Guidebook for Waiheke Island

WAIHEKE ISLAND - self guide with AT Hop card. Wed to Sun is best because most vineyards are closed Mon & Tues.  There are two ferries but Island Direct is best and less crowded. best to book ($50 return pp).  * Pick up newspaper on boat and on arrival, Wine Map or Te Hura map for hikes * Thurs to Sun is best when most places open. Use Hop card on buses. 50 bus to Onetangi Beach (long white sandy beach for swimming) is every 15 min 9 to 6pm. * Many trails to hike, Te Ara Hura Track * I enjoy Mudbrick views for leisurely lunch but not convenient for bus, 45 min walk. * Suggested itinerary for a independent day trip Wine Tasting self-tour (though there is a  $30 Hop on/Off bus) Take 50 bus 20 minutes to vineyards.Get off at Wild Vineyard (wine, beer and food). Can visit Wild, Stonebridge, Te Motu, Tantalus (food, wine and beer), Postage Stamp (wine) and Heke (food, beer & whisky) all 5 minutes walk from one to the next. Waiheke Museum and Golf Club are on opposite side of the road. Lunch at Tantalus$$$, Te Motu$$ or Heke$ are faves. Wild (good food with archery & clay pigeon shooting) and Heke have play area for kids. 2.After wine/beer/whiskey tasting, get back on 50 bus (same side of road) to 4th Ave (nearly last stop at the beach) to enjoy Onetangi Beach. Restrooms to the left on the Strand. Go for a swim or walk along 4km white sandy beach. Dinner at Three Seven Two $$ or Charlie Farley's $ (drinks or food on the deck). 3. Return to ferry Bus stop for 50 is 4th Ave. Last ferry is past midnight. You can stop in Oneroa Village on way in or out, a few boutiques, Oyster Inn & Vino Vino but mostly estate agents.