Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Beach

nztravelguide — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:13:33 +0000

Onetangi is a beautiful beach situated on beautiful Onetangi Bay, Waiheke Island – the third most inhabited island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands. It is Waiheke’s largest beach and has an immense stretch of golden sand which can be seen for miles, with picturesque views on a clear day. From a distance you can enjoy views of Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier and even Coromandel if you’re lucky. It is also a good spot for swimming, surfing and kayaking and the water are safe for everyone.

Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Beach

Each year the beach is used for the Waiheke’s race course with horse racing taking place up and down the beach.

Onetangi Beach horse racing

Close by Onetangi there is the Waiheke Island Historic Village as well as a nine hole golf course and sports ground. In the winter you can watch the local rugby teams play.

There is a selection of accommodation near Onetangi Beach as well, including villa’s studios, guest houses and self-contained apartments.

Getting to Waiheke Island is not a problem as there are plenty of transport options to choose from. Passenger Ferries depart Auckland downtown viaduct harbour frequently, with around 15 sailings daily, for a 35 minute ride with stunning views of the city, Rangitoto and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Waiheke Island – Jewel of the Hauraki Gulf

nztravelguide — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 11:00:54 +0000

Waiheke Island the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf is only 35 minutes by ferry from Downtown Auckland New Zealand. The Island has award winning vineyards, olive groves and pastureland. Waiheke is a great place for a holiday or small weekend break to relax and wind down.
Waiheke is also a known to be a popular destination for romantic weddings with people booking the white sandy beaches and vineyards with breathtaking views for their big day.

Accommodation is also easy to find and plenty to choose from, from hotel accommodation, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, home stays, and holiday homes.

Stonyridge Vineyards, Waiheke Island" />

Waiheke Island Stonyridge Vineyards, Waiheke Island

There is plenty to do on your trip here some of these include Swimming, kayaking or boating on the Hauraki Gulf. You can hire a rental car, or take a tour and explore the island. Do some bird watching or go on bushwalks and experience the stunning nature and scenery or simply enjoy a spot of fishing.
There are several Waiheke Island Restaurants and Bars to select from.

Population

Waiheke Island has a population of about 8,000 with almost 1,000 commuting to Auckland city everyday. In summer, the island’s population can grow to over 30,000 as tourists come for breaks over this period usually for a couple of days or longer. It?s therefore advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid any disappointments.

Waiheke Vineyards

Waiheke Island has more than 30 wineries. The Waiheke Wine Festival in late January is recommended where you can enjoy wine tasting and sampling . Among the wines offered for tasting is Goldwater Estate’s Roseland Marlborough Chardonnay, and Esslin Waiheke Merlot.

Events and Activities

There are some amazing white sandy beaches in which you can go enjoy and relax and spend your time there soaking in the sun, or if you prefer,why not try a spot of kayaking, fishing or sailing.

On dry land there is plenty to see and do including some really beautiful walkways around the island. Visit the Historic village where you will learn about Waiheke Islands past. During Easter each year there is an International Jazz Festival hosted on the island, which features immense musicians from all over the world. So if you?re a jazz enthusiast then you must not miss this big event held only once a year.

Some of the other things available on waiheke island are the following:

Waiheke Wine Tasting: There are wine tastings available 7 days a week where you can sample and taste some of new Zealand?s finest wines
Waiheke Island Mystery Trail: A 4-wheel drive Mystery Trail ideal for a group of friends wanting to have some fun!
Connells Bay Sculpture Park: Modern New Zealand sculpture in a bush and coastal environment
Anu Spa: Includes a wide variety of Massages, Therapy, Facials, Spa Treatments and lots more
Waiheke Island Historic Village: Includes a woolshed museum and restored cottage presented as a classic 1930’s Waiheke dwelling
Waiheke Island Cinema: Community Cinema
Open air Cinema: Enjoy a huge outdoor screen. Make sure you bring a picnic rug to sit on

New Zealand Travel Guide » Waiheke

Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Beach

Waiheke Island – Jewel of the Hauraki Gulf