WAIHEKE ISLAND: A PLACE WHERE LIFE SLOWS DOWN

Aerial view of a coastal area with labeled landmarks including Sky Tower, Mount Rangitoto, Sea Link Ferry Terminal, Kennedy Point Vineyard, and 40 Rothschild Terrace, showing green land, water, and sailboats.

Just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland by fast ferry, Waiheke Island feels like another world. Known internationally for its boutique wineries, golden beaches, and laid-back pace, it has become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations. The island offers a balance of world-class dining and viticulture alongside outdoor adventures, art, and community charm. For international buyers, Waiheke provides the rare combination of natural beauty, convenience, and exclusivity.

Owning at the Waiheke Legacy Estate at 40 Rothschild Terrace means you not only enjoy the seclusion and prestige of a private coastal property, but you also step into everything the island itself has to offer. From vineyard lunches overlooking rolling hills to kayaking in crystal-clear bays, Waiheke is a lifestyle that blends luxury and simplicity in equal measure.

WAIHEKE ISLAND: A PLACE WHERE LIFE SLOWS DOWN

A scenic view of a harbor with sailboats and a ferry dock, surrounded by green hills and a parking lot, under a blue sky with some clouds.

GETTING TO THE ISLAND

  • Waiheke is remarkably accessible while still feeling worlds apart. High-speed passenger ferries depart from Auckland’s CBD and arrive at Matiatia Wharf in just 35 minutes, offering a seamless commute for both residents and visitors. For those bringing vehicles, the SeaLink car ferry operates regularly from Half Moon Bay and Wynyard Quarter to Kennedy Point.

  • Private options are equally convenient. Many owners and guests choose to arrive by private boat, with sheltered moorings available across the island, or by helicopter, with flight times from Auckland’s heliports averaging around 12 minutes. These options make Waiheke not only a practical lifestyle choice but also a destination of prestige

Yellow directional signs pointing to Surfside, Palm Beach, Ostend, and One Tangi with distance in kilometers, against a clear blue sky.

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND

  • Once on Waiheke, the island is easy to navigate by car. From the Matiatia passenger ferry terminal, 40 Rothschild Terrace can be reached in approximately 15 minutes. The drive from Oneroa Village, the island’s vibrant hub of shops and cafés, is around 12 minutes, while Kennedy Point, where the SeaLink car ferries dock, is only 10 minutes away.

  • The compact nature of Waiheke ensures that most amenities, beaches, and wineries are within a short drive. Roads are well-maintained, and the pace of travel is relaxed, reflecting the island’s lifestyle. Whether exploring the vineyard trails, stopping at art galleries, or simply heading to Onetangi Beach for a swim, everything is within easy reach of Rothschild Terrace.

 

WHERE COMMUNITY MEETS COASTLINE

  • ONEROA VILLAGE

    A charming coastal hub blending laid‑back café culture, eclectic galleries, and boutique shops. The mellow seaside vibe is perfect for leisurely mornings grazing at local eateries or enjoying a unique custom or fashion piece. Oneroa comes alive after dark, too, with its range of intimate bars and live‑music spots.

    A multi-level seaside restaurant with outdoor seating, black umbrellas, and a view of a beach, ocean, and green hills in the background.

  • ONETANGI BEACH

    Waiheke’s longest sandy stretch—1.87 km of soft golden beach and clear water. Ideal for walking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. It’s backed by beachfront cafés and restaurants, plus year‑round events including the iconic Onetangi Beach Races.

    Three children standing on grassy area near a beach fence, watching the sunset over the ocean, with a hill and trees in the distance.

  • PALM BEACH

    Nestled beneath graceful palm trees, this beach offers calm, safe swimming and a tropical ambiance. Popular with families, its picnic areas, playground, and nearby café (serving scooped ice creams and toasties) make it a relaxed seaside favourite.

    Panoramic view of a coastal landscape with green hills, a sandy beach, and the ocean under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

  • OSTEND MARKET

    Every Saturday, Ostend springs to life with a lively community market offering fresh local produce, street food, artisan crafts, and coffee. Bustling, colourful, and cozy—it’s the heartbeat of community connection and a genuine local experience.

    People shopping at an outdoor market with a juice stand, tents, and food trucks, and a large chalkboard sign advertising coffee inside, on a clear day.
Situated in a sandy, free-draining section of Onetangi Valley, Tantalus crafts layered Bordeaux- and Rhône-style wines. With an on-site brewery, craft restaurant, and lush cellar door, it’s a destination best explored slowly

Situated in a sandy, free-draining section of Onetangi Valley, Tantalus crafts layered Bordeaux- and Rhône-style wines. With an on-site brewery, craft restaurant, and lush cellar door, it’s a destination best explored slowly

Set on Waiheke’s western edge, Cable Bay combines award-winning wines, refined dining, and breathtaking Hauraki Gulf views. With olive groves, organic gardens, and boutique accommodation, it is one of the island’s most iconic vineyard destinations.

Set on Waiheke’s western edge, Cable Bay combines award-winning wines, refined dining, and breathtaking Hauraki Gulf views. With olive groves, organic gardens, and boutique accommodation, it is one of the island’s most iconic vineyard destinations.

A beloved icon on Waiheke, Mudbrick offers panoramic Hauraki Gulf views from its Provence-style mudbrick restaurant. Set atop the ridge, the estate features hand-harvested wines, potager gardens, and acclaimed dining—ideal for romantic lunches and un

A beloved icon on Waiheke, Mudbrick offers panoramic Hauraki Gulf views from its Provence-style mudbrick restaurant. Set atop the ridge, the estate features hand-harvested wines, potager gardens, and acclaimed dining—ideal for romantic lunches and unforgettable sunsets.

Waiheke’s only certified organic vineyard, established in 1996 under ancient pōhutukawa trees overlooking Kennedy Bay. The estate pairs award-winning Bordeaux and Syrah wines with local olives, honey, and olive oil tastings for a truly grounded, eco-

Waiheke’s only certified organic vineyard, established in 1996 under ancient pōhutukawa trees overlooking Kennedy Bay. The estate pairs award-winning Bordeaux and Syrah wines with local olives, honey, and olive oil tastings for a truly grounded, eco-conscious experience.

A relaxed and vibrant spot in the Onetangi Valley, Casita Miro offers a unique vineyard experience. Imagine sinking into bean bags and blankets beneath olive trees on warm afternoons, sipping exquisite wines in a setting that feels like a Mediterrane

A relaxed and vibrant spot in the Onetangi Valley, Casita Miro offers a unique vineyard experience. Imagine sinking into bean bags and blankets beneath olive trees on warm afternoons, sipping exquisite wines in a setting that feels like a Mediterranean garden on the Gulf.

An off-the-beaten-track gem beloved by locals and visitors alike, Awaroa Winery impresses with its laid-back charm and standout Pinot Gris. Set in a serene vineyard, it offers an intimate tasting experience that feels both welcoming and remarkably un

An off-the-beaten-track gem beloved by locals and visitors alike, Awaroa Winery impresses with its laid-back charm and standout Pinot Gris. Set in a serene vineyard, it offers an intimate tasting experience that feels both welcoming and remarkably unique.