Beaches and Bays on Waiheke Island

Waiheke boasts over 40km of stunning coastline, and no trip is complete without exploring some of its most iconic beaches.

1. Onetangi Beach
Waiheke’s longest and most iconic beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and long walks.

2. Oneroa Beach
A calm, north-facing beach ideal for families and picnics, located right below the island’s main village. Easy access, close to shops and cafés.

3. Little Oneroa Beach
A short stroll from Oneroa, this sheltered cove is great for families with kids, thanks to its playground, BBQs, and the waterfall walk nearby.

4. Palm Beach
Known for its calm water and golden sand, Palm Beach is popular with both locals and visitors. It also has a nudist area at the far western end.

5. Enclosure Bay
A rocky, tidal pool beach great for snorkelling and safe for young swimmers. Best at low tide for exploring marine life.

6. Cactus Bay
Accessible only by foot or boat, this secluded beach is tranquil and pristine — perfect for a quiet escape or picnic.

7. Shelley Beach
A pebbled, tide-dependent beach near Blackpool that’s ideal for rockpooling and watching sunsets over Auckland.

8. Surfdale Beach
A tidal beach on the southern side of the island with shallow water — good for windsurfing and dog walking, but less so for swimming.

9. Sandy Bay
Small and peaceful, Sandy Bay is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding with calm waters and a relaxed vibe.

10. Hekerua Bay
A quiet beach tucked between Little Oneroa and Sandy Bay, reached by a walking track. Great for snorkelling and swimming.

11. Awaawaroa Bay
Part of a private conservation area on the south coast. Scenic and remote, accessible via walking track or kayak.

12. Whakanewha Bay
Within Whakanewha Regional Park, this beach blends native forest with a shallow tidal estuary. Perfect for birdwatching, picnics, and kayaking.

13. Picnic Bay
Near Kennedy Point, this spot is quiet and scenic — great for swimming, relaxing, and watching ferries go by.

14. Blackpool Beach
A local beach on the southern coast, often used for kayaking and paddleboarding. Tidal, with a residential feel.

15. Hooks Bay
On the eastern end, near Man O’ War, this bay is isolated and undeveloped. A great destination for walkers and serious adventurers.

16. Man O’ War Bay
Home to the famous vineyard and surrounded by pohutukawa trees, it’s a sheltered bay that’s both swimmable and picturesque.

17. Otakawhe Bay
A remote eastern bay with rock formations and access via walking trails. Ideal for picnicking and exploration.