Updated on September 27th 2024.
Are you planning some days off? An unforgettable holiday? Do you want to make the most of your time of rest and relaxation? We’re glad to have you here because we are going to share with you some of the top Waiheke Island activities to fill your time.
Suppose you and your partner are looking for peace, just as well as a gastronomic experience, wine and olive tasting, and savouring delicious dishes from different cuisines. In that case, you’ve chosen the right place!
For adventurous souls who are fond of outdoor activities and walks and hikes, Waiheke is also the place for you, with amazing things to do.
Without a doubt, this is one of the top New Zealand destinations for travellers who want to find relaxation and memorable experiences. Through a secluded location amongst nature, top-notch amenities and bespoke exclusive services, Omana Luxury Villa has embodied Waiheke Island’s spirit!
Waiheke is the perfect destination for couples who want to feel far from the mundane, like a world away. A gem in the Pacific Ocean, Waiheke might seem distant at first for visitors from the United States and Europe, but it’s conveniently close to Auckland, making it a memorable spot worth visiting.
Furthermore, keep your excitement up and do not feel discouraged! With direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, it’s fairly easy to reach this magical piece of land. Many travellers from around the world have discovered Waiheke as a sanctuary.
Waiheke Island is only a 40-minute ferry ride away from Auckland, or around 10 minutes on a helicopter flight, which makes your journey even more memorable.
If you prefer to come to Waiheke in your own car, you can take the car ferry, which may add around 10 minutes to the journey – but still takes less than one hour for you to get to this haven.
Another option is to book a car rental in advance and, once you arrive, start exploring this paradise. To add style, convenience, and comfort to your holiday, consider hiring a private driver – a service we offer to our cherished guests. This will also make your trip stress-free when you go on wine-tastings.
When planning activities on Waiheke Island, it’s essential to remember how many days you will have there. The more time you have, the better, but we highly recommend at least two nights on the island to ensure you experience most of its wonders.
If you have a weekend getaway in Waiheke or a couple of days during the week (which can be fantastic for reducing competition for beaches and, why not, our villas), you will want to make the most of this trip, right?
So, we will add our list of the top Waiheke Island activities, meaning you will get to know some of the essentials! If you have more time to enjoy this stunning piece of land, add water sports, hiking and more of the best things to do in Waiheke.
Honestly, there are only a few things in this world that can be more relaxing than marvelling at the ocean and listening to the sounds of nature. Our luxury villas in Waiheke Island are immersed in the verdant and emerald colours of Woodside Bay.
We built this little paradise to be part of this rich environment and to help our guests reconnect with nature, themselves, and their loved ones. An eco-luxury retreat might be just what you need to feel replenished and ready to conquer the world!
This is the second item from your Waiheke Island itinerary. Do you feel energised from your breakfast? Time for a stroll on a private beach!
The moment you arrive at Waiheke, you will find the number one beach called Oneroa, a beauty filled with cafés and restaurants. There are others that we highly recommend:
Even though those beaches are all worth a visit, for the guests at Omana, there’s also access to a private beach, where you will find a more secluded and exclusive peace and quiet area.
Access to it is only within minutes via a bushwalk, immersed in nature, or by car. The drive will take 5 to 10 minutes, and the beautiful Destiny Bay Vineyard will be your view throughout the path.
After your invigorating walk down the beach, when you’re back in your villa, why not have a soothing massage with your partner? Our boutique hotel is proud to offer such a relaxing service to our guests.
If you’d like to add more and make it an unforgettable wellness experience, consider booking a yoga and mindfulness session as well.
Moving on with your day, now it’s time to leave your cocoon.
We couldn’t possibly leave a wine-tasting tour out of this list, as it makes for a full Waiheke experience. The island has proven to be one of the best places for wine production, becoming known as ‘The Isle of Wine’. This can be a unique activity during an anniversary getaway, don’t you think?
We’ve already mentioned Destiny Bay as our neighbour and they do have unique selections for wine lovers. But for tasting opportunities, keep an eye out for our exclusive packages, as we have been partnering with boutique wineries to offer bespoke and unique tastings.
From top Waiheke Island wineries, our recommendations are:
Let’s carry on, as there’s still plenty to taste! Only this time, make way to a gastronomical journey.
From local oysters to rich international cuisine, Waiheke is a land of pleasures, perfect for visitors to discover dishes and have a new taste of the ones they already know. Only to name a few, the ones dear to Omana are Ki Māha, Poderi Crisci, Fenice and, as mentioned above, Tantalus Estate (picture below).
Regarding drinks and food, it’s always good to remember Waiheke Island Food and Wine Festival. So keep an eye out for the dates and plan your trip to Waiheke during this perfect time.
How was your first day on Waiheke? Oh, your second is about to get even better! Wake up to a breathtaking view, and savour a delicious breakfast delivered daily to your door.
Put on your favourite playlist and make a cup of coffee or tea from the coffee machine, in the comfort of your convenient kitchenette.
Go for another stroll on the private beach or explore the island on a walk with your partner. You will discover stunning flora and fauna!
Not only does Waiheke have the best wine experiences, but it is also the place for gin-tasting tours, as well as whisky and beer. The HEKE and Waiheke Distilling Co are amongst our personal favourites, where you will find taste, beauty and sophistication all around.
So if you have more than two days on the island, it’s certainly worth it to go to a wine tasting and a gin tasting in Waiheke.
We are proud of the culture and art around Waiheke, being home to talented artists that bring out a sensorial experience in our visitors. You will discover beauty not only in art galleries but also in outdoor sculpture exhibitions, just as well as at Omana.
Our villas have pieces from artists and designers. For instance, the birds on our Villa Joy are signed by the fantastic Sally Smith from the TOI Gallery.
To bring more value to our rich culture, keep an eye out for local exhibitions at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery. Remember, Waiheke is a short ferry ride from Auckland, so even if you have a couple of days off, it’s definitely an opportunity to find beauty and relaxation.
Moving from visual to sound, art is around the island throughout the year. In the fall, our beloved Waiheke Jazz Festival sets the mood for our visitors.
Now that you have discovered some of the top Waiheke Island activities, there’s no waiting around. Make your plan to come to an enchanted piece of land and find quality time with your loved one.
For couples considering booking for a special celebration or even a honeymoon stay, our luxury villas are the place to make it even more memorable. To find out more about our accommodation and exclusive services, get in touch!
Enjoy life to the fullest, immerse yourself in nature and abundance.
