the most popular include Mudbrick, Te Motu, Casita Miro, Stonyridge, Passage Rock and Man O’ War. Many offer tastings, vineyard tours, and on-site dining.
Yes. Waiheke offers a range of guided experiences including wine tours, food tastings, art walks, ziplining, and nature excursions. Ask us for recommendations.
Oneroa, Onetangi, and Palm Beach are all stunning and easily accessible. Each offers golden sand, swimming, and nearby amenities. All the beaches are fairly safe, with generally calm conditions. However, none of them have life guards. If you are traveling with children you will need to keep a close eye on them around the water.
Explore Whakanewha Regional Park, enjoy a beach picnic, visit Wild on Waiheke, or take a nature walk. There are also playgrounds, art galleries, and weekend markets.
Absolutely. The island has excellent coastal tracks, forest walks, and scenic reserves. Try the Church Bay Circuit or Te Ara Hura walkway network.
Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, about 18km from central Auckland, New Zealand.
Waiheke enjoys a warm, temperate climate. Summers are dry and warm (20–28°C), while winters are mild (10–16°C). It’s drier and sunnier than Auckland.
Yes. Oneroa village has a full range of shops including a fully stocked 4 Square. Ostend has a large Woolworths supermaket and there are smaller convenience stores in Palm Beach, Onetangi, and Surfdale.
Yes. There’s a local medical centre, dental clinics, and a pharmacy in Oneroa. For emergencies, the island has ambulance services and an after hours clinic. In emergencies the excellent Westpac rescue helicopter can get to central Auckland in just a few minutes.
Our standard cancellation window is 7 days, allowing you to change your mind or move your booking up to 7 days prior to arrival without penalty. Please note that if booking through a third party such as Airbnb or Booking.com their cancellation policies will apply. For the best rates be sure to book with us directly.
You can see our full terms of rental here.
We are a trusted local accommodation provider with over 20 years of experience offering a curated portfolio of luxury holiday homes, charming baches, and stylish apartments across Waiheke Island. Our team is based on the island and committed to providing personalised service to both guests and property owners.
Our collection includes luxury estates, beach houses, vineyard cottages, and resort apartments—ideal for couples, families, groups, or wedding parties.
You can book directly through our website, by phone, or email. We recommend booking early, especially during peak periods and event weekends.
Some properties are pet-friendly give us a call or email to find a property that works for your requirements.
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Fullers360 - Passenger ferries from downtown Auckland to Matiatia Wharf.
SeaLink - Car and passenger ferries from Half Moon Bay
Island Direct - Passenfer service from downtown Auckland to Matiatia Wharf
Heletranz
Luxury helicopter flights from Auckland to Waiheke Island in under 15 minutes.
Rental Cars
Wide range of vehicles available from multiple convenient locations.
Public Buses
Reliable, regular service connecting ferry terminals, beaches, shops, and vineyards.
Bicycle and E-Bike Hire
Explore the island on two wheels. Hire options available near Matiatia Wharf and Oneroa.
Ostend Market
EcoZip Adventures
Private Wine Tours
Fishing Charters
Art Galleries
Olive Oil Tastings
Waiheke Golf Course
Early Settlers Museum
Waiheke Musical Museum
Scenic Walks
Stand-up-paddle-boarding
Kayak Hire
Stonyridge Vineyard
Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
Cable Bay Vineyards
Tantalus Estate
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Ki Māha
Goldie Estate
Kennedy Point Vineyard
Wild Estate
Passage Rock Wines