New Zealand is full of beautiful destinations for spending memorable holidays with a loved one, a friend, or yourself. There are fantastic places to visit all over the country, either for a long or short trip. Travellers looking for a weekend getaway from Auckland will be pleased to discover a Pacific gem called Waiheke Island.
If you are a big lover of wine tastings, trying local and international cuisine, doing outdoor activities, and finding beauty and art, and you also value a sense of community, Waiheke is the place for you. The island offers it all and more to make your stay unforgettable.
No matter if you live in Auckland or are just passing by the city, make sure to spend a couple of days visiting Waiheke. The magic of it is that, even though you will be spending just a weekend getaway, the island will make you feel a world away from all the noise and stresses of daily life.
Waiheke has its own pace and rhythm, which you will get to experience from the moment you arrive. Drivers are more gentle on the roads as they take the time to enjoy the journey, admiring the wonders around the land.
Locals do not rush to get things done on autopilot. On the contrary, they make visitors feel like they are a part of the community.
Waiheke attracts tourists from all over the world, so it’s our commitment to welcome you all in the nicest way possible and with open arms. To name a few, here at Omana, we have had the pleasure of welcoming not only guests from New Zealand and Australia but also from the United States – especially due to a number of direct flights to Auckland –, Canada, Europe, Japan and China.
One of the most convenient ways to get to Waiheke Island for your weekend getaway from Auckland is by taking the passenger ferry – only a 40-minute journey – or the car ferry – less than a one-hour journey.
If you’re in Auckland for a visit and prefer to take the car ferry to Waiheke Island, one of the exclusive services Omana offers guests is a luxury vehicle rental, with pick-ups from any Auckland airport or location outside Waiheke.
There are other special ways to get to Waiheke for your holiday or even a romantic getaway. This will add not only time to your vacation but also stunning scenery from Auckland.
As we mentioned before, one of the exclusive services we offer is a luxury car rental, which is one of the best ways to get around Waiheke. Some guests prefer to explore the island by car, as it gives them the freedom to explore it on their own time.
There are other rentals available for pick-up on Waiheke Island, but you must make a reservation before your arrival to prevent the risk of not finding any available vehicle – click this link to see a list of companies that offer car rentals in Waiheke.
If you want your weekend getaway from Auckland to be of complete rest and relaxation, you can also hire a private driver, an exclusive service we offer our guests, so contact us to book it.
Waiheke also offers taxis, which can be booked via the YourRide app.
We have already given you a taste of what you can do on this heavenly piece of land, so let’s highlight some of the best things to do in Waiheke, so you can plan your getaway from Auckland.
There are over 30 wineries and vineyards on Waiheke Island, and some of the top ones and their proximity to Omana include:
Exclusively for Omana guests, we offer a bespoke wine tasting at Te Rere, a boutique vineyard nestled in a sheltered valley in Church Bay. This offering includes a private drive for guests to enjoy the best New Zealand wine.
Waiheke is known for its award-winning wine, but whisky and gin do not fall behind. Some of our beloved experiences include the amazing:
Waiheke is also proud to be home to tasteful olives and, of course, olive oil. Allpress Olive Groves is one of the best for you to try.
From local to international cuisine, Waiheke has it all to your taste. Some of our personal recommendations for top gastronomical experiences include:
For guests who also want to enjoy a dine-in experience, our exclusive menu offers a range of options to be enjoyed in the comfort of your luxury villa. From caviar and charcuterie board to a three-course menu, you will be immersed in dining delights.
For art lovers, our suggestion is to spend some quality time in Waiheke’s art galleries and local antique shops. As art lovers ourselves, one of the pieces from TOI Galley beautifully decorates Villa Joy.
It’s not by chance that Waiheke has been compared to places like Mauritius. The island is blessed with stunning beaches, such as Oneroa Bay, Onetangi Beach, and Palm Beach.
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, Omana guests can access a private beach within a short walk immersed in nature or a 5-minute drive away. Can your weekend getaway from Auckland get more special than this? It’s certainly one of the most romantic things to do in Waiheke.
For the perfect stay on your weekend getaway from Auckland, go beyond the ordinary and make it memorable. Turn any occasion special when you choose a luxury villa immersed in nature with uninterrupted ocean views. Named Oceania's leading boutique hotel by World Travel Awards, Omana is located atop a hill, surrounded by green land and native forest.
Omana is an eco-luxury retreat for distinguished travellers looking for comfort, beauty and unparalleled service.
From your Super King-size bed, you’ll be able to welcome a new day and have a replenishing gourmet breakfast from your table, marvelling at the ocean.
For a moment of pure relaxation, melt your worries in your bathtub while catching the sunset twilight.
Omana’s location invites guests to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. To make this immersion complete, we offer exclusive wellness services in our villas:
Breakfast is served daily to our guests, and you can make a cup of coffee or tea from the coffee machine in your villa’s kitchenette. Stay in to enjoy the view, or move a little to the balcony to breathe the fresh air from nature.
Before or after enjoying everything Waiheke has to offer, entertain yourself in your luxury villa. Connect to the complimentary Wi-Fi, enjoy your favourite shows on Apple TV and Netflix, or put on some music to set the mood.
Now you know about one of the best places you can spend your weekend getaway from Auckland. Waiheke is a breathtaking island with so much to see and do. So come enjoy precious moments of life and have a memorable holiday.
