Donna’s guidebook
My favourite vineyards
Waiheke is known for it's vineyards and there's good reason for this with plenty of great wineries to visit on the island.
Fantastic food and wine in a fabulous setting with great views back over Auckland. With a fine dining and more casual restaurant there is plenty of options depending on your taste and budget. The wine tasting is worth doing too.
Get there nice and early for a good table outside to see the sunset, which is breathtaking on a pretty much any day that isn't raining.
If you feel up for a bit of an adventure Mudbrick is a ~35 minute uphill walk from my place (and being downhill it is quicker coming back home afterwards!). Walk to the end of Blackpool beach and there's a walking track you can follow up from there.
86 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mudbrick Restaurant at Vineyard
126 Church Bay RdFantastic food and wine in a fabulous setting with great views back over Auckland. With a fine dining and more casual restaurant there is plenty of options depending on your taste and budget. The wine tasting is worth doing too.
Get there nice and early for a good table outside to see the sunset, which is breathtaking on a pretty much any day that isn't raining.
If you feel up for a bit of an adventure Mudbrick is a ~35 minute uphill walk from my place (and being downhill it is quicker coming back home afterwards!). Walk to the end of Blackpool beach and there's a walking track you can follow up from there.
A great place to enjoy lunch in a fabulous setting. The food and wine are fantastic.
If you've already eaten I would recommend doing the wine tasting upstairs and if beer is your thing then head downstairs to the Alibi brewers lounge for a beer tasting (they also do great food).
60 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Tantalus Estate
72 Onetangi RoadA great place to enjoy lunch in a fabulous setting. The food and wine are fantastic.
If you've already eaten I would recommend doing the wine tasting upstairs and if beer is your thing then head downstairs to the Alibi brewers lounge for a beer tasting (they also do great food).
If you’re into Spanish food then a visit to this vineyard is a must. In my humble opinion they serve some of the best food and wine on the island. The setting is stunning too and it’s quite easy to get to being near Onetangi beach (buses run regularly to there).
66 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Casita Miro
3 Brown RdIf you’re into Spanish food then a visit to this vineyard is a must. In my humble opinion they serve some of the best food and wine on the island. The setting is stunning too and it’s quite easy to get to being near Onetangi beach (buses run regularly to there).
On a sunny day this is the perfect spot to sit at the outdoor picnic tables, enjoying a pizza and glass of vino whilst watching the action on the beach across the road. This is as remote as it gets, located on the other side of the island the drive out here alone is worth it to see a different part of Waiheke. Last time I drove out here I had to give way to Peacocks crossing the road :) Beware though the roads are dirt for the last half of the drive, which adds to the adventure, but you do need the right vehicle to venture out here. Even better if you can arrive by boat!
60 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mga Ubasan ng Man O' War
725 Man O War Bay RdOn a sunny day this is the perfect spot to sit at the outdoor picnic tables, enjoying a pizza and glass of vino whilst watching the action on the beach across the road. This is as remote as it gets, located on the other side of the island the drive out here alone is worth it to see a different part of Waiheke. Last time I drove out here I had to give way to Peacocks crossing the road :) Beware though the roads are dirt for the last half of the drive, which adds to the adventure, but you do need the right vehicle to venture out here. Even better if you can arrive by boat!
Off the beaten track, but this delightful vineyard is worth the effort. A picturesque setting with the outlook over rolling hills filled with vines, great wine and delicious Italian cuisine it’s easy to see why this is where locals take friends and family to showcase the island. If you are around on a Sunday I recommend booking in for their long lunch (warning don’t eat to much beforehand!).
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Poderi Crisci Restaurant and Vineyard
205 Awaawaroa RdOff the beaten track, but this delightful vineyard is worth the effort. A picturesque setting with the outlook over rolling hills filled with vines, great wine and delicious Italian cuisine it’s easy to see why this is where locals take friends and family to showcase the island. If you are around on a Sunday I recommend booking in for their long lunch (warning don’t eat to much beforehand!).
The lesser known of the vineyards on Church Bay Rd, it’s worth making the effort to go up the road just a little further. Chances are you’ll get to meet the winemaker, who is quite a character and you’ll walk away knowing a little more about wine having chatted to him. This wine is unique, with minimal intervention in the process it’s a lot cleaner than most wines, thus minimising the chance of any hangover - bonus!
Jurassic Ridge Winery
144 Church Bay RdThe lesser known of the vineyards on Church Bay Rd, it’s worth making the effort to go up the road just a little further. Chances are you’ll get to meet the winemaker, who is quite a character and you’ll walk away knowing a little more about wine having chatted to him. This wine is unique, with minimal intervention in the process it’s a lot cleaner than most wines, thus minimising the chance of any hangover - bonus!
As this is often the venue for hens and bucks parties, largely due the fun activities on offer like archery and clay shooting, I had assumed it wasn’t the venue for me to have a quieter catch up with friends. However I found myself here one rainy Sunday afternoon, after hearing about their cosy fireplace and was blown away by their wine, in particular the chardonnay which was so delicious we ended up buying a case of it. The food was also tasty and the service fantastic.
39 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Wild on Waiheke
82 Onetangi RdAs this is often the venue for hens and bucks parties, largely due the fun activities on offer like archery and clay shooting, I had assumed it wasn’t the venue for me to have a quieter catch up with friends. However I found myself here one rainy Sunday afternoon, after hearing about their cosy fireplace and was blown away by their wine, in particular the chardonnay which was so delicious we ended up buying a case of it. The food was also tasty and the service fantastic.
Best saved for a sunny day, sitting outside on the beanbags enjoying a works class view across to the Coromandal. Their gin is worth the trip too and the oysters were sensational. Make sure you have a sober driver though as the roads are rather treacherous, and after one or two gins it’s wise not to attempt the drive home!
Waiheke Distilling Co
258 Cowes Bay RdBest saved for a sunny day, sitting outside on the beanbags enjoying a works class view across to the Coromandal. Their gin is worth the trip too and the oysters were sensational. Make sure you have a sober driver though as the roads are rather treacherous, and after one or two gins it’s wise not to attempt the drive home!
Food scene
My favourite spot for a more casual meal on the island. Great food and the cocktails are a bit moorish too!
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Courtyard Waiheke Restaurant and Garden Bar
149 Ocean View RdMy favourite spot for a more casual meal on the island. Great food and the cocktails are a bit moorish too!
Yummy Italian food in a nice cosy setting, especially in winter when the fireplace is roaring. The seats at the front are a great place to enjoy your coffee whilst watching the world go by too. A bit of an institution with the locals.
53 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fenice Cafe & Restaurant
122a Ocean View RdYummy Italian food in a nice cosy setting, especially in winter when the fireplace is roaring. The seats at the front are a great place to enjoy your coffee whilst watching the world go by too. A bit of an institution with the locals.
A cheap and cheerful food option with the million dollar view. On an island where eating out is expensive this is one place won’t blow the budget. The fish is fresh, it’s licensed and you can’t beat the view over Oneroa beach. However it does close early!
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Stefano's Waiheke Island
18 Hamilton RoadA cheap and cheerful food option with the million dollar view. On an island where eating out is expensive this is one place won’t blow the budget. The fish is fresh, it’s licensed and you can’t beat the view over Oneroa beach. However it does close early!
This ice cream is delicious, with inventive flavours plus some old staples and lots of dairy free options there it caters to everyone. Expect a bit of a queue on a hot sunny day, but it moves quickly. I like to enjoy mine on Oneroa beach which is only a few minutes walk down the hill from here.
They also do good coffee and have ‘best ugly’ bagels on their breakfast menu. If you haven’t one of tried these yet you’re in for a treat.
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Island Gelato Company
106b Ocean View RdThis ice cream is delicious, with inventive flavours plus some old staples and lots of dairy free options there it caters to everyone. Expect a bit of a queue on a hot sunny day, but it moves quickly. I like to enjoy mine on Oneroa beach which is only a few minutes walk down the hill from here.
They also do good coffee and have ‘best ugly’ bagels on their breakfast menu. If you haven’t one of tried these yet you’re in for a treat.
A great little spot to sip on an espresso or tumeric latte if caffeine isn’t your thing. They have lots of healthy options and everything I’ve had here has been nourishing, filling and delicious!
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Akitō
153 Ocean View RdA great little spot to sip on an espresso or tumeric latte if caffeine isn’t your thing. They have lots of healthy options and everything I’ve had here has been nourishing, filling and delicious!
This restaurant has the most beautiful fitout and views, no matter where you are seated. A high end restaurant that serves outstanding ethically and locally sourced food, it also has the price tag to match. Perfect for a special occasion or if you feel like a bit of a splurge. Make sure you book ahead, particularly in the weekends.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ki Māha
1 Fourth AveThis restaurant has the most beautiful fitout and views, no matter where you are seated. A high end restaurant that serves outstanding ethically and locally sourced food, it also has the price tag to match. Perfect for a special occasion or if you feel like a bit of a splurge. Make sure you book ahead, particularly in the weekends.
With an outdoor seated garden area and outstanding views out across to Oneroa makes this an appealing spot for a post yoga morning coffee catch up (the local studio is just across the road 😉) or a few afternoon beverages in the sun. There is also plenty of indoor seating too if the weather isn’t on your side. The food menu has all the classics (think nacho’s, burgers, big breakfasts...) and they have a few decent Waiheke wines on their list too.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sol Bar & Cafe Waiheke
139 Ocean View RdWith an outdoor seated garden area and outstanding views out across to Oneroa makes this an appealing spot for a post yoga morning coffee catch up (the local studio is just across the road 😉) or a few afternoon beverages in the sun. There is also plenty of indoor seating too if the weather isn’t on your side. The food menu has all the classics (think nacho’s, burgers, big breakfasts...) and they have a few decent Waiheke wines on their list too.
Bar scene
If there’s a DJ playing on the island it’s likely that you’ll find them at Found. This place is where the locals go to have a good time and often has special events on. It’s open during the day too for coffee and food.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Found
8 Miami AveIf there’s a DJ playing on the island it’s likely that you’ll find them at Found. This place is where the locals go to have a good time and often has special events on. It’s open during the day too for coffee and food.
With an amazing view out onto Oneroa beach the setting alone is worth the visit. A great little spot to enjoy a cocktail or vino whilst the sun slowly sets. They often have live music too.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Aperitivo Wine Bar
151 Ocean View RdWith an amazing view out onto Oneroa beach the setting alone is worth the visit. A great little spot to enjoy a cocktail or vino whilst the sun slowly sets. They often have live music too.
A great place to have an afternoon beverage in the sun, overlooking the vines. They brew their own beer here which is worth doing a tasting of. It’s part of Tantalus vineyard so you can do a wine tasting next door at the same time.
It’s easy to get to with a bus stop outside. Just catch the 50A bus which runs from the Matiatia ferry terminal, through Oneroa to Onetangi beach. There are a run of vineyards next to each other in Onetangi (before the beach) and this is one of them.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Alibi Brewing Company
72 Onetangi RdA great place to have an afternoon beverage in the sun, overlooking the vines. They brew their own beer here which is worth doing a tasting of. It’s part of Tantalus vineyard so you can do a wine tasting next door at the same time.
It’s easy to get to with a bus stop outside. Just catch the 50A bus which runs from the Matiatia ferry terminal, through Oneroa to Onetangi beach. There are a run of vineyards next to each other in Onetangi (before the beach) and this is one of them.
Transport
Where to rent all modes of transport to get around the island.
If you’re planning on cycling around the island this is a great place to hire your bikes from. The island is deceptively hilly so I highly recommend getting an electronic bike!
eCyclesNZ
108 Ocean View RdIf you’re planning on cycling around the island this is a great place to hire your bikes from. The island is deceptively hilly so I highly recommend getting an electronic bike!
Offering stylish retro scooters, if you’re wanting to explore the island on a scooter this place is just around the corner from me so it’s very convenient.
Island Scoot
29 Tui StOffering stylish retro scooters, if you’re wanting to explore the island on a scooter this place is just around the corner from me so it’s very convenient.
With no Uber on the island it’s all a bit old school and you have to order a taxi here! However they are not all equal, some our renowned for overcharging. For a fixed fare and peace of mind that you’re not being ripped off I can recommend this company.
However leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere. I’ve had feedback that they can be running late with their pick ups during busy periods.
Waicabs is also another great option (for some reason this is not able to be found in the guidebook search so I'm not able to list this separately). They are more reliable with their timing and also charge fair rates. Here is a link to their website: https://waicabs.co.nz/
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Waiheke Dive and Snorkel
110 Ocean View RdWith no Uber on the island it’s all a bit old school and you have to order a taxi here! However they are not all equal, some our renowned for overcharging. For a fixed fare and peace of mind that you’re not being ripped off I can recommend this company.
However leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere. I’ve had feedback that they can be running late with their pick ups during busy periods.
Waicabs is also another great option (for some reason this is not able to be found in the guidebook search so I'm not able to list this separately). They are more reliable with their timing and also charge fair rates. Here is a link to their website: https://waicabs.co.nz/
Sightseeing
If you’ve been zip lining in places like Costa Rica or Laos this will seem small in comparison, with only three lines. However the views are stunning and you end up walking through an ancient forest at the end. And rest assured safety is paramount - you’re in expert hands!
47 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
EcoZip Adventures
150 Trig Hill RdIf you’ve been zip lining in places like Costa Rica or Laos this will seem small in comparison, with only three lines. However the views are stunning and you end up walking through an ancient forest at the end. And rest assured safety is paramount - you’re in expert hands!
Explore Matiatia harbour on a kayak or stand up paddle board, both of which can be hired by the hour. They also offer sea kayak and electric bike tours (you can also hire electric bikes here).
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kayak Waiheke
Explore Matiatia harbour on a kayak or stand up paddle board, both of which can be hired by the hour. They also offer sea kayak and electric bike tours (you can also hire electric bikes here).
Offering guided shore dives and snorkelling tours, you can even get your PADI certificate here. Be warned though the deeper water is cold in NZ, especially if you’re used to diving in tropical waters like I am! Of course they will fit you out with the appropriate wetsuit though to minimise the impact.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Waiheke Dive and Snorkel
110 Ocean View RdOffering guided shore dives and snorkelling tours, you can even get your PADI certificate here. Be warned though the deeper water is cold in NZ, especially if you’re used to diving in tropical waters like I am! Of course they will fit you out with the appropriate wetsuit though to minimise the impact.
There is no shortage of breathtaking walks to do on Waiheke. The Te Ara Hura walkway is broken down into four sections:
Headlands - The headlands walks are an introduction to the highlights of the island, all in one accessible space.
Beaches 'n' Baches - This walk is off the beaten track. You will encounter the island character of the villages.
Forest Heart - Escape the hustle and bustle and walk through beautiful native bush, old trees safe from possums, regenerating forest and streams, wetlands and birds aplenty.
Far End - The Far End of the network is a place apart from the rest of the island. Here, you'll get big skies, big views, and fresh air therapy.
Below is a link to a map of the walks:
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/get-outdoors/find-a-walk/Documents/te-ara-hura-map.pdf
Te Ara Hura - "W" Bay trail
64 Korora RdThere is no shortage of breathtaking walks to do on Waiheke. The Te Ara Hura walkway is broken down into four sections:
Headlands - The headlands walks are an introduction to the highlights of the island, all in one accessible space.
Beaches 'n' Baches - This walk is off the beaten track. You will encounter the island character of the villages.
Forest Heart - Escape the hustle and bustle and walk through beautiful native bush, old trees safe from possums, regenerating forest and streams, wetlands and birds aplenty.
Far End - The Far End of the network is a place apart from the rest of the island. Here, you'll get big skies, big views, and fresh air therapy.
Below is a link to a map of the walks:
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/get-outdoors/find-a-walk/Documents/te-ara-hura-map.pdf
Groceries and supplies
If you’re planning on eating a few meals at home, here are the places that I get my supplies from.
A great fresh fruit and vegetable selection and also some gourmet food items. They have some decent wine and boutique ciders and craft beers too.
25 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
RAW at Waiheke - Fresh Fruit & Vege Market
4 Putiki RdA great fresh fruit and vegetable selection and also some gourmet food items. They have some decent wine and boutique ciders and craft beers too.
In a handy location in Oneroa makes this store easily accessible. A gourmet grocer that stocks organic goods where possible. A little on the expensive side, but be reassured you’re buying quality produce. For the more discerning foodie.
20 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Island Grocer
110 Ocean View RdIn a handy location in Oneroa makes this store easily accessible. A gourmet grocer that stocks organic goods where possible. A little on the expensive side, but be reassured you’re buying quality produce. For the more discerning foodie.
A full range supermarket you can find the majority of grocery items here. Being a chain you get the nationwide discounts for items that are on special too, making this a much cheaper shop than other places on the island. Located in Ostend makes this harder to get to however if you don’t have a car. Although all the buses do go past here making this a viable option.
52 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Waiheke Countdown
19 Belgium StA full range supermarket you can find the majority of grocery items here. Being a chain you get the nationwide discounts for items that are on special too, making this a much cheaper shop than other places on the island. Located in Ostend makes this harder to get to however if you don’t have a car. Although all the buses do go past here making this a viable option.
Fantastic fresh local oysters and fish. They have some great condiments and fresh wild wheat bread here too.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Te Matuku Bay Oysters
13 Belgium StFantastic fresh local oysters and fish. They have some great condiments and fresh wild wheat bread here too.