White sand, crystal clear waters, and a warm dry microclimate attract visitors and locals to the Waiheke Island beaches. Located just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke beaches are the perfect escape from city life. Both Lonely Planet and Conde Naste have recognised this island paradise.
While the vast majority of popular Waiheke beaches are on the island’s west end, there are interesting options all the way around the island. The many inlets create protected spaces regardless of the winds. From family-friendly, safe waters to surfing beaches, there is something for everyone.
Kayaking, standup paddleboards, family barbeques, fishing, surfing, or just soaking in the rays, check out our list of the best Waiheke beaches.
Our favourite Waiheke Island beaches
Each of the Waiheke Island beaches has its own characteristics. These are our favourite Waiheke beaches, listed here in no particular order:
- Onetangi Beach
- Palm Beach
- Little Palm Beach
- Sandy Bay
- Oneroa
- Little Oneroa
- Man O’War Bay
- Owhiti Beach
- Rocky Bay
- Matiatia Wharf
Where are the best Waiheke Island beaches?
Why we love these Waiheke Island beaches
Oneroa and Little Oneroa Beach
Oneroa Beach is one of the most frequently visited of the Waiheke beaches. Sunny and north-facing, it is also a well-protected inlet from the prevailing southwesterly winds. As a result, it provides safe anchorage for yachties, as well as being a family-friendly destination.
Pohutakawa trees stand tall alongside the white sandy beach, offering plenty of shade for those who seek it. The gentle waves attract families, kayakers, and standup paddle-boarders. Barbeques, picnic benches, and a playground contribute to the fun.
Similar calm waters are found at Little Oneroa at the east end of the beach just beyond a small rocky headland. It is accessible at low tide.
Contributing to their popularity is the close proximity to Oneroa Village, making it walking distance to many of the island’s accommodations.
Photo credit: ATEED
Onetangi Beach
Onetangi Beach boasts nearly 2km of white sand, making it the longest beach on Waiheke Island. With calm waters in the prevailing winds, it becomes a great surf beach in a northerly. It claims the island’s whitest sand and largest Pohutukawa trees.
We took this photo a bit early in the day, so you will have to believe me when I say it is quite popular amongst the Waiheke Island beaches. North-facing and sunny, it’s our favourite beach for long walks or swimming.
The annual Onetangi Beach races take place each February and involve horses, boats, kid’s karts, tractors, and even a fashion component. It is an iconic event that has been taking place for nearly 100 years.
Palm Beach and Little Palm (nudie) Beach
Soft white sand and gentle waves make Palm Beach another family-friendly choice that is often referred to as one of the safest for kids. A great place to hang out with friends, there are also barbeque facilities and a toilet block here.
Just west, separated only by a rocky outcrop, is the beach officially called Little Palm Beach. However, locals refer to it as “Nudie Beach.” I think the name says it all, although the local I spoke with felt the need to elaborate, “You don’t have to be naked, but you can be.”
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is smaller and not as well-known by tourists, although boaties find it a great place to drop anchor and come ashore. Also north facing, well-protected, and with gentle waves. Orcas have been seen in this bay.
Man O’War Bay
Located at the bottom or east end of the island, we have only visited here once as part of our visit to Stony Batter Historic Reserve. Unfortunately for us, we arrived at low tide, and swimming at this tidal bay is only possible at high tide. As a result, we spent our time on the Department of Conservation walking tracks.
Photo Credit: Jeff Marquis (CC BY 2.0)
Owhiti Beach
As we wanted a bit of a swim, we stopped off at Owhiti Beach after hiking in Man O’War Bay.
Photo Credit: Mark in New Zealand (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Rocky Bay
Rocky Bay is just off of the campground at Whakanewha Regional Park. We have stayed here both in tents and on our yacht (in northerly winds). Located on the south side of the island, it often encounters the prevailing winds. However, the campground itself is well protected by the trees.
Matiatia Bay
Not a place for swimming, Matiatia is where the passenger ferry comes into Waiheke island. It’s also a popular day anchorage and permanent mooring location. On occasion, stingrays or dolphins have been spotted here.
More Waiheke beaches
While we love exploring new venues, we also tend to return to our favourite spots. Therefore, we haven’t personally visited all the beaches on Waiheke Island. Here are a few still on our to-do list:
Blackpool Beach: This south-facing tidal beach is reported to be popular for kayaking, SUP, and windsurfing.
Surfdale Beach: Just around a small peninsula from Blackpool beach, Surfdale beach is also south-facing and tidal. It’s a popular dog-walking beach that also attracts kitesurfers.
Enclosure Bay: A well-sheltered tidal beach, it has the warmest waters of the Waiheke beaches. It’s great for swimming at high tide or exploring rock pools at low tide. Fishing off the rocks, kayaking, and snorkelling are popular here. Note that the beach is mostly broken shells, rather than sand.
Cactus Bay: A favourite romantic spot for a picnic, the beach is accessible only via the water.
Getting to Waiheke Island beaches
The first thing to do is to get to Waiheke Island. While we have sailed here on a number of occasions, most people don’t have this as an option.
The easiest way to get to Waiheke Island is via the ferry from Auckland. We have used the ferry on several occasions, and it is easy and worry-free. Book your round-trip ferry pass to Waiheke Island here.
Another option is a combination ferry pass with the Waiheke Island hop-on hop-off Explorer bus. The bus will take you to several of the beaches as well as wineries and other points of interest. Check for discounts on a combination ferry pass and Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Explorer bus pass
If you don’t want to be limited by the bus schedule or destinations, you can hire an electric bike for the day. This will give you the flexibility to go off the beaten path. Check for discounted E-bike hire on Waiheke Island
Final thoughts on the Waiheke Island beaches
A great day out, or a weekend getaway, Waiheke beaches are relaxing and fun. The island is also well known as a wine-growing region and is home to many award-winning wineries. There are also plenty of other things to do on Waiheke aside from sampling wines or hanging at the beach.
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Which is your favourite of the Waiheke Island beaches?
Other places to see on and near Waiheke Island:
- Waiheke Island Beaches: Which is Your Style of Paradise in New Zealand?
- The Best Waiheke Wineries for Non-Connoisseurs Seeking A Fun Day Out
- Explore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf – Auckland NZ
- Tiritiri Matangi Island: How to See Rare and Endangered Birds in Auckland
- Our Auckland whale watching afternoon spotting dolphins, whales & birds
Raewyn taylor
You have Rocky Bay incorrectly labeled. Rocky Bay is around the corner and is inhabited with boat sheds and baches.
Andrea
Since i discovered your site i am now reading most of your posts. My sister lives in Auckland and i had 21 days of visit last Dec 2014. We also went to Waiheke for a day, and our short trail walk is one of the nicest i had, i also posted that in my blog. If only it is cheaper to come always to NZ!!!
RobRob
Oh my gosh, how beautiful! Among the bunch of us, none had heard of Wiaheke Island, but we’re unanimous in wanting to spend, oh…forever?…on Palm Beach. It looks absolutely perfect! Thanks for putting it on our radar. And we promise not to tell the locals where we got the info. 😉
Jean Marie Baney
I’m a definite beach person rather than a winery one. It’s cool but still beach weather here in Florida. LOVELY photos!!
Rachael@safari254
Seeing as I have never been to any of the places I would pick the beaches just because chilling by the beach is one of my favourite things to do. I would skip a visit to Little Palm Beach though, nude beaches are not my thing.
Marcia
Congrats on you book, Rhonda. Beach? Wine? Do I have to choose? These beaches are gorgeous!
Shobha
That first beach looked great for shelling! It’s too funny about the not having to be naked, but that you can be. I would’ve thought it would be awkward for the nudists to have gawkers around.
Corinne
Naked or not, Nudie beach, with those rocks and turquoise water, look amazing. I wish I could head there right now!
Ruth - Tanama Tales
By seeing the pictures, I would prefer to visit “Nudie Beach.” Looks like it has a sheltered cove. I like that one better from the photos but I would probably not visit. So cool that you are writing a book. Would like to know more about that experience.
eileen g
wow, what a perfect combination, especially for families! a little beach, a little wine, everyone is happy!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
beautiful beach! #photo friday
Paula McInerney
I love the look of Waiheke Island. Adding to the long long list
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields
We thought about visiting Waiheke Island last time we were in Auckland but we ran out of time. Your post will come in handy for our next visit.
Lexa Cain
The water is so peaceful. I guess the areas are protected from the ocean. The pics are great — though I didn’t notice much skin in the “nudie beach” shots. LOL!!
anda
I think both the beaches and the wineries would call me to there, Rhonda. I’d very much like to visit Waiheke Island.
Brooke
Love the hillsides of rocks and trees surrounding Little Palm Beach. It isn’t your typical beach scenery, which is what intrigues me about it. The water is so clear and blue on the Waiheke Island beaches!
Amy
I haven’t been to Waiheke in many years, not since I was a teenager. btw I think you and I are mutual friends with Bev Ball on facebook 🙂
Vicki Green
You’re killing me! As I look out my window it is snowing with about a foot of the white stuff already on the ground and you are posting photos of beautiful warm, sunny beaches. They look so inviting.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I’m not much of a wine drinker, so it’s the beaches that would beckon me to Waiheke Island. That’s a wonderful destination so close to Auckland. Taking the ferry, and hanging out at the beach, you’d feel like you’re on a proper holiday, not just a day trip.
Lydia C. Lee
They are stunning!!! I hate getting to the end of summer….
Karen
I like the looks of the Little Palm Beach, but I think I’d keep my clothes on! Congratulations on your book coming out soon!
Jade @ Captured By Jade
They all look equally beautiful but image wise, Little Palm Beach would be my favourite – although my clothes would be staying firmly on. Haha!
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
We love the beaches on Waiheke. So many great ones to choose from. One of the ones I really like was at Rocky Bay probably because it was less crowded than some of the others.
Tara
Oh, Rhonda, you’re teasing me! Winter has really tightened its grip on us over the last week or so, giving me time to dream of white sandy beaches like these. Your photos are stunning as always, and I can’t wait to hear more about your interactive travel book. Very cool!
Brooke
That first beach looks like it is covered with sea shells, what a child’s delight!
beatravelling
Never made it to a beach in New Zealand (was there in the winter though), but looking good 🙂
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – I think I’d prefer to go by yacht! But I’d definitely need both … absolutely stunning photos … cheers Hilary
shere
waiheke island seems like the perfect island: wineries and nice beaches!! I wouldn’t mind to be there right now 🙂
Barbara Radisalvjeivc
I think I’d go for those beautiful beaches. I have plenty of wine country here at home.
Joyce
Gorgeous!
Lyndall
Wow – what a beautiful area. I haven’t been to this part of New Zealand as yet. It looks like a great place to go for a really relaxing break. The wineries would need to be explored too, naturally! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Waiheke Island is right off of Auckland. So close yet a world away.
Kathryn Grace
Choose between beaches and wineries? I’m more of a sit and breathe in the ambiance and breezes girl, so it’s beaches for me all the way. Of course, if someone hands me a nice glass of wine in the bargain, I won’t refuse!
Comedy Plus
I love the beaches the best and if there is a boat involved all the better.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Little Palm Beach would be my favorite. More than just sand.
dawn rae
Gorgeous beaches and beach photos! What a wonderful thing to see on the tail of this blizzard we’ve had. Thank you for sharing these photos.