During the summer months there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Whether you seek a lively atmosphere with a range of beach activities, a secluded hideaway where you can have the beach to yourself, a golden sand beach or a rocky bush clad bay, Waiheke will have it.
Facing towards the sunny north, Oneroa is a popular visitor spot with a busy and vibrant village. A range of accommodation exists at Oneroa as well as stunning views of the white sand bay below and Coromandel Peninsula in the distance.
Little Oneroa is a white sand, sheltered bay lined with pohutukawa trees for shade, calm waters that are safe for swimming and a popular bay for boats to moor. Just a stone throw from Oneroa, Little Oneroa is within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops of the village.
Set in native bush with a beautiful beach below, Palm Beach is another popular place to live and to visit. At certain times of year, phosphorescence can fill the bay making a stunning display in the water. The area has its own restaurant, beach store and playground yet is also close to Oneroa Village.
The two kilometre stretch of white sand on Onetangi Beach makes this settlement a popular holiday destination. The beach is perfect for water activities such as windsurfing, swimming and the occassional surf. The beach is lined with houses and has some great cafe´ and restaurant dining options.
Matiatia is an entry point to Waiheke with a busy ferry terminal, several yachts moored in the harbour and a bay scattered with olive groves. The Matiatia Wharf terminal has an information kiosk, cafe´ and bus and taxi transfers.
Church Bay, just south of Matiatia is fast growing into an exclusive retreat with its sprinkling of vineyards and olive groves including the renowned Mudbrick and Cable Bay. The vineyards and the accommodation match their views - spectacular!
Rocky Bay offers the perfect secluded island escape. Clad with native bush, the area is graced with stunning surrounds and as its name implies, sheltered rocky bays.
Whakanewha is a 2700 hectare Regional Park with a mature forest of native bush, a large wetland, remains of Maori and European history and rare native New Zealand bird species. Whakanewha has a campground, areas for picnics,bush walks and shallow swimming ideal for all the family.
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 is a favourite spot for windsurfers with a frequent breeze to set the sails and a sandy bottom to protect the feet. Surfdale village has a range of shops, services and restaurants.
Blackpool is a small settlement of beach houses and permanent residences set on a peaceful rocky beach making it perfect for kayaking and admiring views of Auckland City in the distance.
Man O' War Bay is located on the eastern side of Waiheke, commonly referred to as 'The Bottom End'. A very popular bay for anchorage, Man O' War Bay is on the isolated side of the island so is scarcely populated. A Department of Conservation walking track leads up to the historic site, Stony Batter.
