(Updated on September 4th, 2024)
Do you feel like reconnecting with nature, yourself, and your loved one? The walks in Waiheke are great for couples. Besides experiencing some quality time together, you can also tighten your bond by sharing a goal and helping each other out when needed.
As you may know, New Zealand is an incredible country for outdoor activities. There are many beautiful places to experience, and Waiheke Island, a gem in the Pacific, stands out for being only a short ferry ride or helicopter flight from Auckland, making it perfect not only for a long but also for a quick getaway.
As an eco-luxury retreat, Omana Luxury Villa proudly offers guests tailored walks and hikes, especially as part of our yoga and mindfulness sessions. Still, you are more than welcome to try an indulgent nature experience as you please and check out relevant information throughout this article.
Do we have your attention? So, please tag along.
To help you feel connected with nature and your partner, while allowing yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Waiheke Island, we've gathered five of the top tracks and hikes to present to you.
These are all perfect for a long say, where you can combine walks with relaxing experiences, such as an in-villa massage and warm baths with an ocean view, as well as a quick weekend getaway to escape from daily life.
We'll begin with a walk in Waiheke that can be considered an “easy” route and a nice choice for those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking or simply taking a walk: the Rocky Bay's Te Whau Loop.
If you want peace and quiet and beautiful views while exploring the island's nature, this is a choice you won’t regret. The views across the bays are quite… spectacular!
The 7-mile walk is expected to take around 2h50 to complete, and you will see other walkers around with their dogs. You might be glad to know there are many different spots to sit, take a break, and appreciate the surroundings.
Once you’re back to your villa, you’ll have everything you need to relax and enjoy the effects of such an invigorating walk.
A quick reminder that in case you’re planning on coming to Waiheke with your furry friend, please note that pets are not allowed at Omana.
Another great option on our list of walks in Waiheke is the Waiheke Island Short Loop, which is considered a “moderately challenging” route.
This cliff-hugging walk is a good choice if you are up a few stairs and hills along the 3.4-mile route, which usually takes about 1h30 to complete. Not bad, right?!
Yes, there are plenty of ups and downs, and it might not be a friendly walk if you’re out of practice, but quite an interesting choice if you feel up for a challenge and want to accomplish something new together. Ready?
Keep in mind: after your walk in Waiheke, you will get to experience pure relaxation at Omana. Your efforts in looking after your body and mind will undoubtedly pay off!
This is a popular choice among the walks in Waiheke. The Hekerua Bay to Palm Beach Loop is considered “easy” and mixes walking tracks, beaches, and residential streets.
You can enjoy a stunning view from the lookout and encounter many birds along the walking path. This hike on Waiheke is a 4.6-mile route and usually takes 2 hours to be completed.
Be aware that this route goes by the western end of Palm Beach, which is partially a nude beach.
The track from Hitapa Bay to Kauakaru Bay consists of a 3-mile route that might be considered “moderated” since the path can be quite irregular or narrow at times.
If you are up to something a bit more challenging, this will be a fitting choice, and you will be rewarded with amazing views! Hikers usually take an average of 1h20 to complete this route, but take your time and watch your steps, okay?
There’s no need to rush when you’re on a relaxing getaway on Waiheke Island.
To close our list of excellent walks in Waiheke, we suggest you consider the many options inside the Whakanewha Regional Park on the southern side of the Island.
Choosing the park is an excellent idea because of its stunning coastal forest, cascading streams, and, of course, the beach.
The “easy” tracks include Pā Loop Track and Rua Loop Track ― each would take you 30 minutes to complete ―, and also Nikau Track and the Park Walk ― each would take about 2h30.
Amongst the things to do in Waiheke, enjoying the peace of our private and exclusive beach is something that couldn't be out of the list.
Imagine walking up to a delicious breakfast delivered to your villa, then taking a serene stroll along Woodside Bay. Listen to the peaceful sounds of nature, the gentle waves and the birds singing.
After this refreshing walk, all there’s left is for you to enjoy the beautiful view alongside your partner. Make this a nice moment to catch up on your reading or spend some quality time with your loved one. Set up a picnic and make it even more memorable!
Waiheke Island offers a range of outdoor activities for the adventurous in you. And if you are looking forward to enjoying your time with something other than walks in Waiheke, we have suggestions for different tastes and moods.
If you are up to exploring Waiheke’s waters and having some fun, the kayak and the stand-up paddle are one-of-a-kind experiences, as they allow you to observe the ocean from a different perspective.
Always good to know: there are guided kayaking tours that will take you to beautiful swimming spots. The activity is quite popular amongst visitors and is easy to find providers – and, of course, we are more than happy to guide you with information to the best experiences.
Last but not least, how about taking a therapeutic horse tour to recharge your batteries? Another excellent call for those who want full immersion in nature awaits you nearby at Omana Luxury Villa.
We are talking of a fairly big island, so it’s good that you find ways to get around it. We highly suggest visitors make transport arrangements before they arrive in Waiheke and make their experiences stress-free.
One of our recommendations is hiring a private driver for a convenient, comfortable and stylish experience around Waiheke. We are happy to provide this service to our guest, but if you prefer getting a rental, there are a couple of reputable companies to help you enjoy the wonders of this piece of land.
When you're not taking one of the walks in Waiheke, you can also get around by taxi – the YourRide app helps you book in advance.
In any case, keep in mind that Waiheke is known as the “Isle of Wine”, so there will be over 30 wineries and vineyards for you to explore, and they do not go hand in hand with driving. If you plan to go on wine tastings, please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
Now you’re all set and have nothing to worry about but to enjoy the opportunity of taking a break from your day-to-day obligations, and relax immersed in nature. Pack a pair of good, comfortable shoes and enjoy the walks in Waiheke and all its wonders.
