Waiheke Island Beaches
From rugged bush-clad bays to white-sand beaches, Waiheke’s scenic coastline boasts a diverse range of waterside retreats. Whether you’re after a quiet hideaway, lively watersports or a family-friendly shore, Waiheke has plenty to offer.
Northern Beaches and Bays
Oneroa
Facing the sunny north, Oneroa is a popular visitor spot with a busy and vibrant village. There are good accommodation options, quaint cafes and craft shops. Oneroa also offers stunning views of the white-sand bay below, and towards Coromandel Peninsula in the distance.
Little Oneroa
This picturesque sheltered bay boasts white sands, shady pohutukawa trees and calm waters ideal for family swimming. A popular mooring bay, Little Oneroa is within walking distance of independent shops, restaurants and the bustling centre of Oneroa village.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a sun-drenched, sheltered spot with calm waters and white sand. At certain times of year, phosphorescence fills the bay making a stunning display in the water. Set in native bush, Palm Beach has a restaurant, beach shop and playground, and is close to Oneroa village.
Onetangi
The two kilometre stretch of white sand on Onetangi Beach makes this settlement a popular holiday destination. The beach is perfect for water activities, including windsurfing, swimming and the occasional surf. The beach is lined with houses and has some great cafes and restaurants.
Western Beaches and Bays
Matiatia
As an entry point to Waiheke, Matiatia has a busy ferry terminal and a harbour dotted with yachts. The Matiatia Wharf Terminal has an information kiosk, cafe and bus and taxi services. Matiatia’s pretty bay is situated at the western end of Waiheke, and is scattered with olive groves.
Church Bay
Church Bay is fast growing into an exclusive retreat with its sprinkling of vineyards and olive groves, including the renowned Mudbrick and Cable Bay. Situated just south of Matiatia, Church Bay boasts luxury accommodation and spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Southern Beaches and Bays
Rocky Bay
Set around a leafy southern bay, this peaceful retreat is graced with thick native bush and 3 sheltered coves. Popular with artists and boaties, Rocky Bay has wonderful views across the Hauraki Gulf. This bay is a relaxing escape with plenty of scenic bush walks, a playground and pa site.
Whakanewha Bay
Whakanewha is a 2700-hectare Regional Park with a mature native forest, a large wetland, rare bird species and remains of Maori and European settlement. With picnic areas, a campground and shallow swimming, Whakanewha Bay is a great family beach location.
Putiki Bay
With boutique vineyards and holiday cottages, this scenic bay sits on Waiheke’s southern coast. Putiki Bay is a popular haven for boaties, offering good shelter in all except southwest winds. At the entrance to the bay, two small islands are joined by an isthmus.
Surfdale
Home to a sandy, shaded beach, Surfdale is a favourite spot for windsurfers, with a frequent breeze to set the sails and a sandy bottom to protect the feet. Surfdale is one of Waiheke’s largest villages, and has a range of shops, services and restaurants.
Blackpool
Set on a peaceful rocky beach, Blackpool is a small village offering spectacular sunsets over the Hauraki Gulf. The bay is a popular spot for sea kayaking, and the view extends to Auckland City in the distance. Blackpool is just a short walk from Oneroa village.
Eastern Beaches and Bays
Man O' War Bay
Man O' War Bay is located on the eastern side of Waiheke, known as 'The Bottom End'. A very popular bay for anchorage, Man O' War boasts a quiet location and a beautiful vineyard. A Department of Conservation walking track leads up to the historic site, Stony Batter.