Waiheke Island sits in the Hauraki Gulf, just a 40‑minute ferry ride from Auckland, and is often called the “island of wine” thanks to its many vineyards. It is also known for its sandy beaches and relaxed lifestyle. With that mix of sun, sea, and wine, it’s no wonder so many people search for the best areas to stay on Waiheke Island when planning a trip.
As a destination, Waiheke combines coastal scenery with a strong food and wine culture. It has a mild climate that makes it popular year‑round, though summer is the busiest season. Among its beaches, Oneroa Beach is the most accessible and close to shops and cafés, Palm Beach is a sheltered bay good for swimming, and Onetangi Beach stretches for nearly two kilometers and is favored for long walks and water sports.
The island’s overall atmosphere is easygoing, with a mix of permanent residents and visitors enjoying the outdoors. Oneroa and Ostend are the main settlements, both with shops, markets, and places to eat, while Surfdale has a quieter residential character. Waiheke also has several nature reserves: Whakanewha Regional Park includes wetlands and forest tracks, while Stony Batter Historic Reserve combines coastal walking routes with World War II tunnels and gun emplacements.
This guide will help you choose the best areas to stay on Waiheke Island, according to your travel style.
What’s the best area to stay on Waiheke Island, NZ?
The best area to stay on Waiheke Island is Oneroa. This settlement is the island’s main hub, with a central location that makes reaching other parts of Waiheke easy. Oneroa has the widest choice of shops, cafés, and restaurants, along with regular bus services and the main ferry terminal nearby. The beach at Oneroa Bay is sheltered and family‑friendly, while walking tracks from the headlands give open views across the Hauraki Gulf. Altogether, Oneroa provides convenience and access that suit most travelers.
Find available accommodation in Oneroa.
Best Places to Stay in Oneroa, Waiheke Island
- Best 5-star hotel: Delamore Lodge
- Best boutique hotel: The Oyster Inn
- Best serviced apartments: Watermark Apartments
- Best B&B: Wild Thyme
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay on Waiheke Island: Top Towns and Beaches
1. Oneroa
The best Waiheke location for first-time travelers
Thanks to its beachside setting and transport connections, Oneroa is the best area to stay on Waiheke Island.
Oneroa is the largest village on Waiheke Island, located on the island’s western end and about 40 minutes by direct ferry from Auckland. As a result, it is the island’s main hub and the first stop for many visitors.
Oneroa began as a small coastal settlement in the early 20th century, when Auckland families built simple holiday baches by the shore. It later grew into the island’s main residential and commercial center.
The town is defined by its two main beaches, namely Big Oneroa and Little Oneroa. Big Oneroa Beach is a long, north-facing bay with calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and kayaking. On the other hand, Little Oneroa Beach, a smaller cove at the eastern end, has picnic facilities and shallow water, making it popular with families.
Beyond the beaches, the village has several local attractions such as the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, the Waiheke Wine Centre, and Alison Park. Many vineyards and cellars are also located nearby, examples include Mudbrick Vineyard, Kennedy Point Vineyard and the Goldie Estate.
Ocean View Road, the village’s main street, is lined with art galleries, cafés, boutique shops, restaurants, and wine bars.
Transport is straightforward. The Matiatia Bay ferry terminal is less than five minutes from the village center and offers regular sailings to Auckland CBD. In addition, local bus services connect Oneroa with Palm Beach, Ostend, Onetangi, and other parts of the island, and taxis and rental cars are also available at the ferry terminal.
Accommodation here includes boutique hotels, apartments, and family baches.
Best Places to Stay in Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Delamore Lodge
Delamore Lodge in Waiheke Island offers a 5-star lodge experience with an infinity swimming pool, spa facilities, sauna, sun terrace, and lush gardens. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a romantic restaurant, and a bar.
The Oyster Inn
The Oyster Inn in Waiheke Island offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and modern amenities. Each room includes a balcony or patio, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Watermark Apartments
Watermark Apartments in Oneroa offers adults-only apartment hotel accommodations with a garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme provides self-contained luxury studios and a 4-bedroom lodge. Enjoy a cup of tea from your terrace or balcony. Rooms include a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. Free WiFi is also provided.
2. Onetangi
The best beach area to stay on Waiheke Island
Onetangi is the ideal location to stay on Waiheke Island for its long beach and wine culture.
Onetangi is located on the northern coast of Waiheke Island, about a 15‑minute drive east of Oneroa. It is known for its beach and wineries.
The settlement’s main feature is Onetangi Beach, the island’s longest, which stretches nearly two kilometers. The sand is soft and pale, and the beach slopes gently into the water, making it safe for swimming. Its north-facing position means it gets plenty of sun throughout the day, and the shallow waters near the shore are good for paddleboarding and kayaking. Several public facilities, including picnic tables and barbecue areas, are located behind the beach, and parts of the shoreline are patrolled in summer for added safety.
Onetangi is also known for its local vineyards and wineries, such as Stonyridge Vineyard and Wild Estate—The Untamed Winery, which combine wine tasting with outdoor activities.
Dining in Onetangi centers on beachfront restaurants and cafés with terraces overlooking the sand. Nightlife is limited, but the restaurants stay busy into the evening during the summer.
Transport is simple. Bus route 1 runs regularly between Onetangi, Ostend, and Oneroa, with stops near the beach. Driving from the ferry terminal at Matiatia takes about 20 minutes, and parking is usually available near the waterfront.
Accommodation includes modern apartments, boutique hotels, and holiday houses with direct sea views.
Best Places to Stay in Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Onetangi Beach Apartments
Onetangi Beach Apartments is located on Waiheke Island, on the beautiful white sands of Onetangi Beach. It is a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland CBD.
Waiheke Backpackers Hostel
Waiheke Backpackers Hostel offers direct beachfront access with stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the sun terrace or in the lush garden, and free WiFi is also available throughout the property.
3. Palm Beach
One of the top beach locations on Waiheke Island
Palm Beach is a recommended area to stay on Waiheke Island for a quiet seaside holiday.
Palm Beach lies east of Oneroa and is known for its wide golden sand and calm waters, which are safe for swimming. A rocky outcrop divides the beach into two sections: the main beach and Little Palm Beach, which is located at the eastern end and offers a quieter, clothing-optional cove. Coastal tracks from Palm Beach link to other bays, making it a good base for short hikes.
Beyond the beach, the area is home to local galleries and art spaces such as the Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Garden & Sculptures and the Red Shed Arts Collective.
Dining here is limited to a handful of cafés and takeaways near the shore, and nightlife is almost nonexistent.
Transport connections are practical. Buses run regularly from Palm Beach to Oneroa and Ostend, and the trip by car to Oneroa takes less than ten minutes. Parking near the beach is also available, but limited in summer.
Accommodation in the area includes holiday rentals and hillside homes with sea views.
Best Places to Stay on Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
Beachside Apartment at Palm – Coast & Country
Beachside Apartment at Palm – Coast & Country in Palm Beach offers a one-bedroom apartment with a living room. The ground-floor unit features a private entrance and garden views.
Gulf Island Views
Gulf Island Views offers a serene holiday home experience in Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Guests enjoy a beautiful garden and a spacious terrace, complemented by free WiFi throughout the property.
4. Ostend
A convenient location on Waiheke Island
Ostend is the best location on Waiheke Island for extended stays.
Ostend is inland between Oneroa and Onetangi and is important for shopping and services. It’s home to the island’s main supermarket and a popular weekly market.
The Saturday Ostend Market is the area’s best-known attraction. It offers local produce, food, and crafts. Supermarkets, hardware stores, and service shops are also concentrated here, making it a practical choice for extended stays. Whakanewha Regional Park lies nearby. It offers walking tracks through wetlands and forests.
The area includes the Waiheke Island Community Centre and is adjacent to Putiki Bay, a sheltered inlet with moorings and boat access.
Food and nightlife are simple, with casual cafés and small restaurants clustered near Belgium Street, the main road in Ostend. Bus routes link Ostend directly with Oneroa, Onetangi, Palm Beach, and the Matiatia ferry terminal.
Accommodation is affordable and practical. It ranges from motels to guesthouses and some boutique properties.
Best Places to Stay in Ostend, Waiheke
Waiheke Island Resort Conference & Accomodation Centre
Waiheke Island Resort Conference & Accomodation Center offers air-conditioned rooms. It is a 10-minute drive from Waiheke Island Ferry Terminal. Free parking is also provided.
Le Chalet Waiheke Apartments
Le Chalet Waiheke Apartments in Waiheke Island offers a swimming pool with stunning views, a sun terrace, and a lush garden. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi throughout the aparthotel.
Waiheke Island Guesthouse
Waiheke Island Guest house in Ostend offers a recently renovated guest house with a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Guests can also enjoy private check-in and check-out services, a lounge, outdoor fireplace, and concierge.
5. Omiha
A remote location on Waiheke
Omiha is the ideal location to stay on Waiheke Island for secluded beaches and wild natural surroundings.
Omiha, also called Rocky Bay, is on the southern side of Waiheke and has a more remote atmosphere. It is surrounded by native bush and tidal inlets, giving it a quieter character.
The highlight is its direct access to Whakanewha Regional Park, where trails pass through regenerating forest and wetlands and down to sheltered beaches. The coastline is rocky and better suited to kayaking and birdwatching than swimming, but it provides scenic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Transport is limited. Public buses reach Omiha, but on a reduced timetable compared with other towns. Driving from Oneroa takes around 15 minutes, and parking is available near the bay and park entrances.
Holiday homes and cottages dominate the accommodation scene here, often hidden among the bush.
Best Places to Stay in Omiha, Waiheke
Sunset Sanctuary- Stay Waiheke
Sunset Sanctuary- Stay Waiheke in Omiha offers a spacious holiday home with five bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property features a living room, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland. It is known for its boutique wineries, pristine beaches, and vibrant art scene. Although the island is often seen as a quick day trip from Auckland, a few hours isn’t enough to take in what it has to offer. With walking trails, quiet coves, local galleries, and dozens of cellar doors, Waiheke is better enjoyed over two or three days.
Generally speaking, the island’s layout is split between a more populated western side and a wilder, less developed eastern half. Most villages, services, and vineyards are concentrated around the western bays, while the east is dominated by rugged hills, farmland, and reserves. Waiheke’s coastline is indented with sandy beaches on the north-facing shores and rocky inlets along the south, while the central ridgelines provide views over the Hauraki Gulf.
What are the best areas to stay on Waiheke Island by the beach?
Waiheke Island is best known as a beach destination, with long stretches of sand and sheltered bays spread along its northern shoreline. Beaches here differ in size and character, so you can pick between wide open sand, quiet coves, or spots close to cafés and shops.
The best beach location is Onetangi. Its two‑kilometer bay is the island’s longest, with soft sand and clear water well suited for swimming and paddleboarding. Public facilities like picnic tables and barbecues are located just behind the beach, and lifeguards patrol sections in summer. The wide open nature of Onetangi makes it the island’s classic beach holiday spot.
Palm Beach is smaller and more sheltered, with a curve of golden sand edged by headlands. Its calm waters are suitable for families, and a short track leads to Little Palm Beach, a more secluded cove. There are also a few cafés near the shore.
Oneroa Beach sits right next to the island’s main village. It is a sheltered north‑facing bay with shallow water, making it popular for kayaking and picnics. The beach is backed by grassy reserves, and Ocean View Road’s cafés and shops are just a short walk away.
Omiha, also called Rocky Bay, offers a different kind of shoreline. Instead of sand, it has rocky inlets and tidal flats, which are better for kayaking and birdwatching than for swimming. Its location near Whakanewha Regional Park offers forest walks and small hidden coves.
Waiheke Island as a Wine Destination
Waiheke Island has earned the nickname “island of wine” thanks to more than 30 vineyards spread across its hills. Winemaking began here in the late 1970s, when small producers discovered that the island’s microclimate—milder and drier than Auckland—was well suited for grapes. Today, vineyards range from boutique family estates to larger wineries, with many specializing in Bordeaux-style reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The mix of soils and sun exposure allows for complex wines that have built an international reputation.
Wine has become central to the island’s tourism profile. Many vineyards run restaurants offering meals paired with their own wines. Guided tours by bus or van link several estates, making it possible to visit multiple vineyards in a single day without driving.
Among the most visited vineyards are Mudbrick Vineyard, known for its stone buildings and views of Rangitoto Island; Cable Bay Vineyards, which pairs contemporary architecture with tasting rooms overlooking Auckland; Stonyridge Vineyard, famous for its Bordeaux-style Larose and hillside terraces; Te Motu Vineyard, a family estate recognized for long-aged reds; and Batch Winery, located on one of the highest points of the island with panoramic views and a range of guided tastings.
What are the best wine hotels on Waiheke Island?
1. La Bodega Waiheke Island
Surfdale
La Bodega Waiheke Island is more than just a guesthouse—it’s a boutique vineyard stay where the vines set the scene. Surrounded by rolling rows of grapes and overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, the property blends the comforts of a holiday home with the charm of a working winery. Guests can relax on private balconies or in the garden terrace with a glass of estate wine, or gather around the outdoor fireplace after exploring the island’s cellar doors.
The vineyard produces small‑batch wines in partnership with Stonyridge, and during harvest season, visitors may even glimpse the winemaking process in action. A fully equipped kitchen, family‑friendly suites, and modern touches like streaming services and free Wi‑Fi make it easy to settle in, while the location—just minutes from Mudbrick and Cable Bay—puts Waiheke’s most celebrated wineries within easy reach.
2. The Vineyard Cottage – Stay Waiheke
Onetangi
Set within a boutique vineyard and olive grove in Onetangi Valley, The Vineyard Cottage – Stay Waiheke offers a peaceful base surrounded by some of the island’s most celebrated wineries, including Casita Miro, Obsidian, Te Motu, and Stonyridge. Guests can enjoy vineyard views from the garden terrace, wander among the vines, or relax with a glass of local Syrah after a day of tastings.
The one‑bedroom chalet combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring a kitchenette, fireplace, and air‑conditioning. A hot tub, outdoor seating, and barbecue facilities add to the laid‑back vineyard lifestyle, while Onetangi Beach is just a short walk away—making it an ideal stay for wine lovers who also want easy access to the coast.
3. Mudbrick Cottages
Oneroa
Mudbrick Cottages sit right on the hillside of Waiheke’s most iconic vineyard, offering sweeping views over the vines and Hauraki Gulf. Each cottage combines rustic charm with modern comfort—two bedrooms, a living area, a private garden, and a terrace—perfect for unwinding after a day of tastings. Guests also enjoy thoughtful extras like a private spa pool, kitchenette, and outdoor seating, all just steps from the cellar door.
Staying here means full immersion in the Mudbrick experience: stroll through manicured gardens, sample award‑winning Syrah and Bordeaux blends at the tasting room, then settle into the restaurant or bistro for seasonal menus paired with estate wines. With live music, romantic ambiance, and the vineyard’s own bottles poured at the table, the cottages offer one of the most complete wine‑stay experiences on Waiheke Island.
4. Waiheke Island Vineyard Holiday Houses
surfdale
Waiheke Island Vineyard Holiday Houses place guests right among the vines, with sea‑view terraces and gardens that open onto the surrounding estate. The property offers a choice of spacious houses and suites, each with a kitchen, fireplace, and balcony—ideal for enjoying a bottle of local Syrah or Chardonnay while overlooking the bay. Tennis courts, picnic areas, and barbecue facilities add to the relaxed vineyard setting.
On site, a restaurant serves French‑inspired and local cuisine, paired with wines from the estate and neighboring Waiheke producers. With private check‑in, outdoor dining spaces, and easy access to nearby cellar doors, the houses provide a comfortable base for exploring the island’s wine country while enjoying the privacy of a self‑contained stay.
5. Winemakers Loft
Oneroa
Winemakers Loft offers an adults‑only retreat set within a boutique vineyard near Oneroa, where sea and vineyard views frame the stay. The apartment’s private terrace and garden provide a quiet spot to enjoy a glass of local wine after visiting nearby cellar doors such as Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Stonyridge.
Inside, the loft combines space and comfort with a bedroom, modern bathroom, and open living area. A kitchenette, dining space, and fireplace‑style coziness make it easy to settle in, while extras like free Wi‑Fi, EV charging, and private parking ensure convenience. With Oneroa Beach and the island’s wine trail close at hand, it’s a well‑placed base for a vineyard‑focused Waiheke escape.
