There’s no need to travel far to feel you’re a world away, immersed in tranquillity and pure rest. From downtown Auckland, you can simply hop on a ferry and, in less than one hour, find yourself in a holiday paradise. Now that you’re planning your journey to a magical piece of New Zealand let’s learn a bit more about how to get around Waiheke Island.
Waiheke is a place for you to reconnect with life and nature, the perfect getaway for couples or a pair of friends who need some space from their daily routine. Add a luxury villa to this scenario, and you’ll discover the wonders of exclusive services for a unique and memorable experience.
This heavenly place is an island full of nature, beaches, art and culture, which you can easily explore by going on walks and hikes, by car – or own or a private driver –, and bike. So, throughout this text, we intend to help you find the best way for you to get around Waiheke, no matter if you’re coming right from Auckland or travelling far. Carry on reading!
Before sharing a few options of how to get around Waiheke Island, you might be interested to know it’s quite easy to actually arrive here. Here are some of your possibilities:
This is probably one of the easiest and most common ways to get to Waiheke Island. The journey on the passenger ferry takes about 40 minutes from Auckland Downtown, which makes perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The timetable can be checked on Fuller’s website, and bookings are easily made as well via Island Direct, which is a helpful service for travellers to secure a ticket at their preferred time.
The car ferry to Waiheke from Auckland is also a great way to reach the island, as you can comfortably come in your own vehicle. This service is provided by SeaLink for a journey that takes about 50 minutes to one hour. If you prefer taking the passenger ferry, you can rent a car in advance of your arrival and pick it up once you get to the island or hire a private driver, which we will talk more about later on.
To make your vacation more exclusive right from the start, you may want to check the private water taxi service offered by companies such as Auckland Sea Shuttles. This is a great way to make your own schedule, as you can book your transportation to suit your convenience.
Not only is a helicopter flight the fastest way to get to Waiheke but also this is a stunning journey for you to experience, with amazing views all along the way. Think of you and your loved one sharing this magical moment together, making your couples getaway unique from the very beginning.
You can find more information about helicopter transfers from Auckland to Waiheke, offered by our partner, Heletranz, upon booking with us. The Omana team will share more details with you, including the pick-up point.
Speaking of flying to Waiheke, international travellers coming to Oceania have a range of flight options to Auckland, New Zealand’s main hub. The city is well-connected with direct flights from many cities around the world, including several in the USA, where many of our visitors come from.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston are among the cities that offer non-stop flights to Auckland, New Zealand.
Now that you know a bit more about how to get to the island, we shall move on to the options for you to get around Waiheke and make the most of your couples getaway.
Driving around the island is definitely a great way to explore its gems, such as stunning landscapes, beaches, restaurants, and wineries that are all around Waiheke and some far from Oneroa Village.
You may wish to come in your own car, taking the car ferry, which is a tremendously convenient option. On the other hand, it’s quite easy to rent a car before your arrival and pick it up the moment you reach the island, from Matiatia Wharf terminal.
Bear in mind that the roads tend to be narrow and winding, but that is far from being an issue. This is just a reminder to slow down, as you are supposed to do once you arrive at this marvellous and peaceful piece of land.
You might be glad to know that we offer parking in our luxury villas, and, as we are an eco-luxury retreat, an EV charging station is available to guests.
As much as visitors love driving around, hiring a private driver is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to explore Waiheke Island. Upon booking with us, you will find more information about this service we proudly offer our guests.
Having a private driver is a great option not only as a transfer from the ferry terminal to our boutique hotel but also for guests to enjoy Waiheke Island’s top wineries to the fullest, as drinking and driving is never a wise choice.
With a taxi or executive transport around Waiheke you can literally sit back and relax. This is quite convenient for couples on a honeymoon, a pair of friends and guests with special mobility requirements.
There are different providers of this service, such as Island Taxis and Waiheke Executive Transport. For taxis, YourRide app helps visitors to schedule a preferred time.
What a joy it is to explore Waiheke on a bike! If you’re already used to cycling, you can bring your own bike on the ferry. If not, there are a number of bike hire services available.
Experienced cyclists and beginners are welcome to get around Waiheke on a bike, but keep in mind that the roads can be narrow and the weather can get quite windy! Also, there are many hills – which is, at the same time, wonderful to help us all stay healthy.
Fun fact: Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell has stayed at Omana with partner Valtteri Bottas – below, you can see him enjoying the private beach our guests have access to. Our secluded location is ideal for couples who seek privacy for their ultimate relaxation moments.
If you are feeling adventurous, there are tours for you to get around Waiheke on a scooter, which can be ultimate fun for either a couple or a small pair of friends. Keep in mind that you will need to share the road with cars, but no one on this island needs to be in a rush, right? So, let’s all follow the rules and be respectful of each other.
Filled with beautiful views, Waiheke horse tours are one of the best choices to feel connected with nature whilst you get around the island.
Guests can go on rides on beaches and even plan a strategic stop at the vineyards – without mixing alcohol and ride, of course.
As part of our exclusive services, Omana organises horse tours for guests, so do contact us if you’d like to learn more about this amazing thing to do on Waiheke Island.
There are quite a number of ways to get around Waiheke Island, but let’s not forget the ocean itself is a gift for our visitors. So why not explore it well during your stay?
From boats to kayak or stand-up paddle hire, once you find your way on the sea, you might be greeted by lovely dolphins and even orcas. If you don’t have experience with such water and outdoor activities, always make sure to have an experienced instructor to guide you through.
Going on walks and hikes on Waiheke Island is one of the most pleasurable activities to get around this beautiful land. Hiking is a great opportunity to discover stunning views and breathtaking beaches.
Waihekeans are so fond of walking that they even created a Walking Festival.
Getting around Waiheke is always a joy. It gets even better when your stay provides an amazing and unique experience on the island. Omana is located atop a hill overlooking beautiful Woodside Bay, only a short drive from the main village, so we always recommend guests make transportation arrangements before arriving.
This will give you peace of mind right from the beginning of your memorable vacation. If you need any help with transport, please let us know, and we will be happy to help you.
Once you’re all set with your transport, just relax and enjoy the wonders of your getaway.
When planning your trip, consider the most convenient way for you to get to know the island, relax and enjoy. At the same time, open yourself to new experiences that will make you carry memories for life. Which of the examples above you haven’t tried yet?
It’s amazing to have so many options, and no matter how you choose to get around Waiheke, we are certain that you’ll find pure joy, tranquillity and relaxation during your stay.
