Man O’ War Bay

Overview

Man O’ War Bay is a sheltered cove located at the Eastern end of Waiheke. It offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere popular for swimming, picnics, and award-winning wine tasting, featuring panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Located amongst Man O’ War Bay is a popular vineyard called Man O’ War Winery. The winery are well known for their award winning wines, weddings, restaurant and only being metres from the beachfront.

For adventurous visitors, Forest Flight is a must! experience Man O War Bay views like never before by doing their 2 hour zip lining experience ending just steps from the beachfront restaurant and tasting room.

The bay is the perfect destination for weddings and family get togethers. Situated near the bay is a gorgeous little white chapel, bbq, tree swing and bench seats.

The little chapel was built to resemble the colonial churches of early New Zealand. It is used for private ceremonies and events, alongside the restaurant.

Man O War can be entered via car or boat. There is a Auckland ferry company called Explore that provides year-round ferry access via the wharf at the north end of the bay.

Waiheke Beaches

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Little Oneroa Beach

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Putiki Bay

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Hekerua Bay

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Dead Dog Bay

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Little Palm Beach

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Skeleton Bay

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Oneroa Beach

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Surfdale Beach

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Hooks Beach

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Onetangi Beach

Onetangi Beach is the longest beach on Waiheke, being over 2kms of beautiful white sand. It is popular for surfing, swimming and just relaxing.

Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay

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Enclosure Bay

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Matiatia Bay

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Shelly Beach

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Whakanewha Bay

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Owhanake Bay

Owhanake Bay is a private little gem. It is quiet and peaceful unlike other Waiheke beaches, which is perfect to just take some time for yourself.

Otakawhe Bay

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Te Miro Bay

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Sandy Bay

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Picnic Bay

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Blackpool Beach

Blackpool Beach is a south side beach on Waiheke found on The Esplanade. This beach is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to it being exposed to southerly winds.

Man O’ War Bay

Man O' War Bay is a sheltered eastern cove. Offering a peaceful family friendly atmosphere popular for swimming, picnics, wine tasting and zip lining.

Omiha Bay

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…

History of Man O’ War Bay

Man O’ War is steeped in history dating back to early Polynesian adventurers. The protected cove has provided safe harbour during many rough seas. The name Man O’ War Bay dates back to Captain James Cook, who is believed to have named the area after observing tall kauri trees at the east end of Waiheke Island that he thought suitable for ship masts for the British Navy.

The magnificent Kauri trees were noted in the early shipping journals, they made ideal masts for the naval Man O’ War warships, and thus the name Man O’ War was bestowed upon this special place.

Beach Amenities

• Toilet
• Bins
• BBQ
• Restaurant
• Tree swing
• Wharf/Pier
• Ferry

Key Access Points

Man O’ War Bay Road – The best way to access Man O War Bay is via a gravel long stretch of road called Man O War Bay Road and exiting at Cowes Bay Road.

Man O War Bay Road can be accessed via Waiheke Road, continue past the turnoff to Stony Batter, and you will arrive in the bay shortly after. There is plenty of parking near the beach.

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 – sea scooters, metal detectors, fishing rods, speakers and more.

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