Getting There
The main access to the island is via the ferries which run every hour or so throughout the day departing the down town ferry terminal and Davenport.  Bikes can be brought onto the ferry for free with paying passengers, making them an excellent way to explore Waiheke.  However, if you want to do some serious exploring of the island, you can bring your car for about $100.  If time is more important than money, Waiheke Air Services provides flights to the island twice daily.  While on the island, bus services are offered between the ferry and the island’s major points on interest. Fullers Ferries

The main settlement on Waiheke Island is Oneroa, located on the western end of the island. Here you’ll find an excellent Visitor Information Centre (found at the top end of Ocean View Drive), as well as shops, banks, restaurants and a post office.  The town is built alongside Oneroa Bay, which is one of Waiheke Island’s safest and most pleasant swimming beaches.

While in Oneroa, check out the unique Whittaker’s Musical Experience.  Located in the same building as the Visitor Information Centre, it is a weird and wonderful collection of musical instruments ranging from piano accordions to flagelots.  They are all demonstrated during the interactive Musical Experience which happens at 1pm every day except Tuesdays.  The display-only section is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Waiheke Island has a thriving artistic community, and a trail of the islands arts & crafts is a must during your visit.  The Visitors Information Centre puts out an excellent leaflet about the various studios scattered across the island.

The rest of the island consists of quiet pockets of coastline, small settlements and farmland.  There are a smattering of vineyards across the island, most of which offer tasting.  Ostend, about 3km southwest of Oneroa, is worth visiting on Saturdays for its unique market held in the Ostend Hall on the corner of Ostend Road and Belgim Street.  A variety of stalls offer everything from organic produce to palm readings, with plenty of craft stalls thrown in for good measure.

A Jazz Festival happens on Waiheke Island every Easter. During this time, almost every café and venue on the island has live jazz and the place come alive with people and swing dancing.  Previous festivals have featured performers from as far a-field as Brazil, New Orleans and New York.

Waiheke Island is a popular day-trip destination, but there are plenty of accommodation options if you decide you want to spend a longer period of time there.  Boutique bed & breakfast establishments are Waiheke’s specialty, but more budget-conscious hostels are also available.  The island’s only camping ground is located at Rocky Bay and offers composting toilets, drinking water and a safe swimming area.  You’ll have to book any accommodation well in advance if you plan to be on the island during the Easter Jazz Festival.

Accommodation
Boatshed (The) - Just five minutes from the ferry terminal, a few minutes onto the beach and a gentle stroll to the island village. The Boatshed, overlooking little Oneroa Bay, offers luxury accommodation in a relaxed island setting. All en suite rooms are sumptuously fitted, with open fireplaces, bathroom amenities and modern conveniences. Dinner is a special occasion, and delicacies are sourced daily with a focus on fresh, organic produce, succulent seafood and gourmet meat cuts.

Sands On Onetangi Apartments - Luxury beachfront apartment accommodation on Onetangi Beach's quiet western end. Brand new & presented to the highest specifications of interior design & fittings these apartments are for luxury vacations. Fully equipped for self catering they are available in 2 and 3 bedroom or penthouse options.

Great Barrier Island