Île Waiheke

In the summer season, it is super busy which requires preparing well to enjoy. Things to know: - Ferry: As the ticket says, it would be really good to arrive at the ferry terminal an hour before your estimated departing time. We aimed to take a ferry at 9 am and we arrived around 8.20 am. The 8 am ferry arrived at 8.25 am and left from the downtown ferry terminal at 8.35 am. We were super lucky, and I am unsure how this would impact the rest of the hours ferry. - Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus: Although we purchased tickets, we didn't use them. Yes.. it is a waste of money, but we wanted to avoid possible hassles. On Friday, the interval is an hour and most of the winery at the bus stop was fully booked. Some people complained of 1.30 hours waiting at the bus stop. - Rent a car: In the end, we rented a car a day after checking all the recent reviews. -- Pros: good to go wherever you go, enjoy some viewpoints and avoid crowded spots. -- Cons : limits for drinking and unable to go Man O war bay road if it is not a 4wd car.

I fell in love with this beautiful island. Family visited this on a Saturday through a ferry from East Auckland as we brought a van with us. Left 8am trip returned 7pm, had enough time to explore the beaches, vineyard, Catholic church, CBD for our brunch. We had a taste of oysters and wine tasting for our late lunch. Able to enjoy Waiheke ostend market every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, grandchildren loved the art gallery and parks. See you again.

We just went last Saturday and to my surprised there’s a long line waiting for us. We arrived in Viaduct at 10:00 am and get in at 11:40 am. Around 35 mins travel time. When we arrived in Waiheke Island we waited for another 1 hour for the Tour Bus. Lots of patience you need if your going here we had our lunch at cable bay vineyard at around 3pm and just enjoyed the rest of the day.

Great day trip from Auckland. Better if you find accommodation there for a night or two so you can enjoy the winery's and rend a bike to go around the island. It has amazing spots all around. I highly recommend to do the AT hop transport car and use that to travel to the island as the tour agency the rip you off 45$ return ticket.

Loved Waiheke Island. Such a diverse island. Well worth the visit. Must drive the island.

Beautiful island with nice stores and people. I had a great day trip here. We visited some restaurants, art galleries and the beach.

Just about 20 km away from Auckland, you find this landmass, which is so magical and beautiful. Island has a population of over 1000 permeant residence. This unspoilt beauty is all about nature and landscape. I took the ferry in the morning and after speeding a day I came back to Auckland in the evening. The lifestyle, culture and locals within the island was inspiring. They were friendly relaxed and fun. Next time I would spend a couple of days on the island itself, rent a beach house and wake up to the sound of the waves. Also, I wish I could own a home on top the of a cliff like in the photos and retire in a heavy island like this.

It is fantastic! Its peaceful nature amazed me. However, most of the the places are private and you should get more knowledge about areas that you can go in advance and have a perfect plan if you are not going with locals or tour agents to save time. A combination of great views of ocean, forests, and the beautiful sky, all together at one.

If you love wine tasting as a tourist this is the place. I enjoyed the tour but definitely a touristtrap experience. No regrets :

Loved the island. We are here the Mother’s Day weekend. Not too much traffic . Wine tasting is a must. Highly recommended Stonebridge Vineyard. Food, wine and the scenery are so awesome. You must also visit MudBrick Vineyard and Restaurant… it’s heavenly