Family Adventures on Waiheke Island

Immerse your family in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Waiheke Island. From thrilling outdoor adventures to beachside restaurant meals, Waiheke offers endless opportunities for families to create unforgettable memories under the sun. Take your Dollar rental car over on the vehicle ferry from Auckland and enjoy cherished moments exploring the island with family. 

Outdoor Adventures

Soak up the best of island life with outdoor activities that’ll entertain the whole family. Consider spending a day under the sun at Onetangi Beach, Waiheke’s longest beach. Whether you choose to stroll the pure white sands, take a dip in the tranquil waters or build sand castles on the shore, Onetangi offers families a beautiful environment to stay, play and relax. You’ll see kite surfers gliding along the water and enjoy views of palm trees swaying in the breeze along the Onetangi Beach Path, while the Hidden Gems Path passes the Onetangi Hall, Victoria Reserve and Tin Boat Reserve playground, providing plenty of room for play and exploration for little ones. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, feel like a bird as you soar through Waiheke on a giant zipline. The three-hour EcoZip Adventure is suitable for all ages and will see you flying up to 220 metres high over working vineyards and ancient rainforests, with spectacular views of Auckland in the distance. With memorable outdoor experiences, Waiheke is the perfect place to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Culinary Experiences

When it comes to family-friendly island dining, Waiheke has you covered. With beachside restaurants, picturesque vineyards and cosy cafes, there’s truly something for every palate! Dining with children can be difficult when on holiday, so we’ve listed the best places to sit, sip and savour while on Waiheke Island. Charlie Farleys is a casual beach bar on the Onetangi waterfront, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine are available for adults, and live music to entertain the family. Westward across the island, about a ten-minute drive in your Dollar rental car, Arcadia offers everything from classic breakfast dishes to sharing plates, with kids' options also available. Visitors can choose to dine in the courtyard amidst the scenic backdrop of Palm Beach, or in the cosy indoor area. For a unique, elegant experience, visit the Archive Bistro at Mudbrick Vineyard for lunch or dinner overlooking rolling hills and beautiful bay waters. If you’re looking for an alternative to dining out, there are plenty of barbeque and picnic sites at beaches and parks on Waiheke, so bringing packed food is always an option.

Cultural and Educational Activities

When visiting Waiheke, there are plenty of opportunities to get in touch with the local culture and community. Terra & Tide offer a range of bespoke walking tours, sailing tours and forest workshops where you can get in touch with nature while learning about the land. Discover the best galleries, sculptures and gardens on the Island Art Tour, take to the seas on the Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure, or participate in a mindfulness session on the Forest Therapy Walk. There’s also a History and Heritage Tour where you’ll learn about local Māori culture and even multi-day walking tours on offer for families wanting to extend their stay. If you’re travelling with animal lovers, consider a horse riding lesson on the beach with Waiheke Horse Tours, which offers tours and lessons for all skill levels. Enjoy views across Awaawaroa Bay and Te Matuku Peninsula as you trot along Woodside Bay during this one-of-a-kind experience on Waiheke. Or, for a quick and easy way to entertain the kids, check out what’s showing at the Waiheke Community Cinema. 

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Step in the shoes of a Waiheke local with a day spent exploring Oneroa Village. With a community feel and quaint village charm, there’s lots to do here whether relaxing by the beach or picnicking in the park—don’t forget to stop by the Waiheke Sign for a family photo to remember your holiday! See the skills of talented local artists come to life at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, where works from both local and New Zealand artists come to life. The whole family will be inspired by paintings, sculptures, photography and more, plus programs and workshops are often held here for children to get their creative juices flowing. In town, there are a plethora of clothing stores, op shops and souvenir stores along Ocean View Road, as well as restaurants and cafes to keep you going for the whole day. Wrap up with a scoop from Island Gelato, and a walk along Oneroa Beach With award-winning flavours like strawberry cashew cheesecake, sour cherry and darkest chocolate and peanut butter caramel, there’s something for everyone to end your holiday on a sweet note. 

A visit to Waiheke provides the perfect opportunity to capture precious family moments against the backdrop of Waiheke's breathtaking scenery. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement on this island paradise.