Top Things to Do on Waiheke Island: Active Outdoor Experiences
Waiheke Island, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush vineyards, and outdoor adventures, offers a wealth of activities for visitors seeking an active holiday. If sightseeing and soaking up the sheer beauty of the nature isn’t enough here’s your ultimate guide to some of the best things to do on this beautiful island:
1. Fun Base @ Kayak Waiheke
Add a splash of adventure to your trip by renting a kayak or paddleboard at Matiatia Beach. Glide across calm waters and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
📍 Location: Matiatia Beach, Matiatia
📞 Contact: 09 372 5550
2. Classic Yacht Sailing
Experience the thrill of classic yacht sailing from the Kayak Base at Matiatia. Perfect for those who love the ocean and dream of navigating the waves in style.
📍 Location: Matiatia Base, Waiheke
📞 Contact: 09 372 5550
3. eRide Waiheke
Hire an e-bike and cruise around the island in style. Starting from Matiatia Ferry Terminal, this eco-friendly option is perfect for exploring Waiheke’s diverse attractions.
📍 Location: Matiatia Ferry Terminal, drop off zone at 27 The Strand, Onetangi during summer season.
📞 Contact: 021 818 001
4. Play a round of Golf
Play a relaxed round of golf of 9 holes, using 18 different tees at Waiheke’s official golf course. There is also a golf simulator across the road at the Heke.
📍 Location: 133 Onetangi Road
📞 Contact: 09 372 8886
5. Waiheke Horse Tours
Embark on a unique adventure with a guided horseback tour through Woodside Bay. Perfect for nature lovers and equestrians alike.
📍 Location: Woodside Bay
📞 Contact: 021 438 549
6. Waiheke Mountain Bike Club
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Onetangi Sports Park offers challenging trails with stunning views of Waiheke’s rolling hills and lush landscapes.
📍 Location: Onetangi Sports Park, Onetangi
7. Wild on Waiheke
A hub of outdoor fun, Wild on Waiheke offers archery, clay bird shooting, and delicious food and drinks. A great spot to unwind and enjoy group activities.
📍 Location: 82 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi
📞 Contact: 09 372 3434
8. EcoZip Adventures
Explore Waiheke’s breathtaking landscapes on an exhilarating zipline tour. With stunning views of native forests and vineyards, EcoZip offers fun and eco-friendly adventures for all ages.
📍 Location: 50 Trig Hill Rd, Onetangi
📞 Contact: 09 372 5646
9. Experience local wineries
There are a plentiful range of vineyards on Waiheke worth sampling through the day. Unlike large-scale wineries, Waiheke’s vineyards are boutique and intimate, often family-owned, giving visitors a personalized and welcoming experience. Many feature stylish cellar doors, rustic architecture, and outdoor seating areas that allow guests to enjoy panoramic views of the island while sipping on award-winning wines. Wineries are dotted throughout the island, with a number within walking distance of each other on Onetangi Straight. Waiheke is well known for its full-bodied reds such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and merlot blends, though its Chardonnay, Viogner and Rose are also exceptional.
10. Hang out at the northern beaches
Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi are Waiheke’s most well known beaches. Oneroa is popular with boaties, Palm Beach has some lovely palm trees, while Onetangi is over 1km of beautiful white sand beach. Each of these beaches are great swimming beaches and family friendly. Onetangi has a range of eateries and good accommodation options close to the beach. A good option is to sample a range of things on your way to Onetangi, stay and then sample some more on your way back to Matiatia after a few day relaxing at the beach or in vineyards.
Waiheke Island’s outdoor experiences provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re zipping through treetops, paddling serene waters, or cycling scenic trails, you’ll find something to fall in love with. Start planning your active Waiheke getaway today!