Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, relax and enjoy the slower pace of island life. Visit the many great beaches and wineries. Take in the magnificent views and meet the relaxed and friendly locals. We’ve found the best hotels and accommodation on Waiheke island.
Small Luxury Hotels on Waiheke
Delamore Lodge is a true 5 Star Hotel on Waiheke Island. This is an absolutely stunning location. Take either a ferry or a helicopter from Auckland city and stay in this playground for visiting rock stars and celebrities. The views of the Hauraki Gulf are unsurpassed. The infinity pool is an instagramers dream. The food and wine list are an assortment of the best New Zealand has to offer. Pamper yourself or the one you love at Delamore’s day spa. This is a true luxury experience.
Marino Ridge
Marino Ridge offers three luxury 5 star suites. There’s no restaurant but they do offer canapes and drinks before recommending one of the many fine restaurants on Waiheke and arranging transport for you. They do offer spa treatments and have a selection of romance packages for couples.
The Boatshed
The Boatshed is a small luxury Lodge on Waiheke island offering upscale accommodation with a strong nautical theme. They have a spa and offer excellent romance and wedding night packages making it a popular romance spot for Auckland couples as well as well heeled tourists. Get there by ferry or helicopter. The Boatshed offers private fine dining to guests only.
The Oyster Inn
Most Waiheke Island hotels are accommodation first and foremost with a restaurant that exists to feed the guests. The Oyster Inn flips that on its head. At its heart, The Oyster Inn is a Seafood Restaurant and Bar. The boutique accommodation seems more like a great place to sleep off a long lunch than a place to spend a week. But I think that is part of the charm of this 3 room boutique hotel. It feels like a holiday just being there. Guests love the views of Oneroa beach, the wine list and of course the oysters.
The noise from the restaurant does tend to travel so if you’re staying on a summer weekend and you like to go to bed early this is not for you.
Waiheke Island Resort & Family Hotels
Waiheke Island Resort
Offering 1 and 2 bedroom apartments a 10 minute walk from palm beach. Waiheke Island Resort is a large hotel popular for conferences, weddings, and families. It’s on the border between 4 star and 3 star. It does have a pool, hot tub, and bar/restaurant as well as free parking. There are plenty of sea views as you would expect on Waiheke island. This isn’t really the romantic couples get away spot of your dreams but if it’s the best you can afford you’ll probably have a great time here. The two bedroom apartments are great for families.
Waiheke Island Accommodation
The best time to stay on Waiheke
The best time to stay on Waiheke is summer when the population swells from 12,000 year round residents to nearly 50,000 in January. Many of the Islands attractions are outdoors, wine tasting, swimming, hiking, and sailing. These activities are possible all year round but January to April is the best time. That said Waiheke has a micro climate that is a little warmer than Auckland all year round, so if you fancy a mid winter swim Waiheke Island is the place to do it. One of the main attractions on Waiheke is the food and wine, and this can be enjoyed any time of year – as can the peace and quiet.
Popular Accommodation on Waiheke
Waiheke doesn’t currently have any large 5 star hotels. Waiheke Island Resort is the largest Hotel with around 40 1 and 2 bedroom units. It’s not 5 star but it is a popular and well priced conference venue and has played host to several touring rugby teams. It’s also great for families.
What is much more prevalent on Waiheke is high end luxury hotels. Most of these have less than 5 suites so offer a real small hotel feel. These are very popular with musicians playing in Auckland, many touring bands now helicopter straight from the airport to Delamore Lodge and avoid the crowds.
Also popular is renting houses and batches through book a batch and Airbnb. As well as camping, Waiheke Island has an excellent campground, find out more about camping on Waiheke.
Rent Luxury homes & Lodges on Waiheke Island
Didn’t find something that’s right for you. Try this selection of luxury 4 and 5 star private homes and lodges on Waiheke Island.
Many of these home are self catered, some offer breakfast. They are a great option for families or people who want the privacy of a private villa on Waiheke.
How to get to your Waiheke Island Hotel
Waiheke Ferry
The most common options for getting to Waiheke are the ferry services. Either Fullers or Sea Link will get you there. Expect to pay about $40 as a passenger and much more if you want to take a car.
Helicopter to Waiheke
Travel like a rock star and take a helicopter to waiheke. Expect to pay about $1000 for a small chopper to take 2 people with overnight bags or around $1,800 for a larger helicopter that can carry more people or luggage.
Seaplane
You can take a seaplane to Waiheke Island. It’s a short but scenic flight and similar in price to the helicopter however it won’t land at your hotel.
Sea Taxi
There are a number of charter boats that operate a sea taxi service taking people to and from Waiheke Island, and the other islands of the Hauraki Gulf. These are great if you’ve rented a beachfront house and want to be dropped off on the beach.
However you travel, getting to Waiheke is part of the fun. It’s not unusual to see bottlenose or common dolphins from the ferry and you can occasionally see orca as well. The views are spectacular from the ferry as well as the aerial options.
Find the right Waiheke Island Accommodation for you, be it a family hotel or a luxury lodge on Waiheke Island and book your getaway today.