There is plenty to do on the "Rock" so have a look over the recommendations below and take a surf on the many sites about the island so you can make a plan. If you want adrenalin get on a mountain bike and check out the new trails or take a sky dive, if you are into nature the top end of the island has bountiful wildlife and if you are just into chilling out and relaxing then you must visit the vineyards and beaches.

The wine and food on the Island is so good we have dedicated a whole section to it - check out the wine tab.

Below are some links and recommendations.
try www.tourismwaiheke.co.nz; www.waiheke.co.nz; www.gotowaiheke.com; www.justwaiheke.co.nz

Beaches

You're right on the doorstep of Palm Beach, a 10 minute downhill stroll from Casa del Mar. Palm Beach and adjoining Little Palm are great swimming beaches for all ages - just be aware that Little Palm ( far left of the beach around the point) is a well-patronised "nudie beach".. The surf at Palm Beach is generally low enough so that well-supervised littlies are quite happy, yet there is enough to keep bigger kids with boogie boards busy for an afternoon

The main beaches are:

Onetangi Beach - A 1.87kmlong, north-facing beach lining Onetangi. For many years it has been the site of the Onetangi Beach Races.
Oneroa Beach - located along the northern side of Oneroa township - the main shopping area. A favourite mooring spot for yachts over summer
Little Oneroa Beach - A small, beach at the east end of Oneroa Beach, separated by a protruding cliff wall.
Palm Beach - Similar in shape to Oneroa Beach (complete with protruding cliff wall on the east end, that separates a small, private beach), it gets its name from the mature phoenix palms at the east end.
Little Palm Beach - A small beach at the west end of Palm Beach, famed among nudists.
Blackpool Beach - The south-facing counterpart of Oneroa Beach, lining Blackpool, popular for kayaking and windsurfing.
Surfdale Beach - A beach on the southern side of Surfdale, separated from Blackpool Beach by a small, protruding peninsula. Also popular for kitesurfing.
Cactus Bay - Considered by many Waihekeans as the island's most perfect beach, and with nearby Garden Cove, a romantic place for picnicking. The beach is accessible only by boat or kayak, as its land access was blocked off by a private landowner.

Should you wish to venture further, there are many other smaller bays sprinkled around the island such as Rocky Bay, Sandy Bay and Enclosure Bay .

Boating

Waiheke is the perfect destination for boaties. For trailer boats, there are boat ramps at Matiatia and Kennedy Point. There are loads of sheltered bays for water skiing and wake boarding. If fishing and diving are your things, there are numerous spots. Check out Motohi Channel, Park Point, Thompsons Point, The Noisies and Hooks Bay. If you are an explorer, circumnavigating Waiheke is highly recommended. There are some fabulous bays only accessible by boat, especially at the south end and on the north-eastern side of the island.

If required, Waiheke has a Coastguard service - phone 09 372 8353

Island Walks

Research the walkways before you go. They are all spectacular and the varying levels will suit all.

Whether it is the quiet solitude and unique fragrance of the native bush or the stunning views from cliff-tops and headlands which appeals, Waiheke's walkways offer a diversity and tranquility rarely found so close to the city. There are many areas of historic interest and large tracts of reserve land. The numerous native wood pigeons are fascinating to observe and beautiful in flight. This information details the island's major walkways, and their side trips, which can either shorten or lengthen the walk, according to preference.

Easy walks from the house are in bold

Click here for a pdf of the little Oneroa to Palm Beach walk - which of course can be done the other way around from the house

A simple walk from the house goes around the coast from Palm beach. - click for details

Key Events

Waiheke is renowned for the annual Easter Jazz Festival (book early!) which takes place at selected venues around the island over the holiday period.

The Onetangi Beach Races are horse racing combined with a family fun day held in late February.

More recently Waiheke has also started its own Wine Festival, usually held in February.

There is also the bi-annual Sculpture on the Gulf, fishing competitions and guided evening walks amongst other things! Check out any of the websites listed later on for further current information.

Other Stuff

Cycling
There is a new MTB trail and club now on waiheke. For keen bikers log onto http://wmbc.co.nz to get the trail maps.

Golf
For those keen to try their luck there is a local 9-hole golf course.. To book a tee time, call 09 372 8886 (Green fees $20pp).

Movies
Don't go past the Waiheke cinema if you are keen to catch a movie while you're here - relax and enjoy the entertainment from a comfy sofa. It's located at Artworks in Oneroa.

Market
There is a wonderful market every Saturday morning until midday in Ostend, incorporating wonderful home-made spreads and chutneys, fresh vegetables, crepes, fresh breads and a weird and wonderful assortment of all kinds of "treasures". Always humming and worth checking out for the interest value alone!

Sundays bring the Ostend Farmers Market from 10-2pm full of quality produce and artisan goods.

Art
There are a number of large and small art galleries on the island - check out The Red Shed at Palm Beach (at the end by the bus turning point), the Waiheke Community Art Gallery in Artworks at the top of Oneroa and Rockit Gallery in Oneroa township under the Lazy Lounge

Dining Out- See the wine and food Tab