Discover Man o’War Bay
Tucked into the northeastern tip of Waiheke Island, Man o’War Bay is a sheltered and scenic cove that offers a relaxed alternative to the island’s busier beaches. Framed by pōhutukawa trees and rolling vineyard hills, the bay has a quiet beach charm and the seaside hospitality of the Man O’ War winery. It is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can swim in a sheltered bay, sip award-winning wine by the sea, and enjoy views across the Hauraki Gulf—all in one stop. At low tide, there are also some interesting rocks to explore.
Explore also provides year-round ferry access via the wharf at the north end of the bay.
How it got the name Man o’War
The name Man o’ War Bay dates back to Captain James Cook, who is believed to have named the area after observing tall kauri trees at the east end of Waiheke Island that he thought suitable for ship masts for the British Navy. The term "man-o'-war" refers to the naval ships of the 1700s, and the name has endured through the region's transformation from kauri forest to rural farmland to wine estate.
Today, much of the eastern side of the island is also in the early stages of regenerating into forest, with extensive areas of mānuka and kāunuka shrubs.
Events and Wine
The bay is a well-known location for events and weddings. Above the beach stands a small, picturesque white chapel, built to resemble the colonial churches of early New Zealand. It adds a graceful historic note to the bay, but is actually modern. The chapel, though not open daily, is used for private ceremonies and events, alongside the restaurant.
The Man O' War winery is the only beachfront tasting room on Waiheke. It offers wine tastings and a seasonal restaurant. The wines are drawn from numerous blocks across the estate, and the setting near the beach is superb.
How to Get There
To reach Man o’War Bay, drive east from Onetangi along sealed Waiheke Road, then turn north on gravel Man o’War Road. Continue past the turnoff to Stony Batter, and you will arrive in the bay shortly after. There is plenty of parking near the beach.
Nearby places to explore include Stony Batter Historic Reserve, the connected Hooks Bay Track and the Opopo Bay Track. You can also drive south from Man o’War Bay to visit several other small southeastern bays of the Island, and hunt out other local wineries.
