WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WAIHEKE

Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, about 15 km (10 miles) east of Auckland city in northern New Zealand. Only the western half of the 40-km (25-mile) long island is populated by its 7500 residents. The mild climate year-round allows grapes, citrus fruits, and olives to be grown. With its many beaches, suntans are a summer specialty on Waiheke. The eastern half of the island has a single loop road from near Onetangi, past Orapiu, to Stony Batter and return. It is interesting to drive or bike The Loop.

Coromandel
Peninsular

The republic of Waiheke

New Zealand

Biking The Loop to Stony Batter

If you would like a workout on Waiheke you might enjoy cycling The Loop to Stony Batter. This starts at Onetangi and goes around the hills to Te Matuku Bay and the turnoff to Orapiu on a sealed road. From here to Man O'War Bay, to the Stony Batter turnoff, then back to close the loop on the north side of Waiheke it's about 20 km (12 mile) of mostly loose gravel on steep (south side) to moderate (north side) hills. There's another hill on the seal back to Onetangi, which adds 5 km more. Take plenty of water and energy -- there are no shops and not much shade.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge a picture. Click the Back button on your browser to return to this page.