
Beach days on Waiheke —
how to get here, get around, and make a day of it
Waiheke is made for easy beach days: long, swimmable bays, village eats, and that slow island pace. This page helps you plan the trip; when you’re ready, check dates & book your beach basecamp →
Ferries from Auckland
Fullers360 (passengers): Downtown Auckland to Matiatia on Waiheke — frequent daily sailings.
Island Direct (passengers): A local service we love to support — Downtown (Pier 13) to Matiatia, up to multiple sailings daily.
SeaLink (vehicles & passengers): Drive or walk on from Wynyard Quarter (Hamer Street) or Half Moon Bay to Kennedy Point on Waiheke — ideal if you’re bringing gear or travelling with kids.
Tip: Book ahead in peak season. If you’re bringing a vehicle, SeaLink is the easy option.
Getting around
Buses meet the ferries at Matiatia and run across the island, including to Onetangi (simple tap-to-pay).
e-bikes from eRide (inside Matiatia terminal): Our favourite way to reach Onetangi at your own pace. If you book e-bikes via our page/Rezdy, you can park at our Onetangi HQ while you swim/eat — we can top up your battery if it’s running low.
Taxis & shuttles are available at Matiatia; parking fills quickly on sunny weekends.
Beaches we set up on
We service all Waiheke beaches (weather/safety dependent).
Onetangi (delivery included): long, flat and roomy — best for groups and games.
Palm Beach, Oneroa Beach, Little Oneroa, Sandy Bay: great options depending on wind and tide.
Pick your beach during checkout; we’ll confirm the exact spot.
Mix & match
EcoZip Adventures (Onetangi): Zipline above native forest with epic gulf views.
Stony Batter Tunnels: Explore WWII tunnels on the island’s eastern headland (guided tours).
Whakanewha Regional Park: Sheltered south-coast swimming, picnic spots and short walks.
Terra & Tide: Guided coastal walks and sailing on the Hauraki Gulf (half- or full-day).
Finish with fish & chips on the sand at Onetangi or a sunset drink by the beach.
What to expect
Lead time: Please book 48 h+ ahead; last-minute? Message us and we’ll try.
Hours: Summer 9 am–6 pm (flexible by arrangement).
Weather: If the forecast turns bad, we’ll reschedule or refund — easy.
What to bring
We bring: cabanas (shade), comfy deck chairs, fresh towels, chilly bins, and optional extras (boards & kayaks, beach games, grazing platters, tees/caps — chosen in checkout).
You bring: sunscreen, hats, swim gear, water/snacks (or add Graze Waiheke platters in checkout).
Helpful tools
Waiheke Guide app: Maps, transport, beaches, events and insider tips (iOS & Android).
Smaller groups or casual hire — WATSUP Waiheke (Onetangi)
Same HQ in Onetangi, different vibe. Perfect for small groups and casual hires.
Great for: smaller/casual beach setups; hourly/last-minute surf & bodyboard hires; SUPs & kayaks by the hour/day; cold water and Waiheke-themed tees, caps, sunnies, jandals.
E-bike tip: Hiring from eRide? Book via our link, then park at our Onetangi HQ while you hit the beach or local eats — we can top up your battery if it’s running low.
Visit WATSUP Waiheke →
WATSUP suits smaller or spontaneous days.
Book your basecamp
Choose a size (for 6, 8, 12 or 20), pick your date, and add extras in checkout. We set up on time; you arrive and relax. Check dates & book →
