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New Zealand > Auckland > Waiheke Island
 Waiheke Island is one of the largest islands in the Hauraki Gulf situated
in the
area of ocean to the northeast of Auckland City. It has a permanent
population of a little over 7,000 residents but day- and
weekend-trippers easily quadruple this number during the summer
months. It’s considered to be a peaceful spot to visit to escape the
bustling centre of Auckland. Those who originally lived on the island
were alternative lifestyle and craftspeople who wanted a unique way
of life. However, the advent of the fast ferry meant that Auckland
was a mere 40 minute journey away, more and more people have chosen to
move to Waiheke Island. In recent times, it has become fairly
up-market – a sort of businessperson’s retreat. However, there are
still plenty of sprawling sandy beaches and quiet wilderness areas to
go around.
The main access to the island is via the
ferries which run every half hour or so throughout the day. Bikes can be
brought onto the ferry for free with paying passengers, making them an
excellent way to explore Waiheke. However, if you want to do some
serious exploring of the island, you can bring your car for about
$100. If time is more important than money, Waiheke Air Services
provides flights to the island twice daily. While on the island, bus
services operate between the ferry and the island’s major points
on interest.
The main settlement on (and ferry terminal) Waiheke Island is Oneroa, located on the western end of the island. Here you’ll find an
excellent Visitor Information Centre (found at the top end of Ocean
View Drive), as well as shops, banks, restaurants and a post office.
The town is built alongside Oneroa Bay, which is one of Waiheke
Island’s safest and most pleasant swimming beaches.
While in Oneroa, check out the unique
Whittaker’s Musical Experience. Located in the same building as the
Visitor Information Centre, it is a weird and wonderful collection of
musical instruments ranging from piano accordions to flagelots. They
are all demonstrated during the interactive Musical Experience which
happens at 1pm every day except Tuesdays. The display-only section is
open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Waiheke Island has a thriving artistic
community, and a trail of the islands arts & crafts is a must during
your visit. The Visitors Information Centre puts out an excellent
leaflet about the various studios scattered across the island.
 The rest of the island consists of quiet
pockets of coastline, small settlements and farmland. There are a
smattering of vineyards across the island, most of which offer
tasting. Ostend, about 3km southwest of Oneroa, is worth visiting on
Saturdays for its unique market held in the Ostend Hall on the
corner of Ostend Road and Belgim Street. A variety of stalls offer
everything from organic produce to palm readings, with plenty of craft
stalls thrown in for good measure.
A Jazz Festival happens on Waiheke Island
every Easter. During this time, almost every café and venue on the
island has live jazz and the place come alive with people and swing
dancing. Previous festivals have featured performers from as far
a-field as Brazil, New Orleans and New York.
Waiheke Island is a popular day-trip
destination, but there are plenty of accommodation options if you
decide you want to spend a longer period of time there. Boutique bed
& breakfast establishments are Waiheke’s specialty, but more
budget-conscious hostels are also available. The island’s only
camping ground is located at Rocky Bay and offers composting toilets,
drinking water and a safe swimming area. You’ll have to book any
accommodation well in advance if you plan to be on the island during
the Easter Jazz Festival.
Population: 7,137
Main employment: Service and Sales Workers
Age Distribution:
20.2 percent under the age of 15 years, 65.9% aged between 15 and 65,
13.9 percent aged 65 years and over.
Median income:
$15,600 (yr 2000)
Getting There
Fullers Passenger Ferries Ph 09 367 9111 (Free Phone 0800 385 5377) and
Sealink operate a passenger, car and freight service.
Water Taxis are also available. A local bus service meets all ferries.
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