Island life
The Waiheke Beaches Worth Building a Day Around
Where to swim, where to picnic, and where to be alone.
14 March 2026 · Vania Rossi · 5 min read
Waiheke has more coastline than it has roads, and the difference between a perfect swim and a windy scramble is usually one bay along.
For a long swim
The northern bays hold the calmest water on a southerly. Arrive before eleven and you will often have a stretch of sand entirely to yourself.
For a picnic
Pick up salumi, cheese and bread on the way, then choose a bay with pohutukawa shade. Bring a bottle, and glasses, not plastic.
For the light
West-facing coves at the end of the day are the reason people move here. Stay for the twenty minutes after the sun drops.
Written by Vania Rossi · Back to the journal
