Waiheke island (Waiheke) is one of the most beautiful and one of the most densely populated Islands of New Zealand. Waiheke is located in the Hauraki Gulf, is part of Auckland city, is 18 km away from it.

"Waiheke" translates from the Maori language as "cascading water". The island is famous for its sandy beaches with crystal clear emerald water, and the production of high quality wines, known all over the world.

The island is so beautiful that many artists chose it as a home. Here you can see the magnificent works by the best masters: paintings, sculptures, ceramics. The island has a Gallery art community Waiheke. This is a non-profit organization designed to help and support the fine arts and crafts. The Gallery exhibits works by local, national and international artists. Their paintings available to buy at reasonable prices and even get small gifts.

The Waiheke beaches deserve special attention. Regardless of personal preferences of the traveler relative to a beach holiday it has everything: a quiet secluded coves, and large crowded beaches, and windy beaches with big waves, and quiet backwaters, rocky or sandy beaches. Here you can find a huge number of water sports, waterfront cafes and shops, stunning views of the sea or the Auckland - in short, everything that one can wish to the beach.

In the North of the island one can find the beaches of Oneroa, Palm Beach, Onetangi. In the West - Matiatia and Church Bay. In the South - Rocky Bay (Whakanewha Bay, Putiki Bay, Surfdale, Blackpool. The East side is Man O 'War Bay is a beautiful Bay for anchoring of ships, boats and yachts.

The soil on Waiheke especially good for growing grapes. The first vineyard on Waiheke appeared in 1977. Now many wineries scattered throughout the island. Many offer tastings of their wines, and even open the restaurants for that travelers can fully enjoy the wonderful drink. The island produces such wines as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet franc and more recently started making Chardonnay. Tourist routes often pass through the vineyards Mudbrick, Ridgeview Estate and Te Whau.

Apart from art, beaches and wine on the island there are plenty of attractions: the sculpture Park Connells Bay, Ostend market, sightseeing flight from the airfield Waikaha, the structure of the World war II tunnels, gun emplacements, command post, etc., beautiful garden Te Whau with tropical plants, historical village and music Museum, where you can see shows with various musical instruments.

The island can be reached from Auckland by plane, helicopter or ferry.