Explore Waiheke - Things To Do While You Are Here
From action-packed water sports and seaplane or helicopter tours to peaceful gardens, public libraries and galleries, to tranquil seaside strolls or vigorous coastal cliff top walks, Waiheke Island has a full range of activities to offer.
Church Bay: Matiatia/Owhanake Loop
The beginning of this walk is ideal before or after breakfast - the short version circuit takes about an hour from here. Stroll down our private bush track, intersect the coastal trail, choose your direction left or right and go! The main loop takes about three hours at a leisurely pace. Leave directly onto the coastal track from Marino Ridge. Allow about 45 minutes to walk 2.5 km one way from Marino Ridge to the village via the coast, Korora Road and then up from Oneroa Beach.
Church Bay: Oneroa / Blackpool Stretch
This walk is ideal to take in as much of the island as possible without venturing too far from Oneroa Village. Allow about 45 minutes to walk 2.5 km one way from here to the village. then allow as much time as you want as you stroll from one side of the island to the other. Leave directly onto the coastal track from Marino Ridge.
Explore Waiheke
From water pursuits, fixed wing and helicopter tours, to peaceful gardens, galleries and tranquil seaside and coastal strolls, Waiheke Island has a full range of activities to offer. Access Waiheke's around-the-island Te Ara Hura track directly from the bottom of Marino Ridge's property and go walking for hours in either direction. Or drive to the eastern end of the island and marvel at the raw beauty of Stony Batter, its mature forests and its wartime tunnels and gun batteries. Magnificent.
Hekerua to Palm Beach
A concrete path zig-zags down through Watters Glen to Hekerua Bay. Turn hard-right from the end of the concrete path to access Te Aroha Avenue. The incline is gentle and grassed for 250 metres, then becomes a steep track with more than 100 steps.
Helipad
Our fully consented onsite Helipad is available for your private arrival and departure from the airport or other location, for heli-tours, heli-fishing in season and for those very special occasions which demand the best!
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Pool
Our 17m Lap Pool is heated in season and with a couple of day's notice on special request out of season. Our outdoor jacuzzi is heated year round. Nature's seawater swimming is at the beach at the bottom of the property... ;)
Saltwater Fly Fishing
For beginner to Pro, let Pro-guide Matt von Sturmer introduce you to the thrill of light tackle fly fishing around Waiheke's spectacular coastline from his purpose-built 6m boat. Practice casting on the beach then take off for half a day or a day's fishing. Catch and release is the norm; but the one for the pot we can turn into the freshest of canapes for you. Magic.
Scenic Flight and Heli-Fishing
Take off from our helipad to buzz around the most picturesque Island in the Hauraki Gulf: Waiheke Island - the "Island of Wine", voted 5th best island in the world by Leisure & Travel magazine! From above you'll see every bay, every vineyard and every beach from Matiatia to Stony Batter to Te Matuku. Add some bait, rods, reels and catch baskets (all supplied) and head off by helicopter to ultra-remote spots for a few hours heli-fishing.
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
Stony Batter was part of the Auckland coastal defense system but fortunately Auckland was never attacked and the guns were never fired in anger. The fortifications include an underground tunnel system (entrance fee applies).
Waiheke Community Art Gallery
The Waiheke Community Art Gallery is a non-profit group dedicated to promoting and supporting visual arts and crafts. The gallery exhibits works by local, national and international artists and collaborates on the renowned Biennial Sculpture on the Gulf Exhibition. In addition to its exhibitions and displays the gallery shop offers a range of reasonably priced art and gifts. Admission free. Open 7 days, 10am to 4pm.
Waiheke Horse Tours
Waiheke Horse Tours is a boutique operation on Waiheke Island's unspoiled "Far End". The horse tours take you across "Te Matuku" a private peninsula owned by Sir Rob and Lady Fenwick. Take the coastal trail along the marine reserve, ride in the water if the tide is right and take in the most incredible views you'll ever see. Overlooking the Te Matuku Oyster farm within Te Matuku Bay, our rides follow a privately owned coastal trail suitable for all levels of experience.
Waiheke Island Historical Village
This small "village" consists of the Woolshed Museum and two cottages, which display a collection of artifacts, including the textile gallery, photography display, wool press and whaler's cauldron. It is located opposite Tantalus Estate on Onetangi Straight. Bus stop at the entrance. "Sensible" footwear recommended in wet weather. Hours: Wed, Sat, Sun, (Mon if Public holiday) from 12 noon to 4pm. Location: 165 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi Phone: +64 9 372 2970
Yoga
Relax and Stretch in the comfort of Marino Ridge with guided Yoga opportunities available.
What our previous guests have said
Having seen the most magical places in the world we were surprised by the exquisite beauty of Marino Ridge. The view from our room is unique in the world,
VAL AND ERIC ... EUROPE
An exquisite stay, inclusive of canapés, local wines, breakfasts overlooking the picturesque bay and a beautiful room stocked with everything you may
JOSH & STEPH ... USA
We were overwhelmed with the beauty of Marino Ridge but truly touched by the warm hospitality and feeling of home. What an unforgettable start to our honeymoon
JOSH AND SHELLI ... USA
An absolutely sublime experience, one that we can't hope to repeat unless we return. Which we shall. Caroline and Pete - thank you so much!
FIONA & MAC ... CAN
Peter and Caroline: Thank you for sharing your slice of Paradise!
JANE AND MICHAEL ... AUS
The gift that keeps on giving, couldn't ask for any more. Thanks to the hosts Pete and Caroline, for a fantastic stay we will be back again. Rowan &
ROWAN AND REBECCA ... NZL
Perfection. We couldn't have asked for more…
CAMILLA AND LEE ... AUS
Thank you for sharing you little piece of paradise with us - we feel blessed - best wishes.
MARYANN AND GRAEME ... NZL
Thank you for having us!! BEST GET AWAY EVER...
LORENA AND ANDREW ... NZL