Skeleton Bay

Overview

Skeleton Bay is located on the northside of Waiheke. It is a little bay between Sandy Bay and Hekerua Bay. It is only be accessed via boat or walking across the rocks.

It is a sandy type bay surrounded by rocks and a cliff face with a fallen pohutukawa tree that is slowly turning into drift wood.

There isn’t any information on this bay its not even labelled on the maps. I heard from a local source that locals call it “Skeleton Bay” because a skull was found on this beach many years ago.

Not many people go to this bay its very quiet and eerie when you step foot on it.

Waiheke Beaches

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Dead Dog Bay

Dead Dog Bay also formally known as "Okoka Bay" is a little secluded tidal bay, this is entered via a short path at the end of Margaret Reeve Lane.

Pohutukawa Bay

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Gear Grab – Hire

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Hekerua Bay

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…

Sandy Bay

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…

Pearl Bay

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Picnic Bay

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.

Shelly Beach

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.

Whakanewha Bay

Whakanewha Bay is located on the southside of Waiheke, it is a quiet bay but can be busy in peak summer times, it is also the nesting zone for our…

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.

Otakawhe Bay

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…

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…

Te Miro Bay

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.

Skeleton Bay

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…

Matiatia Bay

Matiatia Bay is the first beach seen when walking off Fullers or Island Direct passenger ferry services coming from Auckland city or Devonport.

Surfdale Beach

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.

Oneroa Beach

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…

Hooks Beach

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.

Little Palm Beach

Little Palm also known as "Nudie Beach" is a nudist beach located on the western side of Palm Beach. Waihekes only beach where its safe to swim and sunbathe naked.

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.

Little Oneroa Beach

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.

Woodside Bay

Woodside Bay is a quiet little bay located in the Whakanewha region. It is a little bit of a drive but can be perfect for a quiet picnic away from…

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.

Rocky Bay/Kuakarau Bay

Rocky Bay also formally known as Kuakarau Bay is a pretty quiet bay, it is perfect for a picnic and a fun space for children to play on its wooden…

Palm Beach

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…

Anzac Bay

Anzac Bay is a quiet little bay located on Natzka Road. It is best to visit during high tide as its beautiful and tranquil but muddy during low tide.

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.

Putiki Bay

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.

Enclosure Bay

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.

Aerial Video 2025

Key Access Points

From Sandy Bay

You can access Skeleton Bay via Sandy Bay by walking across the rocks or boat.

From Hekerua Bay

You can access Skeleton Bay via Hekerua Bay by walking across the rocks or boat.

Well Known For

• Eerie
• Quiet

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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