Lying in Auckland’s beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is only a short ferry ride from the heart of the city. There are around 9,000 people living on the island, a beautiful spot dotted with olive farms and vineyards, with elegant art galleries nestled in between. The island’s biggest attraction is Palm Beach, a quiet haven to where tens of thousands of visitors flock, especially during main holiday periods.
Palm Beach is an ideal location for a refreshing swim stretching out under the golden New Zealand sun and catching some rays. For a more energetic pastime, head for the walking trails that will lead you through nature reserves and along the coastline where you may get the chance to spot orca whales swimming by.
Native bush surrounds the unspoilt white sands of the beach, while by the water, the curved green headlands protect the spot from the winds and the waves, making it a gentle and serene location. If you want to take a dip, the ocean is safe all year round, but bear in mind that from May through to September, the water’s pretty chilly! To the western side of Palm Beach, there’s a protected bay which also an unofficial nudist beach.
In the reserve backing onto Palm Beach there are toilets, barbecue facilities and even a play area. There’s also a small shop that stocks food and supplies.
If you want to stay a little longer, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, from modern apartments and cottages by the sea to houses that can sleep large families and groups. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll also find a selection of five-star accommodation on the island.
The island can be reached by a drive-on ferry from Auckland, which takes just under an hour. A passenger ferry is also available which whisks you to the island in only 40 minutes. Three ferry services are available which run back and forth between the city and the island throughout the day and buses run between the ferry stop at Matiatia Bay and Palm Beach.
