Discover Matiatia Bay on Waiheke Island
Matiatia Bay is located on the eastern side of Waiheke Island and is a key entry point for those arriving by ferry from Downtown Auckland. This bay is not only a transportation hub with a ferry terminal, bus stop, and car and bike rental services, but it is also a gateway to exploring the island. The sandy beach south of the ferry terminal is not ideal for relaxation due to frequent ferry activity. However, the surrounding steep hills, rising up to 80 metres, with walking tracks, provide a scenic backdrop.
Walking to Oneroa
From the ferry terminal, you can walk, rent a car or take a bus to Oneroa.
If you choose to walk, you can follow the footpath along the road or choose a more scenic route through the regenerating native forest that runs south of the road. To take the forest path, head south down the beach from the ferry to the Atawhai Whenua Reserve and look for signs pointing east to Oneroa. This path offers three parallel dirt tracks, Low, Medium, and High, which merge into two tracks, Low and High, about a third of the way to Oneroa. This walk takes approximately 25 minutes.
Exploring Te Ara Hura
For a more adventurous journey, consider walking a section of Te Ara Hura, meaning "Discover the Way." This 87-kilometre loop track encompasses much of Waiheke Island and both starts and ends at the ferry terminal. You can access the track by heading northwest from the terminal along the coast to the northern head of the bay or by walking along the beach to the south and following the track to the southern head. Both routes offer stunning coastal views that extend as far as Auckland City, before leading you to Oneroa.
They take about 60 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the routes you select.
Things to do Around Waiheke
There are many activities available on Waiheke. Visit one of the north coast beaches, such as Big Oneroa Beach, Palm Beach and Onetangi Beach, take a walk at Stony Batter, visit a beach and winery at Man o'War Bay, and take in the Whakanewha Regional Park.
