View source for Waiheke Island

{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}

{{Infobox islands
| name             = Waiheke Island
| image_name       = Waiheke landsat 7 27 August 2002.JPG
| image_caption    = [[Landsat program|Landsat]] image of the island, August 2002
| image_size       = 
| map_image        = {{infobox mapframe|zoom=8}}
| local_name       = {{nativename|mi|Waiheke}}
| nickname         = 
| pushpin_map = New Zealand#Pacific Ocean
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in [[New Zealand]] & [[Pacific Ocean]]
|pushpin_relief           = yes
| location        = [[Hauraki Gulf]]
|coordinates          = {{coord|36|48|S|175|06|E|region:NZ|display=inline}}
| archipelago      = [[New Zealand]] archipelago
| total_islands    = 
| major_islands    = 
| area_km2         = 92
| length_km        = 19.3
| width_min_km     = 0.64
| width_max_km     = 9.65
| coastline_km     = 133.5
| highest_mount    = Maunganui
| elevation_m      = 231
| country          = New Zealand
| country_admin_divisions_title     = [[Regions of New Zealand|Regional Council]]
| country_admin_divisions           = [[Auckland Region]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_1   = 
| country_admin_divisions_title_2   = 
| country_admin_divisions_2         = 
| country_largest_city              = 
| country_largest_city_population   = 
| population       = {{NZ population data 2018|Waiheke local board area|y}}
| population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| density_km2      = {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Waiheke local board area|y}}|R}}/ 92 |1}}
| ethnic_groups    = European, [[Māori people|Māori]]
| additional_info  = 
| demonym          = Waihekian
}}

'''Waiheke Island''' ({{IPAc-en|w|aɪ|ˈ|h|ɛ|k|iː}}; [[Māori language|Māori]]: {{IPA-mi|ˈwaihɛkɛ|}}) is the most populated and the second-largest island in the [[Hauraki Gulf]] of [[New Zealand]]. Its ferry terminal in Matiatia Bay at the western end is {{convert|21.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the central-city terminal in [[Auckland]].

Waiheke is the second-largest island in the gulf, after [[Great Barrier Island]]. It is the most populated island in the gulf, with {{NZ population data 2018|Waiheke local board area|y}} permanent residents.{{NZ population data 2018|4=y}} Another estimated 3,400 have second or holiday homes on the island.<ref name="Report Card">[http://stateofauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/demographic-report-card/waiheke-local-board/ Waiheke Demographic Report Card 2011]</ref> It is New Zealand's most densely populated island,{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} and the third most populated after the [[North Island|North]] and [[South Island]]s. It is the most accessible island in the gulf, with regular passenger and [[Roll-on/roll-off|car-ferry]] services, a helicopter operator based on the island, and other air links.<ref name="Tour">{{cite web |url=http://www.aucklandnz.com/discover/waiheke-island |title=Waiheke Island information |publisher=Tourism Auckland |access-date=19 April 2016}}</ref>

In November 2015, [[Lonely Planet]] rated Waiheke Island the fifth-best region in the world to visit in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/regions/5|title=Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 list|work=Lonely Planet|access-date=2017-10-17|language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
===Overview===
[[File:Waiheke Island Seen From Above West.jpg|thumb|The western part of the island]]
The island is off the coast of the North Island. It is {{convert|19.3|km|mi|abbr=on}} in length from west to east, varies in width from {{convert|0.64|to|9.65|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and has a surface area of {{convert|92|km²|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. The coastline is {{convert|133.5|km|mi|abbr=on}}, including {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} of beaches. The port of [[Matiatia]] at the western end is {{convert|17.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Auckland and the eastern end is {{convert|21.4|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Coromandel, New Zealand|Coromandel]].<ref name="Tour"/> The much smaller [[Tarahiki Island]] lies {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the east.

The island is very hilly with few flat areas, the highest point being Maunganui at {{convert|231|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.craigpotton.co.nz/Products/published/Maps/maps/waihekeadjacentislands Waiheke & adjacent islands] (map information from the [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|DOC]], via Craig Potton Publishing website)</ref> The climate is slightly warmer than Auckland, with less humidity and rain, and more sunshine hours.<ref name="Tour"/>

===Geology===
There are locations of interest to geologists: an [[argillite]] outcrop in Rocky Bay,<ref name="Nobilangelo">{{cite web|author=Nobilangelo |url=http://waihekenotes.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/rocky-bay-never-was-omiha.html |title=Waiheke Notes: Rocky Bay Never Was Omiha |publisher=Waihekenotes.blogspot.co.nz |date=2014-03-29 |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> and a [[chert]] stack at the end of Pohutukawa Point, considered "one of the best exposures of folded chert in Auckland City".<ref>[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/hgi/docs/hgiApp03.pdf Appendix 3 – Character statements for conservation areas] (from the [[Auckland City]] [[District Plan]] – Hauraki Gulf Islands Section – Proposed 2006). Accessed 2008-02-12.</ref>

===Beaches===
There are many scenic beaches, including:
*'''Oneroa Beach''' – The main beach, on the northern side of the town of [[Oneroa, New Zealand|Oneroa]]. It has free BBQ facilities, public toilets and a swing for children. 
*'''Little Oneroa Beach''' – A small secluded beach at the east end of Oneroa Beach, separated by a protruding cliff wall. It has free BBQ facilities, public toilets and a children's playground.
*'''Palm Beach''' – Similar in shape to Oneroa Beach (complete with protruding cliff wall at the east end that separates a small private beach in Boatshed Bay), it gets its name from the mature phoenix palms at the east end, where a public toilet and free BBQ facilities are also located. There is a children's playground in the middle section of the beach which also has a free BBQ area, public toilets and an outdoor public shower.
*'''Little Palm Beach''' – A small [[Nude beach|clothes-optional beach]] at the west end of [[Palm Beach, New Zealand|Palm Beach]].
*'''Blackpool Beach''' – The south-facing counterpart of Oneroa Beach, lining Blackpool and popular for kayaking and windsurfing.
*'''Surfdale Beach''' – A zoned-in beach on the southern side of [[Surfdale]], separated from Blackpool Beach by a small protruding peninsula, which has a scenic unsealed route called The Esplanade linking the beaches. Popular for [[kitesurfing]]. Also has a free BBQ area and children's playground.
*'''Onetangi Beach''' – A {{convert|1.87|km|mi|adj=mid|abbr=off}} long, north-facing beach lining [[Onetangi, New Zealand|Onetangi]], a Māori name meaning "weeping sands".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11199910|title=Kia ora: Onetangi|last=Easther|first=Elisabeth|date=2014-02-13|work=NZ Herald|access-date=2017-10-18|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> For many years it has been the site of the Onetangi Beach Horse Races. Its western end, often inaccessible at high tide, is clothes-optional. It has sandcastle-building contests annually; participants have a few hours to build their creations in soft sand that is free of shells and suitable for digging. Free BBQ and public facilities.
*'''Cactus Bay''' – Considered by many Waihekeans as the most perfect beach and, with nearby Garden Cove, a romantic place for picnicking. The beach is accessible only by boat or kayak, as its land access was blocked off by a private landowner.
*'''Shelly Beach''' – A small and well sheltered shell and stone beach located between Oneroa and [[Ostend, New Zealand|Ostend]]. It has free BBQ facilities, a public toilet and a diving platform located just off shore. It is a popular choice with families as at high tide, it is often calm and flat - ideal for children (but not sandy).

{{Gallery
|title=Beaches on Waiheke Island
|width=180
|align=center
|File:Onetangi beach.jpg
 |{{center|Onetangi Beach}}
|File:Sandcastle on Waiheke Island New Zealand.jpg
 |{{center|Sandcastle on Oneroa Beach}}
|File:Palm Beach New Zealand.jpg
 |{{center|Palm Beach}}
}}

==Climate==
[[File:Onetangi-reserve.jpg|thumb|Native bush in Onetangi Reserve]]
Waiheke, like Auckland, experiences a subtropical climate according to the [[Trewartha climate classification]], and an oceanic climate according to the [[Köppen climate classification]]. The region lies 13° of latitude south of the Tropic of Capricorn, so tropical plants which are protected for the winter months will flower and fruit in the summer, and cold climate vegetables planted in autumn will mature in early spring. Summers tend to be warm and humid, while winters are relatively mild with frost being a rare event on Waiheke.

Rainfall is typically plentiful, though dry spells may occur during the summer months which can be problematic for many of the island residents, the vast majority of whom rely on [[rainwater harvesting]] from residential roofs for drinking and household use. During such dry periods (typically 3–4 months between December and March), the island's water-delivery trucks can be seen replenishing residential water tanks that have run dry.

It is often anecdotally said by locals that Waiheke has a different micro-climate from the [[Auckland isthmus]]. Though little data supports this, the following data from a [[National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research|NIWA]] report<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.niwa.co.nz/static/Auckland%20ClimateWEB.pdf|title=Auckland Climate|publisher=NIWA|access-date=21 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.niwa.co.nz/sites/niwa.co.nz/files/updated_2011_annual_stats_final.pdf|title=Statistics for the 2011 Annual Climate Summary|publisher=NIWA|access-date=21 October 2015}}</ref> suggests Waiheke receives over 100 hours more sunshine a year than other parts of Auckland.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Annual mean temperature !! Annual precipitation !! Annual sunshine hours
|-
| 15.2c || 1461mm|| 2100
|}

==History==
[[File:Alfred Sharpe - A golden eve, Waiheke Island - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|''A golden eve, Waiheke Island'', painting by [[Alfred Sharpe (artist)|Alfred Sharpe]], in the [[Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa]]]]
The original Māori name for Waiheke was apparently {{lang|mi|Te Motu-arai-roa}}, 'the long sheltering island'<ref name="museum">[http://www.waihekemuseum.org.nz/ Waiheke Museum]</ref> but at the time the first European visitors arrived it was known as {{lang|mi|Motu-Wai-Heke}}, 'island of trickling waters'<ref name="museum"/> — rendered as ''Motu Wy Hake'' by James Downie, master of the store ship [[HMS Malabar (1804)|HMS ''Coromandel'']], in his 1820 chart of the Tamaki Strait and the Coromandel coast.<ref name="museum"/>

During [[World War II]], three gun emplacements were built at [[Stony Batter]] on the eastern edge to protect Allied shipping in [[Waitematā Harbour]], in the fear that Japanese ships might reach New Zealand. This mirrored developments at [[North Head, New Zealand|North Head]] and [[Rangitoto Island]]. The guns were never [[wikt:fire in anger#English|fired in anger]]. The empty emplacements can be visited seven days a week. The extensive tunnels below them are currently closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waihekeshipping.co.nz/stonybatter.html |title=Stony Batter |access-date=2009-08-20 }}</ref>

Waiheke was the first community in New Zealand to vote for a [[nuclear free zone]] and this action is said to have contributed to the national decision to become nuclear-free under [[David Lange]]'s government.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010|reason= This assertion was made by a prior community board member, and requires confirmation}}

In 1999 Waiheke's community board voted Waiheke as a "[[genetic engineering]] free zone",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ge-free.co.nz/PDF/December1999newsletter.pdf|title=GE Free NZ Newsletter, December 1999 – Rage Inc.|page=Page 2}}</ref> but this is a matter of principle rather than fact, as only national government controls exist over genetically engineered foods and grains.

==Demographics==
===Population===
[[File:Oneroa.jpg|thumb|right|Oneroa Beach showing some of the settlements.]]
Waiheke has a resident population of 9,063 people (2018)<ref name="2018 Census">[https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/waiheke-local-board-area Statistics New Zealand Census]</ref> with most living close to the western end,<ref name="SB">[http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=34076 Stony Batter Historic Reserve, Waiheke Island]. [[Department of Conservation (New Zealand)|Department of Conservation]].</ref> or near the isthmus between [[Huruhi Bay]] and [[Oneroa Bay]], which at its narrowest is only {{convert|600|m|abbr=off}} wide.<ref name=community>{{cite web |url=http://waiheke.aucklandnz.com/information/community.html |title=Community |publisher=Tourism Auckland |access-date=13 November 2010}}</ref> The settlements of [[Oneroa, New Zealand|Oneroa]] and [[Blackpool, New Zealand|Blackpool]] are the furthest west, followed by [[Palm Beach, New Zealand|Palm Beach]], [[Surfdale]], and [[Ostend, New Zealand|Ostend]]. Further east lies [[Onetangi]], on the northern coast of the wide [[Onetangi Bay]].<ref name=community/> To the south of this on the opposing coast is [[Whakanewha Regional Park]], [[Whakanewha]], and Rocky Bay <ref name="Nobilangelo"/> (sometimes erroneously called Omiha, for which there is no historical Crown provenance, while 'Rocky Bay' first appears as the name of its bay on a Māori Land Court map in 1865, and again on a Crown map dating from 1877). Much of the [[Rural Waiheke|eastern half]] of the island is privately owned farmland<ref name=community/> and vineyards.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.noted.co.nz/culture/where-to-go-in-auckland/waiheke-island-where-to-go-what-to-do/|title=Walking 'The Dog': Where to wander on Waiheke Island|last=Noted|website=Noted|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}}</ref>

Waiheke is a popular holiday spot, and during the main summer season, especially around Christmas and Easter, its population increases substantially due to the number of holiday homes being rented out, corporate functions and dance parties at vineyards and restaurants, the Wine Festival and the Jazz Festival and weekend trippers from around the country and the world. The population increases significantly, almost all homes and [[Bach (New Zealand)|bach]]es are full and a festive atmosphere exists.

===Social composition===
The demographic composition in 2012 was 82 per cent European, 12 per cent Māori, 4 per cent Pacific Islander and 2 per cent Asian. 27 per cent of residents were born outside New Zealand.<ref name="Report Card"/>

Socially the island is highly diverse, with the creative sector (artists, musicians, scientists, writers, poets and actors) and eccentrics strongly represented.<ref name=community/> It has 1,206 businesses but around 1,000 people commute daily to Auckland<ref name=community/> as career opportunities are limited. 60.9 per cent of the residents are in employment.<ref name="2013 Census">[http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/localboards/waihekelocalboard/waihekelocalboardcensusprofile.pdf Auckland Council Waiheke snapshot]</ref> The main employment sectors are hospitality (23 per cent) and retail (15%) followed by education, agriculture/horticulture and healthcare (10% each).<ref name="Report Card"/> [[Gentrification]] and [[Speculation|land speculation]] is having an impact, with high [[rates (tax)|rates]] and [[mortgage loan|mortgage]] [[interest rate]]s forcing some people on fixed incomes to relocate.<ref>"[http://www.waihekegulfnews.co.nz/from-the-archives/seniors-advocate-rate-revolt-island-wide-and-b.html Seniors advocate rate revolt island-wide and beyond]". ''Waiheke Gulf News''. May 2006.</ref> New Zealand council rates are based on land and building valuations, which take into account potential value for redevelopment even if the owners live on the property and have no intention to sell or redevelop.<ref>"[http://www.waihekegulfnews.co.nz/from-the-archives/board-reiterates-valuation-concerns.html Board reiterates valuation concerns Board reiterates valuation concerns]". ''Waiheke Gulf News''. March 2006.</ref> The cost of living is higher compared to the mainland, due to the shipping-freight costs of most foodstuffs, fuel and amenities.

The income distribution (2001 Census) shows a higher proportion of lower-income groups and a lower proportion of higher-income groups compared to the whole of Auckland City. This is partially due to a higher number of pensioners and single-parent families who are usually on fixed incomes and thus poorer. In 2001, the median income for those older than 15 was $15,600 (compared to $23,500 in 2006). In 2013 the median personal income was $27,200,<ref name="2013 Census"/> slightly lower than the Auckland median at $29,600 due to a larger number of pensioners over 65 in the demographic pyramid. The median household income was relatively low, at $51,100 per annum, compared to $76,500 in Auckland as a whole.
The increase in wealth on Waiheke is also reflected in the number of families earning more than $100,000 per year, which has more than doubled in 2007 since 2001.<ref>"[http://www.waihekegulfnews.co.nz/other-news/editorial-better-educated-and-better-off.html Editorial: Better educated and better off]". ''[[Waiheke Gulf News]]''. 5 July 2007.</ref>

===Māori relations===
Race relations are supportive by New Zealand standards. The local [[marae]] was not ancestral [[Māori people|Māori]] land held in Māori title but belonged to the Waiheke County Council. Its citizens, both [[Pākehā]] and Māori, got together, arranged for a long-term lease of council-owned land and built the marae. One of the earliest Māori land claims was driven by Waiheke citizens, who at the time did not know who the [[tangata whenua]] Māori were for the island.<ref>[http://www.waitangi-tribunal.govt.nz/reports/downloadpdf.asp?ReportID={6E18D794-ADD1-4EAC-88D7-0C4BDBAC08A3} Report of the Waitangi Tribunal on the Waiheke Island Claim]. [[Waitangi Tribunal]]. Accessed 2008-08-22.</ref>

==Governance==
Waiheke is part of the territorial authority of [[Auckland Council]]. From 1970 until its amalgamation with Auckland City in 1989, it was administered by the Waiheke County Council. Since 1989 there has been an elected [[Community Board (New Zealand)|community board]] with limited, mainly representational powers, in line with other neighbourhoods in Auckland City. One member on the City Council represented all the inhabited Hauraki Gulf islands (i.e. Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rakino) plus the downtown area in the central business district.

===Amalgamation with Auckland City, later Auckland Council===
In 1989 Waiheke County Council was amalgamated with Auckland City Council as part of Local Government restructuring of that year.

In 1990 the Waiheke Community Board formally requested the right to de-amalgamate from the City. A 'De-amalgamation Committee' was established by Council to facilitate the Board's wish. However, this proved not to be to the liking of most of Auckland's citizens. In 1991, the city responded to a campaign run by a pro-union group, the Waiheke Island Residents & Ratepayers Association (Inc) by holding a democratic referendum. The de-amalgamation proposal sponsored by the Community Board was defeated.<ref>"[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?AC=SEE_ALSO&QF0=Descriptors&QI0==%22Waiheke+Island,+Hauraki+Gulf%22&XC=/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll&BU=&TN=LocHAM&SN=AUTO7993&SE=36&RN=0&MR=0&TR=0&TX=1000&ES=0&CS=1&XP=&RF=Displayweb&EF=&DF=&RL=0&EL=0&DL=0&NP=2&ID=&MF=WPEngMsg.ini&MQ=&TI=0&DT=&ST=0&IR=8911&NR=0&NB=0&SV=0&SS=0&BG=&FG=&QS=&OEX=ISO-8859-1&OEH=ISO-8859-1 NZ Herald 6 December 1991]"</ref>

In 2008, the [[Royal Commission on Auckland Governance]] received 3,080 submissions (from a population of 1.2 million), 737 of which were made by Waihekeans (population 8,500), almost 1/4 of all submissions.<ref>"[https://www.parliament.nz/resource/0000075892]". ''Royal Commission on Auckland Governance Te Kōmihana a te Karauna mō te Mana Whakahaere  o Tāmaki-makau-rau Report Volume 3: Summary of Submissions. March 2009 Page 5''</ref> This exemplified the level of citizen involvement found on Waiheke. A public meeting of 150 residents on 29 March 2008 found a majority in favour of breaking away from Auckland City.<ref>"[http://www.waihekegulfnews.co.nz/other-news/a-show-of-hands-says-it-all.html A show of hands says it all]". ''Waiheke Gulf News''. 3 April 2008.</ref> The Royal Commission<ref>''[http://www.royalcommission.govt.nz/rccms.nsf/CONTENTPAGES/D4F8548EA9F021D1CC25758500432461/$FILE/Vol1ExecSumm.pdf?open Royal Commission Executive Summary report]''</ref> recommended that Waiheke Island retain its community board with enhanced powers. When [[Auckland Council]] was created in 2010 by amalgamating seven councils and territorial authorities and [[Auckland Regional Council]], Waiheke was given its own local board.

The Waiheke Local Board was elected in the [[2010 Auckland local elections|October 2010 Auckland local elections]] as part of the Auckland Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/LocalBoards/Pages/Waihekelocalboard.aspx|title=Waiheke local board|publisher=Auckland Council|access-date=14 November 2010}}</ref>

The 2010 local elections resulted in Waiheke resident [[Mike Lee (New Zealand politician)|Mike Lee]] becoming the Councillor for the [[Waitemata and Gulf ward]]. [[Denise Roche]], Faye Storer, Jo Holmes, Don McKenzie and Jim Hannan were elected to the new Local Board. After Roche's resignation after becoming a Member of Parliament for the [[Green Party of New Zealand]] in 2011, Paul Walden was elected in a by-election.

In 2013 Lee was re-elected. Paul Walden was re-elected to the Local Board, joined by Beatle Treadwell, Becs Ballard, John Meeuwsen and Shirin Brown.

In 2016, Lee was re-elected. Paul Walden, Shirin Brown and John Meeuwsen were re-elected to the Local Board. Newly elected were Cath Handley and Bob Upchurch.

In 2015-16, the subject of amalgamation remained a hot topic on the island with an application<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lgc.govt.nz/the-reorganisation-process/reorganisation-current-applications/view/waiheke-application/?step=main|title=waiheke-application }}</ref> filed with the Local Government Commission from a group called "[http://www.ourwaiheke.co.nz/ Our Waiheke]" for a unitary authority.

==Lifestyle==
Waiheke's lifestyle is largely influenced by the fact that it is surrounded by water - there are a number of beaches mentioned above, that are popular for a wide range of activities such as kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up-paddle boarding, boating, swimming and other typical beach pursuits.<ref name=":0" />

===Arts and culture===
Waiheke has a community-run cinema,<ref>[http://www.waihekecinema.net/ Waiheke Cinema]</ref> a theatre<ref>[http://www.artworkstheatre.org.nz/wp/ Artworks Theatre]</ref> that hosts a number of regular musicians, performances and local productions, and a library<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/Waiheke-Library-268999516581311 Waiheke Library]</ref> that was rebuilt in 2014 at the cost of $6 million.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/waiheke-marketplace/10327644/Library-opens-with-fanfare-6-1m-project-celebrated Stuff article]</ref> There are a large number of art galleries run by private individuals across the island, along with a community art gallery.<ref>[http://www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz/ Waiheke Art Gallery]</ref>

Waiheke has become internationally known for the biennial exhibition [[Sculpture on the Gulf]], an “outdoor sculpture exhibition set on a spectacular coastal walkway on Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf”.<ref>Headland: Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke Island http://sculptureonthegulf.co.nz/</ref> It takes place towards the end of January until approximately mid-March every second year. It was listed by the ''New York Times'' as number 35 in its list of 46 must-see places and events of 2013.<ref>The 46 Places to Go in 2013, New York Times, 11th Jan 2013 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html?_r=0</ref> The sculpture walk attracts thousands of visitors to Waiheke; in 2013, there were more than 30,000 attendees.<ref>Scoop Media, Tuesday, 12 February 2013 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1302/S00332/record-numbers-at-sculpture-exhibition.htm</ref>

===Sports===
Waiheke has a number of sports teams and facilities on the island. [[Rugby union]], [[cricket]], [[rugby league]], football and [[netball]] are widely played and followed.

There are three main sports facilities on the island: 
* '''Onetangi Sports Park''': surrounded by the Whakanewha Regional Park<ref>[https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=3422 Whakanewha Regional Park]</ref> several vineyards and the Waiheke golf course<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/WaihekeGolfClub/ Waiheke Golf Club]</ref> lies the idyllic setting for the Onetangi Sports Park.  It's home to multiple sports groups such as the Waiheke Tennis club, Waiheke United AFC<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/WaihekeUnitedAfc Waiheke United]</ref>, Waiheke Rugby<ref>[http://www.waihekerugby.net.nz Waiheke Rugby]</ref>, Waiheke Cricket, Waiheke Mountain Bike Club<ref>[https://www.wmbc.co.nz Waiheke Mountain Bike Club]</ref> and an 18 hole Frisbee (Disc) Golf<ref>[https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2261#:~:text=Including%20tennis%20courts%2C%20rugby%2C%20football,enthralling%20tournaments%20in%20the%20past. Frisbee / Disc Golf]</ref> course.
* '''Ostend Sports Park''': located in the centre of the urban area, it's home to the Waiheke Rams rugby club and the Waiheke Dolphins netball teams
* '''The Waiheke Recreation Centre''': a large indoor multi-sports facility that is used by the High School during term time (days) and at nights and weekends offers a wide range of activities such as badminton, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts and other activities<ref>[http://www.waihekerecreationcentre.org.nz/ Waiheke Recreation Centre]</ref>.

==Education==<!---Waiheke High School redirects here-->
Waiheke Island has two primary schools and one secondary school. It is the only island in New Zealand, other than the North and South Islands, with a secondary school.

In 2016, the New Zealand Government Education Minister announced a $40 million school rebuild project for Waiheke.<ref>[https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/82778784/education-minister-awards-40-million-to-waiheke-schools/ $40 million school rebuild announcement]</ref>  This was made up of two project announcements: $23 million to Te Huruhi School rebuild project<ref>https://tehuruhi.school.nz/our-school/school-redevelopment/</ref> to provide three new blocks with 22 new teaching spaces, a new administration area and library and targeted repairs to the existing school hall; and $17m was awarded to the Waiheke High School redevelopment project to build 10 new teaching spaces and improvement to existing facilities.<ref>[http://waihekehigh.school.nz/news/schools-gets-funding/ Just over $40 million awarded to schools]</ref>

Both rebuild project were started in 2019 with an expected completion date of late 2019 / early 2020.

*'''Te Huruhi Primary School'''<ref>[https://tehuruhi.school.nz/ Te Huruhi Primary School Website]</ref> is a state contributing primary (Year 1–6) school in Surfdale, and has {{NZ school roll data|1177|y}} students.<ref name="NZ_school_roll_data"/> It opened in 1986 following the split of Waiheke Area School. 
* '''Waiheke Primary School'''<ref>[https://www.waiheke.school.nz/  Waiheke Primary School Website]</ref> is a state full primary (Year 1–8) school in Ostend, and has {{NZ school roll data|6922|y}} students.{{NZ school roll data||||y}} It opened in 2005.
*'''Waiheke High School'''<ref>[http://waihekehigh.school.nz/ Waiheke High School Website]</ref> is a state Year 7–13 secondary school in Surfdale, and has {{NZ school roll data|530|y}} students.<ref name="NZ_school_roll_data"/> It opened in 1986 following the split of Waiheke Area School.

==Transport==
===Ferry===
[[File:Waiheke ferries 681.JPG|thumb|right|Fullers and (now defunct) Explore Waiheke services, crossing paths in July 2015]]
Scheduled ferry services regularly sail to and from Waiheke. [[Fullers Ferries|Fullers]] operate passenger services from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke's Matiatia wharf, with trips taking approximately 40 minutes. Meanwhile, [[SeaLink Travel Group|SeaLink]] provides passenger, car and freight services between [[Half Moon Bay, Auckland|Half Moon Bay]] in East Auckland and Waiheke's Kennedy Point, with trips taking around 50 minutes to an hour. SeaLink also offer a passenger and car "City Service" connecting Kennedy Point with Auckland's [[Wynyard Quarter]].

There have been several attempts to provide alternative passenger ferry services from Matiatia. Most recently, New Zealand tour cruise company Explore Group provided a Matiatia to Downtown service from late 2014 until April 2016. The competition was welcomed by Waiheke residents, but ultimately proved unsustainable for the company.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11333677/ Waiheke commuters hail ferry competitor]</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://transportblog.co.nz/2016/04/27/explore-no-more/ | title=Explore No More | access-date=30 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427121127/http://transportblog.co.nz/2016/04/27/explore-no-more/ | archive-date=27 April 2016}}</ref>

In recent years, there has been significant controversy with many of Waiheke's resident population who rely on the ferries "like buses" - and especially those who commute daily to work in Auckland - complaining of poor parking arrangements at Matiatia,<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/waiheke-marketplace/6969944/Matiatia-parking-concerns/ Matiatia parking concerns]</ref> unfair price increases<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/waiheke-marketplace/4177867/Fed-up-with-ferry-price-hikes/ Fed up with ferry price hikes]</ref> and generally poor ferry services.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503378&objectid=10951881/ Ferry users make waves, company pledges change]</ref> This led to the launch of a Ferry User's Group <ref>[https://fugwaiheke.wordpress.com/ Ferry User's Group]</ref> (or FUG) and a "Fuller's Watch" group,<ref>[http://fullerswatch.blogspot.co.nz/ Fuller's Watch]</ref> with the objective of giving a voice to the island's ferry passengers whilst lobbying local politicians and working with the ferry companies to improve the overall experience.

===Buses===
[[File:Waiheke-bus-network-2019.png|thumb|right|Waiheke Bus Map]]
Waiheke has a reliable and [https://at.govt.nz/media/1976655/waiheke-bus-timetables.pdf fully timetabled public bus service (pdf)] which is operated by Waiheke Bus Company<ref>[https://www.fullers.co.nz/services/waiheke-bus-company/ Waiheke Bus Company website]</ref> (owned by [[Fullers Group|Fullers]]), and overseen by [[Auckland Transport]].<ref>[https://at.govt.nz Auckland Transport website]</ref>

There are five routes operating in a new network from October 2019.<ref>https://at.govt.nz/newnetworkwaiheke</ref>  Most routes operate to and from the ferry terminal at Matiatia and span outwards across the island towards Palm Beach, Ostend, Rocky Bay and out to Onetangi Beach.  There are no public bus routes towards the Eastern end of the island.

* 50A - Onetangi Beach West, Ostend, Surfdale, Oneroa, Matiatia Ferry Terminal
* 50B - Onetangi Beach East, Ostend, Surfdale (Jellicoe Parade, Wellington Road), Oneroa, Matiatia Ferry Terminal
* 502 - Ōmiha (Rocky Bay), Ostend, Palm Beach, Blackpool, Oneroa, Matiatia Ferry Terminal
* 503 - Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Oneroa (one-way summer service)
* 504 - Waiheke Rd, Onetangi Rd, and Ostend

As the island is within one fare zone, fares are flat, regardless of journey length.<ref>https://at.govt.nz/media/1966910/simpler-fares-zone-map-web-sept-2016.pdf</ref>

In July 2019, it was announced that Waiheke will get a fleet of electric buses on the island. This will start with six new electric buses in mid-2020, with an additional five to arrive later.<ref>[https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/waiheke-bus-network-gets-electrified/ Waiheke to get electrified buses]</ref>

===Air service===
There is one airport on the island, [[Waiheke Island Aerodrome]], served via fixed-wing aircraft by [[Flight Hauraki]] and via helicopter by a number of operators.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Transport|publisher=Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development|url=http://waiheke.aucklandnz.com/transport/flights.html|access-date=15 April 2014}}</ref> Waiheke is also accessible via a regular seaplane service.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bradley|first=Grant|title=Seaplane returns to Auckland skies|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=6 December 2013|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11167970}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
The island has less infrastructure than mainland Auckland.

'''Roads:''' The roads are mainly narrow and in many places unsealed and unlit, especially on the eastern half of the island. Except for the Onetangi Straight (60 km/h) and the rural eastern end, the island speed limit is 50 km/h, and many of the roads see traffic travelling at well under the limit due to their size. At the car ferry terminal at Kennedy Point, the highway department has posted a sign saying "Slow Down, You're here", which delivers the message to visitors about island life.

'''Transport:''' Primary transportation on the island is by privately owned used car or car-rental for visitors. The Waiheke Bus Company (owned by Fullers) services most inhabited parts of the island, linking to the ferry sailings from Matiatia. Numerous other taxi, shuttle, bus and boutique services cater to visitors. Due to the hills, bicycles on the island tended to be limited to the young and fit, including an active mountain bike group, until the advent of ebikes. With an ebike rental company in Oneroa that also sells ebikes, they are becoming a common feature on both local roads, and on the ferry boats to the mainland. Walking continues to be a popular means of island transport, both for access and recreation with many walking trails that are not along roads. Horse riding tends to be for recreation rather than transport, but the island does support both a pony club and adult riding club.

'''Power:''' Waiheke is connected to the North Island's electricity network via twin 33&nbsp;kV undersea cables from [[Maraetai]] on the mainland, terminating on the island at a 33/11&nbsp;kV substation in Ostend. The island's electricity network is operated by Auckland-based lines company [[Vector Limited|Vector]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://blob-static.vector.co.nz/blob/vector/media/amp-2018/vector-electricity-amp-2018-2028.pdf |page= 123 |title= Electricity Asset Management Plan 2018 – 2028 |publisher= [[Vector Limited]] |date= March 2018  |access-date= 3 December 2018}}</ref>

'''Water and waste water:''' Each house must maintain its own water supply, most collecting rainwater in cisterns. Water delivery is available and tends to be very active during dry summers. Except for the Oneroa sewage district which discharges into the Owhanake Treatment plant, each residence and relevant commercial establishments must install a septic tank and septic field to handle sewage. This is a requirement in every building consent.<ref>[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/bylaw/part29.asp Waiheke Island Bylaw: Part 29 – Waiheke Wastewater]. [[Auckland City Council]].</ref>

'''Internet''' The fibre optic cable that runs from a bay on the southern side of the island connects it to the internet. Internet services were provided using VDSL and ADSL until central government introduced a national fibre optic rollout that included urban parts of Waiheke. Central government also forced the separation of the cable infrastructure from the ISPs, with the fibre backbone being maintained by [[Chorus Limited|Chorus]] which has contracts with numerous ISPs. The locally owned WISP continues to provided wireless internet and some islanders use both services to ensure system redundancy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chorus.co.nz/network-upgrade-map |title= Our Network Capability Map |publisher= Chorus |access-date= 5 August 2014}}</ref>

'''Solid Waste:''' The community established a charitable trust which successfully tendered for Auckland City's contract for solid waste disposal. The recycling centre was implemented with such success that it soon had to be expanded to handle the volume.<ref>[http://www.wrt.org.nz/wrt/about%20us.htm About the Trust]. Waste Resource Trust Waiheke. Retrieved 10 August 2007.</ref> However, when the contract term expired in 2009, the Council voted to disqualify incumbent tenderer Clean Stream Waiheke Ltd and granted Transpacific Industries Group Ltd a $22 million contract. The decision was political.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00138/community-disregarded-in-waiheke-waste-decision.htm|title=Community Disregarded in Waiheke Waste Decision {{!}} Scoop News|website=www.scoop.co.nz|access-date=2016-12-18}}</ref>

'''Emergency Services:''' The Waiheke Volunteer Fire Brigade, part of the [[New Zealand Fire Service]], serves the island. The brigade has two stations, at Oneroa<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fire.org.nz/About-Us/All-Regions/Region%201/Pages/Oneroa-Volunteer-Fire-Brigade.html |title=New Zealand Fire Service - Oneroa Volunteer Fire Brigade |publisher=Fire.org.nz |date=2014-11-27 |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> and at Onetangi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fire.org.nz/About-Us/All-Regions/Region%201/Pages/Onetangi-Volunteer-Fire-Brigade.html |title=New Zealand Fire Service - Onetangi Volunteer Fire Brigade |publisher=Fire.org.nz |date=2014-11-27 |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref>

'''Media:''' The island has a lively press, with the long-established, independently-owned weekly ''Waiheke Gulf News'' and until recently the [[Fairfax Media]] owned ''Waiheke Marketplace'' which closed down in 2018.<ref>[https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/103355023/five-community-newspapers-to-close Waiheke Marketplace closes]</ref> A community radio station, [[Waiheke Radio]], is broadcasting on 88.3 FM and 107.4 FM after [[Beach FM]] lost its licence in a commercial bid in 2008.

===Matiatia redevelopment===
[[File:Matiatia-closeup.jpg|thumb|The ferry terminal at Matiatia]]
The gateway to Waiheke, where the main pedestrian ferry lands over one million passengers per year, is a valley and harbour called [[Matiatia]]. In 2000 it was purchased by three investors in Waitemata Infrastructure Ltd (WIL). In 2002 WIL proposed to change the Operative District Plan rules for their land to build a major shopping and hotel complex with {{convert|29000|m²|0|abbr=on}} of gross floor area on buildable land of approximately 3 hectares. This united the residents of the island in opposition. Over 1,500 adult residents of the island (out of perhaps 3,000) joined together in an incorporated society, the [[Community and People of Waiheke Island]] (CAPOW),<ref>[http://www.capow.info Community and People of Waiheke Island] (the organisation's official website)</ref> to oppose the private plan change in court. Church Bay resident and former newsreader [[John Hawkesby]] became "the voice of the campaign" that included a showdown with then mayor, John Banks, when Hawkesby made a deputation to the city council hours after the press revealed that Banks was in business with two (of three) directors of WIL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3596448|title=I've nothing to hide: Banks|last=Orsman|first=Bernard|date=2004-09-30|work=NZ Herald|access-date=2017-10-18|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777}}</ref>

In 2004, they won an interlocutory judgement in which the environment court ruled that [[Auckland City|Auckland City Council]] had erred in the rules, and the current rules limited controlled development to {{convert|5000|m²|0|abbr=on}} in what was called the Visitor Facility Precinct. In 2005, CAPOW won an interim judgement by the court which reduced the proposed redevelopment to about a third of what the investors had originally sought.{{efn|See [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/islands/planmods/h038/PM38EnvDecision.pdf Decision A-055-2005].}}

This set the stage for confidential negotiations between Auckland's mayor [[Dick Hubbard]] and the investors, who on 31 August 2005 (now known as 'Matiatia Day' on the island) sold the stock in WIL to the city for $12.5 million. The unanimous vote on 30 June 2005 of the City Council to approve the purchase was said to have come about because of the unity of the people of Waiheke Island. The court case finally was concluded with permitted development set at 10,000 m2 of mixed use gross floor development. The Court also found Auckland City Council and WIL liable for costs in relationship to the interlocutory judgement. Since WIL was now owned by Council, it had to write a cheque to CAPOW for $18,000, representing 75% of CAPOW's costs on that matter. This final cheque allowed CAPOW to pay all its debts and balance its books.

The Council organised a design competition in 2006 to find a suitable development plan and project for the Matiatia gateway. The competition winner's design (scheme 201) was available for comment on the Council website.<ref>"[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/matiatia Matiatia land development]". [[Auckland City Council]].</ref> It attracted much criticism for the lack of car parking close to the ferry terminal, the transport hub function used by all islanders regularly and almost daily by around 850 commuters to Auckland.<ref>[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/members/committeemeetings/urban/a20070301.asp 4.1 Parking Near Ferry Terminal At Matiatia] (minutes of the Urban Strategy and Governance Committee of Thursday 1 March 2007, [[Auckland City Council]])</ref>

In 2013, Matiatia again became a hotspot for controversy as a group of residents proposes a private marina at the terminal. Some of the veterans of the protests a decade prior (led by local resident, retired newsreader [[John Hawkesby]]), re-emerged to oppose.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11181785|author=Wayne Thompson|title=Marina objectors prepare for fight|date=Jan 6, 2014}}</ref> The Environment Court decided in favour of the residents.

==Wine==
[[File:Goldwater vineyard.jpg|thumb|right|Goldwater vineyard]]
[[File:Stony Batter Waiheke Vineyards.jpg|thumb|right|Vineyards near Stony Batter. Unlike the settled western part of the island, the eastern half is mostly agricultural.]]
Waiheke has become known as New Zealand's "island of wine," home to a dedicated group of winegrowers who have successfully matched the [[maritime climate]] and ancient soil structures to the selection of classical grape varieties to produce red and white wines with distinctive varietal character. The climate is well-suited to growing [[Bordeaux wine|Bordeaux]]-type grapes, though some [[Chardonnay]] and [[Sauvignon blanc]] varieties are also considered to be good. Waiheke winegrowers regularly win awards for [[Syrah]] (Kennedy Point's 2007 Syrah won best Syrah in the world in 2009), proving the island's ''[[terroir]]'' suits the variety well. Wines produced on Waiheke are relatively expensive because of the limited size of many of the island's [[vineyards]].<ref>"[http://www.wineoftheweek.com/guest/0505ruth.html From Santa Cruz to Waiheke]". wineoftheweek.com. 7 May 2005. Accessed 2008-02-12.</ref>

Among the vineyards and wineries on Waiheke Island are:

*'''Awaroa Vineyard''' – The organic Awaroa vineyards lie on west-facing slopes among native bush in the middle of Waiheke Island. [[Syrah]] and [[Cabernet Sauvignon]] are the main varieties planted.
*'''Batch Winery''' - Waiheke's newest hi tech winery production is located at the highest vineyard with views from Coromandel to the Sky Tower. Batch wine portfolio includes Flora, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Batch Fizz sparkling wine, made and bottled on site, range includes Fizz Rose, Fizz Chardonnay and Fizz Riesling.
*'''Cable Bay Vineyards''' – Cable Bay Vineyards makes wines from grapes grown on Waiheke Island and in [[Marlborough Region|Marlborough]]. Varieties grown include [[Gewürztraminer]], [[Sauvignon blanc]], [[Pinot noir]], [[Chardonnay]], Five Hills [[Merlot]]/[[Malbec]]/[[Cabernet Sauvignon|Cabernet]] and [[Rosé]].
*'''Destiny Bay Vineyards''' – Destiny Bay is Waiheke Island's only [[Cabernet Sauvignon|Cabernet]] blend specialist and first fully certified sustainable winery.<ref>The official website of New Zealand Wine. http://www.nzwine.com/winery/destiny-bay/waihekes-first-fully-certified-sustainable-4/</ref> The 2007 Magna Praemia is New Zealand's highest rated wine by an international critic, and received 98/100 points by Anthony Dias Blue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destinybaywine.com/documents/The_Tasting_Panel_June2011_DestinyBay_web.pdf |format=PDF |title=Blues Reviews, Tasting Panel |date=June 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tastingpanelmag.com tastingpanelmag.com]</ref> Magna Praemia is New Zealand's most expensive wine.<ref>Wine-Searcher.com. [http://www.wine-searcher.com/wine-135918-0001-destiny-bay-magna-praemia-waiheke-island-new-zealand], 20 November 2015</ref>
*'''Edbrooke Vineyard''' – Jeremy Edbrooke has over {{convert|7|acre|m2}} planted in [[Merlot]], [[Cabernet Franc]], [[Chardonnay]] and [[Pinot gris]] grapes which are supplied to Waiheke Island's Passage Rock Wines.
*'''Eventide Vineyard''' – Eventide is a boutique vineyard producing an annual Syrah.  The vineyard was planted in 2012 and sits atop one of the highest points on Waiheke<ref>[https://eventide.co.nz/about/ eventide.co.nz/about]</ref>. It is located next to EcoZip - a commercial flying fox.  Visitors to ecozip can "fly" over the Eventide vines and down through 15 acres of spectacular native (Podocarp) rainforest that is jointly managed by the two enterprises<ref>[https://www.ecozipadventures.co.nz/about-us/ ecozipadventures.co.nz]</ref>
*'''Fenton Estate''' – First planted in 1989, Fenton Twin Bays Vineyard is a north-facing property that spans two small bays separated by a [[peninsula]].
*'''Goldwater Estate''' – Begun by pioneering Waiheke winemakers Kim and Jeanette Goldwater, Goldwater Estate was among the first wine making operations on Waiheke. Its awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldwater.co.nz/new%20zealand%20wine.htm |title=Goldwater vineyard |publisher=goldwater.co.nz |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> include being named winery of the year by Wines and Spirits Magazine in 2001.
*'''Jurassic Ridge''' – Jurassic Ridge is a small, family-owned vineyard and winery, named for the surrounding geology. It produces hand-crafted [[Syrah]], [[Montepulciano]], [[Pinot gris]] and [[Cabernet Franc]]. [[Jurassic]] [[greywacke]] is a major feature of the [[terroir]].
*'''Kennedy Point Vineyard''' – Kennedy Point Vineyard is the only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke and can be found on the southwestern side and was established in 1996. It specializes in growing and producing [[Bordeaux]] and [[Syrah]] wines.
*'''Man O' War''' – Situated at Man O' War Bay, at the northern end of Waiheke Island, these vineyards are planted on numerous small sites on the {{convert|5000|acre|km2|adj=on}} Man o'War farm.
*'''Miro Vineyard''' – Miro Vineyard produces two wines, both red [[Bordeaux]] blends. The vineyard overlooks the ocean at Onetangi Beach.
*'''Mudbrick Vineyard''' – Mudbrick is one of the island's best-known wineries, and has a Provence-style restaurant made of mudbrick. The vineyard produces [[Merlot]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], and [[Syrah]] grapes. 
*'''Obsidian Vineyard''' – Obsidian Vineyard in Onetangi. It is a 17-hectare property established in 1993. Obsidian, its flagship wine, is a blend of [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Merlot]], [[Cabernet Franc]] and [[Malbec]]. Its label is "Weeping Sands" (the translation of "Onetangi"). In 2007 Obsidian won a trophy and gold medal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0708/S00526.htm |title=Waiheke Montepulciano Scoops Prestige Award &#124; Scoop News |publisher=Scoop.co.nz |date=2007-08-27 |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> at the [[Romeo Bragato]] National Wine Competition for its first release of the [[Montepulciano]] variety.
*'''Passage Rock Wines''' – Passage Rock Vineyard is at the eastern end of Waiheke Island at the head of Te Matuku Bay. Its first vines were planted in 1994.
*'''Peacock Sky''' – Peacock Sky Vineyard is located in the centre of Waiheke Island with views across the [[Hauraki Gulf]] to Auckland. 
*'''Peninsula Estate''' on Hakaimango Point was planted in 1986/87. These original plantings of [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Cabernet Franc]], [[Merlot]] and [[Malbec]], also now include [[Chardonnay]] and [[Syrah]].
*'''Poderi Crisci Estate'''
*'''Stony Batter Estate''' – Stony Batter Estate, the island's largest vineyard, is at the north-eastern corner of the island
*'''Stonyridge Vineyard''' – Stonyridge was founded in 1981 in the Onetangi Valley. Specializing in [[Bordeaux]]-style reds, the vineyard's most famous wine is its Stonyridge Larose.
*'''Tantalus Estate'''
*'''Te Motu Vineyard''' – Te Motu Vineyard was established in the Onetangi Valley in 1989. The first vintage was produced in 1993.
*'''Te Whau Vineyard'''
*'''The Hay Paddock''' – This {{convert|12|acre|m2|adj=on}}, stone-walled vineyard on Seaview Road is planted in [[Syrah]] vines sourced from the [[Hermitage AOC]] region of the [[Rhone Valley]]. Cellar-aged collector wines are released under the ''Harvest Man'' and ''Hay Paddock'' labels.
*'''Topknot Hill Vineyard'''
*'''View East Vineyard''' – A boutique vineyard on the south eastern corner of Waiheke Island specializing in [[Syrah]].
*'''Woodside Hill''' - A boutique vineyard specializing in [[Merlot]] and [[Cabernet Franc]].

==See also==
* [[List of islands of New Zealand]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Waiheke Island}}
{{Commons category|Waiheke Island}}
*[http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whakanewharegionalpark Whakanewha Regional Park] (nature reserve)
*[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?AC=SEE_ALSO&QF0=Subjects&QI0==%22Waiheke+Island%22&XC=/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll&BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2Fheritageimages%2Findex.htm&TN=heritageimages&SN=AUTO24318&SE=234&RN=0&MR=20&TR=0&TX=1000&ES=0&CS=1&XP=&RF=HIOReport&EF=&DF=HIORecord&RL=0&EL=0&DL=0&NP=2&ID=&MF=WPEngMsg.ini&MQ=&TI=0&DT=&ST=0&IR=13811&NR=1&NB=0&SV=0&SS=1&BG=&FG=&QS=index&OEX=ISO-8859-1&OEH=ISO-8859-1 Photographs of Waiheke Island] held in [[Auckland Libraries|Auckland Libraries']] heritage collections.

[[Category:Waiheke Island| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Wine regions of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Islands of the Auckland Region]]