Waiheke Island

Hilly lands of Waiheke are fully planted with vineyards and olivots gravely, which is a dream place for wine lovers. So one might be sitting at the sunny terrace with wine glass, or enjoying a locally-sourced platter, either case, Waiheke's vineyards provide an unforgettable experience.

However, Waiheke wine is not the only unique thing about it. It is also a source of the best beaches one can find in the area. The precious Oneroa Beach that is always filled with its delightful yellow sands and calm waters, the even more nook beaches Palm and Onetangi Beach offer soothing encounters for each person.

Waiheke's art and culture are both in a good condition. The island is home to a very colorful creative society that involves a lot of galleries, studios, and workshops where the art made by the artists of the island is on display. A place to be at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery the one that has exhibitions showcasing the art and talents of the island. During the whole year, the island organizes diverse events and concerts from jazz concerts to sculpture exhibitions, this way attracting more people to its cultural scene.

Although Waiheke is a classic wine region, it is also home to one of the most picturesque coastlines in the vicinity. Oneroa Beach is a hit during the summer season when visitors can enjoy the golden sand and the calm sea, whereas Palm Beach and Onetangi Beach are more secluded and offer a space for all those who want to unwind and spend some quality time. You can plunge into the crystal clear waters and besides, you have a chance to be active in the water by doing some kayaking or paddleboarding. Coastal trails also give you an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the avenue and the exploration of the rugged area of the island.

Waiheke’s unique selling point, in fact, is its art and culture. The island has really become an art hub - with plenty of studio spaces, galleries, and artist workshops - as much a tech hub as it is. Living there often means that you brush shoulders with artists who are working in the latest means of artistic expression. The Waiheke Community Art Gallery is the place where the best local, arts events of all kinds are held, and the art scene of the island is promoted. Throughout the entire season, from jazz concerts to sculpture exhibitions, the island always puts up great shows and this results in the whole cultural life of the place getting even more configured.

For the outdoorsy types, Waiheke provides myriad of options to have a blast in nature. The island has quite a number of walking and biking trails, the latter running along the native bush, passing the vineyards, and then along the coastal cliffs. Whakanewha Regional Park is liked by many, it is a place where hikers can enjoy walking through the green forest, wetlands and the historical sites. More than that, bird lovers can revel in spotting the resplendent tui and kekeru, which are the two prevalent native bird species in the park. Waiheke is one of those places that caters to any interest. Doesn't matter if you are a gourmet, an art passionate, a green warrior, or a peaceful seawalker, you'll still have something to do on the island. Its casual nature, along with its stunning landscapes, and rich cultural opportunities, mark it a must-see place for anyone who wants to visit New Zealand.