USA Road Trip on Waiheke Island
USA Road Trip on Waiheke Island
USA Road Trip on Waiheke Island
East Coast to West Coast. One Island.
Perfect for: Couples, friends, foodies and first-time visitors
Duration: Full day
Getting Around: Rental car, eBike, taxi or Explorer Bus
Budget: $$–$$$
Best Time: Year-round
Hit the open road and discover the USA without leaving Waiheke Island. This fun-filled itinerary takes you from the East Coast seafood flavours of Obees in Oneroa to the laid-back West Coast vibes of Charlie Farley's on Onetangi Beach, with an unexpected detour through "Paris, Texas" at Te Motu for a French-inspired wine tasting. Along the way you'll explore charming villages, scenic coastal roads, vineyard landscapes and some of the island's most spectacular views. Whether you're a foodie, wine lover or simply looking for a unique day out, this coast-to-coast journey proves that big adventures can happen on a small island.
10:00am – Catch the Staten Island Ferry (Waiheke Edition)
Board the ferry from downtown Auckland and swap Manhattan for Matiatia.
Ferry Options
Departs Downtown Auckland: 9:15am - check out their ferry timetable HERE
Arrives approximately 9:55am
Departs Downtown Auckland: 10:00am - check out their ferry timetable HERE.
Arrives approximately 10:40am
Both services arrive at Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during weekends and school holidays during summer months.
10:00am - 10.45 – Arrive at Matiatia & Travel to Oneroa
When you arrive at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, head outside and catch any Auckland Transport bus heading towards Oneroa.
All local buses stop directly outside the ferry terminal and travel through Oneroa to bus stop 1155 at the corner of Ocean View Road and Tui Street. You can check out the Waiheke Bus Timetable HERE.
You can pay by:
Contactless credit card
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Samsung Pay
AT HOP Card
Remember to tap on and tap off using the same card or device.
Allow around 10 minutes to reach Oneroa Village.
10:45am – Explore Oneroa Village
Before heading across the island, spend some time exploring Waiheke's main village.
Browse boutique shops, local galleries and artisan stores, grab a coffee and enjoy views across Oneroa Bay.
Allow approximately 45 minutes.
11:30am – Brunch at Obees (USA East Coast)
Start your road trip on Waiheke's East Coast.
Overlooking Oneroa Bay, Obees serves up fresh seafood, oysters, chowder and classic coastal flavours inspired by the great seafood destinations of America's East Coast.
Relax with a leisurely brunch while watching the boats in the bay.
Allow approximately 1.5 hours.
You can catch the public bus from stop 1155 onwards to Te Motu using either 50A or 50B bus Auckland Transport bus towards Onetangi, you can see the timetable HERE.
1:30pm – Paris, Texas at Te Motu
Every great American road trip needs an unexpected detour.
Head inland to Te Motu for a French-inspired wine tasting experience that pays tribute to the famous town of Paris, Texas.
Sample elegant wines inspired by French winemaking traditions while enjoying one of Waiheke's most beautiful vineyard settings.
Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours.
You can catch the public bus from stop 1155 at the corner of Ocean View Road and Tui Street. You can catch either the 50A or 50B bus towards Onetangi stopping at Te Motu at 17 Onetangi Road. You can see the timetable HERE.
3:30pm – Cruise the Coast to Onetangi Beach
Every great American road trip needs a scenic stretch of highway. Hop aboard the local bus and cruise across Waiheke's rolling vineyards, olive groves and coastal landscapes as you make your way to Onetangi Beach.
Sit back, enjoy the views and watch the island's countryside unfold before arriving at Waiheke's laid-back "West Coast" destination.
Tip: You can get 50B straight to Onetangi or 50A if you would like to head further down the Western end of Onetangi and then walk up the beach to Charlie Farleys.
5:00pm – Dinner at Charlie Farley's (USA West Coast)
Arrive on Waiheke's West Coast for sunset.
Charlie Farley's brings laid-back Californian beach vibes to Onetangi Beach, with ocean views, casual dining and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from Auckland.
Enjoy dinner overlooking the beach while watching the evening light fade across the bay.
Allow approximately 2 hours.
7:20pm – Return to Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Return to Matiatia by taxi, or public bus.
Taxi services:
Easy Transport – 022 612 6760
Plugg Taxi E Tours – 021 506 284
You can get the 50A bus right outside Charlie Farley's that heads to Matiatia ferry terminal at 7.20pm, 8.05pm, 8.50pm, 9.35pm, 10.20pm, 11.30pm.
8:00pm – Ferry Home
Board your evening ferry back to Auckland after a day of coast-to-coast adventures.
8:00pm departure
8:45pm departure
Top Tip
Want the ultimate American road trip experience?
Hire an eBike from eRide Waiheke at Matiatia and spend the day exploring Oneroa to Onetangi at your own pace. It's a fun and sustainable way to experience the island while taking in some of Waiheke's best scenery. You can hire your ebike as you get off the ferry at Matiatia.
