The Perfect Family Winter Day Out on Waiheke Island

Beach, breakfast, lunch, and a wander — here's how to do it right

Wondering what a proper family day out on Waiheke looks like? We've put together the perfect itinerary — beach exploring in the morning, a legendary lunch, and a wander through the village on the way home. All you need is an early start and a sense of adventure. Here's how to do it.

Getting There — The Earlier the Better

Catch the Island Direct ferry from Downtown Auckland, Pier 13. The earlier you can get out the door, the more of the day you'll have — so we say aim for a morning sailing and make a proper day of it.

You can book your sailing online in advance (highly recommended, especially during school holidays), but make sure you're at the terminal at least 20 minutes before departure to guarantee your spot onboard.

Don't worry, parents — there's a café onboard serving delicious island coffee. The crossing is sorted.

Step Off & Jump on the Bus

Once you arrive at Matiatia, hop on the local bus — just tag on with your card (one card per adult) or head into the terminal to purchase your AT hop card. It's easy, it's affordable, and it takes you exactly where you need to go.

Head straight to Onetangi Beach — one of New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of sand.

Morning — Onetangi Beach

Start the morning right with breakfast at Charlie Farley's — a Waiheke institution right on the beachfront. It's casual, it's welcoming, and the food is exactly what you want before a morning at the beach. Or, if you fancy a slower start, pack a morning picnic and set up on the sand — nothing beats breakfast with a view like that.

After breakfast, head straight across the road to the beach. Onetangi is one of the longest beaches on the island — wide, open, and perfect for little ones to run wild. Pack the buckets and spades, because this is a morning for shell collecting, sandcastles, and exploring. Let the kids lead the way and see what they find.

There's something about a long beach in winter that makes everyone slow right down and just enjoy it — give yourselves a good couple of hours here.

Lunch — The Heke

Jump back on the bus and head over to The Heke for lunch. This place is brilliant for families — casual, relaxed, and the kids can roam freely in the children's area while the grown-ups settle in with a warm or cool drink. Trust us, you'll be there for a while, and that's exactly the point.

We recommend booking ahead — it's a popular spot and you'll want to make sure you get a table.

Afternoon — Oneroa Village (Optional but Worth It)

After lunch, jump back on the bus toward Matiatia — but consider hopping off at Oneroa village for a wander before heading home. The main street is full of great local shops, art galleries, and the kind of browsing that doesn't feel like shopping. Let the kids pick out a little something to remember the day.

From Oneroa it's a lovely walk back down to Matiatia to catch your ferry home.

Heading Home

When you're ready, make your way back to Pier 13, Matiatia for the Island Direct ferry back to Auckland. If you've booked a specific sailing and want to stay a little longer, no stress — simply change your ferry sailing via the link in your email confirmation. It's that easy.

Good to Know

• Book your ferry online in advance and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, boarding closes 5 minutes before departure time
• Tag on the local bus with your card — one card per adult 
• Book a table at The Heke ahead of time to avoid missing out
• Bring buckets, spades, and layers — Onetangi is long and the July breeze is fresh
• Need to change your return sailing? Just use the link in your booking confirmation email
• Kids up to 15 travel free 4–19 July — book online with code JULYHOLIDAYS26

Book your family day out ferry tickets here — use code JULYHOLIDAYS26 at checkout and the kids ride free.

We'll see you onboard!