Experience
Waiheke
About our place
Waiheke Island is just 92km2 but has 40km worth of beaches along its coastline. The hilly terrain ensures plenty of vantage points to take in stunning views of the surrounding Hauraki Gulf and the climate tends to be warmer, sunnier and less humid than Auckland which lies just under 18km away.
Past & Present on Waiheke Island
First settled in 1200AD, Waiheke was home to the Maru iwi until centuries later Toi iwi claimed the island. Pre-European history of Waiheke has left traces of this early occupation in the form of archealogical sites scattered across the landscape. Pa and defended sites, which are found on many of the narrow headlands are easily recognisable. As well as these fortified sites, there are traces of villages which are generally seen as pits and terraced areas – a good example is clearly signposted at Whakanewha.
During the 1820’s the famous Hongi Hika killed most of the inhabitants in a big battle at Onetangi beach (the translation of Onetangi is ‘weeping sands’).
A Destination
Today, the island has become one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday destination’s with it’s coastline indented by gorgeous sandy beaches fringed with flowering pohutakawa and nikau palms.
On the northern end of the island are splendid open beaches, while on the south side, there are large inlets, mangrove forests and an interesting sandspit lagoon ideal for kayaking. Our highest point is Maunganui Hill at just 231 metres above sea level.
Community
Waiheke Island is home to a permanent population of around 9,500 residents. About 2,000 of these residents commute to Auckland via ferry every day for work. As a popular holiday destination, the population is said to swell to about 50,000 people over the summer months.
Much of the population lives close to the western end of the island, or close to an east-west isthmus between Huruhi Bay and Oneroa Bay. Here are the settlements of Oneroa and Blackpool, and immediately east of these are Palm Beach, Surfdale, and Ostend. Further east lays Onetangi, which is located on the central north coast on the wide Onetangi Bay. Much of the eastern half of Waiheke Island is privately owned vineyards or farmland.
Socially, the island is highly diverse, ranging from those on a minimal wage to some of the wealthiest people in New Zealand. The creative sector is highly represented, with many artists, musicians, scientists, writers, poets and actors.
