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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 →