Putiki bay is the home of Waiheke house boats and the little yellow submarine, it is a beautiful calm little bay that wraps around the Causeway and Wharf Road.
The bay has been altered by humans, the inlet has become silted because of reduced tidal flow along with building and roading activity over many years.
There is a concrete path wrapped around Putiki Bay leading you from Causeway Road all the way to Wharf Road. Which is where you will find a small playground, toilets, parking and a bus stop. Further down the grass edge a picnic table is located.
The bay have been divided by the causeway one side of the bay is clear open ocean. Where as the other side across the road you will find mangroves which is usually home to a lot of wildlife such as pied stilts, white faced herons, pied shags and kingfishers as its a perfect place to search for food.
Many locals live on the bay in their house boats which is what they call home and have done so for many years. Even though some look pretty rough and beaten up they add character to the bay.
You will also see while driving across the causeway a little yellow submarine this was installed a few years ago by a local, locals love it, its a cute photo opportunity. If its ever missing its usually sunk to the bottom but its always back again after a few days. In addition there is also a half boat sculpture this is another great photo opportunity or somewhere to take a rest and enjoy the view.
On the mangrove side of the bay many locals have a hobby and like to race their small RC sails boats as it is beautiful and calm.
Further around the bay is the Wharf Road Boat Ramp and home to many anchored/moored boats.
Hekerua Bay is a little hidden beach in Oneroa. The bay is only accessible by foot or via boat. During high tide from the higher cliffs the rocks and seafloor…
Enclosure Bay is semi hidden gem bay made of rock formations that almost entirely enclose the bay from the sea. This creates a natural, shallow swimming pool.
Gear Grab is a hire shop on Waiheke, they have a wide range of everyday gear. Their store consists of party, gaming, outdoors, household, tech and more.
Palm Beach is a well known favourite of locals and tourists. With its beautiful white sand and palm trees surrounding the beach it makes you feel like you are in…
Matiatia bay will be the first beach you see when walking off Fullers or Island Direct passenger ferry services coming from Auckland city or Devonport.
Otakawhe Bay is a gorgeous bay located on Nepean Ave in Orapiu, many bays in Orapiu are accessed only via private driveways, this one can be accessed easily to the…
Putiki bay is the home of Waiheke house boats and the little yellow submarine, it is a beautiful calm little bay that wraps around the causeway and wharf road.
Omiha bay also known as Rocky Bay is a small bay located in Rocky Bay Omiha. It is home to many moored boats, Rocky Bay historic boat sheds and access…
Picnic bay is a small well kept secret on the eastern shore of Huruhi bay. You can enjoy relaxing/private swimming at all tides. With a moored pontoon.
Pearl bay is a lovely privately accessed bay. To enter this bay is on foot via the walking track on Otakawhe Bay. This bay has many beach houses around it.
Sandy Bay is located on the northside of Waiheke, with its beautiful white sand and crystal blue water it is definitely a favourite place to just relax and enjoy the…
Little Palm also known as "Nudie Beach" is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. It is Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and…
Hooks Beach is a small, calm, picturesque beach, you can get some amazing photos and views of the Waiheke sunsets from here. Pathway to access down stairs.
Oneroa also known as “Big Oneroa”, this is a popular beach that is just a short walk from the main Oneroa village. In the village you will find plenty of…
Little Oneroa Beach also known as Little O, is another popular beach in Oneroa. It is situated right across the road from Little Oneroa Takeaways and Little Oneroa dairy.
Skeleton Bay is located on the northside of Waiheke. It is a little bay between Sandy Bay and Hekerua Bay, it can only be accessed via boat or walking across…
Te Miro Bay is a little secluded beach sheltered by pohutukawa trees. Only accessed via foot, it is located below the Matiatia Headland Path. The bay is perfect for fishing.
Shelly Beach is a south side beach on Waiheke, the beach is secluded and less populated than the northern beaches which makes this a nice spot for a quiet picnic.
Surfdale beach is a south side beach on Waiheke, the beach is best at half tide or higher. The Beach is made from Shell/Sand and popular for high wind activities.
Beach Amenities
Picnic table
Playground
Toilets
Bus stops
Key Access Points
From Surfdale
Coming from Surfdale keep going straight at the roundabout and you will come down a slight hill which is the start of causeway road, Putiki bay is the waters edge you see, there is parking located at the clubhouse or on wharf road which is the road before the corner at the lower end.
From Ostend Road
Coming from the main Ostend road follow the road through the main Ostend township (Woolworths etc.) Putiki bay is the waters edge you see.
Bike access/ Walking Access
There is a bike and walking track located on causeway road on either side, this was recently installed.
Wheelchair Access
Putiki bay has a flat concrete path wrapping around the bay.
Well Known For
Calm water
Quiet picnics
Tranquil
Wildlife
House Boats
Waiheke Boating club
Hardstand
Playground
Little Yellow submarine
Hire Beach Gear
If you need beach items on your stay at Waiheke, there is a local hire shop called Gear Grab, they have a range of beach items, like sea scooters, metal detectors, beach speakers, sea biscuits, beach tents and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.
They serve delicious gourmet sweet and savoury crepes (galettes) in front of you while you wait. They use all fresh ingredients and accommodate for all dietary needs.
Waiheke honey is a local honey business that offers organic and unpasteurized honey. They have a range of different size jars and a few types of honey to choose from.
Mint As is a popular burger cart located in Ostend, next to RAW fruit and vege, they serve juicy burgers, taco’s and milkshakes all made while you wait.
Little Palm also known as “Nudie Beach” is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. It is Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and sunbathe naked.