Waiheke Island is home to a diverse range of reserves, ranging from expansive regional parks to community-restored bush areas. These reserves serve as critical sanctuaries for rare native birds and native fauna. They are also used as social hubs for local sports clubs. So we decided it would be the perfect pairing. I will give a few examples of this, The Onetangi Sports Park is a large local reserve many local sport clubs and facilities are based at such as the tennis, rugby and a soccer club. Ostend Domain hosts the Waiheke Rams and The Dolphins under the Waiheke sports club umbrella.
We will split this article up into two sections. Reserves/parks and clubs/sport.
Waiheke Reserves/Parks
To protect wildlife and native fauna always use the shoe-cleaning stations at reserve entrances to protect the island’s Kauri trees from Kauri die back. Check signage for dogs allowed on the reserve. There are reserves that are no dogs allowed and others require leash only to protect wildlife.
Ostend Domain/Clubhouse – Ostend Domain and Clubhouse offer a wide range of activities and local league games. The domain has a netball court and plenty of seating around the edges. It has a large field for everyone to enjoy. Some of the amenities are the playground, sports field, toilets, picnic tables and seating.
Onetangi Sports Park – Onetangi Sports Park is a large park based off 100s of acres of land. The park has a wide range of supported sports and amenities. The park also has a carpark, picnic tables and seating, drinking fountain, and a barbecue inside the park.
Pukeatua Reserve – Pukeatua Reserve is located at the top of Trig Hill Road. It is a open grass field that looks out over Waiheke Island. It is a perfect picnic spot with panoramic scenic views of Waiheke, Auckland, Rangitoto and Motutapu Island.
Whakanewha Regional Park – Whakanewha Regional Park is located on the southern side of Waiheke. It is a nature reserve for breeding the New Zealand dotterels and other many native birds. Approximatly 264 hectares of mature Taraire and Kohekohe forest, and historical Māori pā sites. Also located in amongst the park is Waiheke’s small but mighty waterfall called “The Cascade Falls” and the Poukaraka Flats campground.
Onetangi Reserve (Forest & Bird) – Onetangi Reserve is located in land of Onetangi Road. This 50-hectare reserve is managed by Forest & Bird and is one of the best places to see mature kauri, rimu, and kahikatea trees and native bird life. Native birds spotted are tūī, kererū (wood pigeon), and kākā. Main entry points are on Waiheke Road and Fisher Road. The tracks are well-shaded, making it a great summer walk.
Pohutukawa Reserve – Pohutukawa Reserve is a large open grassed reserve with pockets of bush. Accessed via Third Avenue, Waiheke Road and 1 Le Roy Road. There is seating and a picnic table with sea views of Onetangi Beach.
Atawhai Whenua Reserve – Atawhai Whenua Reserve is a restoration project that has seen over 40,000 native trees planted on formerly degraded hillside. There are three walking tracks situated on the reserve. The reserve offers a scenic route between Matiatia passenger ferry terminal and Oneroa. It is enjoyed by many locals and tourists during the Sculpture On The Gulf.
Te Toki Reserve – Te Toki Reserve is a large and ecologically significant green space between Palm Beach and Ostend. Set around a large open meadow with lovely views. It is very popular for dog walking and kite flying. The open areas are off-leash, the bush parts are on-leash only. The tracks are easy contour trails, but they can get muddy in winter.
Tawaipareira Reserve – Tawaipareira Reserve is home to Waihekes skate park. Located in Ostend off Ostend Road. It has a number of activities and amenties available at this reserve such as a basketball court, skate park, bike track and a flying fox.
Alison Park – Alison Park is located in Oneroa. The park has a mix of native trees and large sculptures by Para Matchitt.
Waiheke Clubs/Sports
Waiheke boating club – Waiheke boating club is a active club on Waiheke, offering a range of sailing programs in dinghy’s, keelers and multi-hulls plus a hardstand to repair boats. Their main hub is located at Putiki Bay on Causeway Road.
Waiheke rugby league club – Waiheke rugby league is based at Ostend Domain/Clubhouse. The club is known as “The Rams” which been around for decades providing great sporting opportunities for local kids and adults. It is a volunteer organization run under the banner of the Waiheke Sports Club.
Waiheke netball club – Waiheke netball club is based at Ostend Domain/Clubhouse. The club known as “Waiheke Dolphins” is a small but mighty club. Teams have been playing for the Dolphins continuously since 1989. The Club exists under the umbrella of the Waiheke Sports Club.
Waiheke dirt track club – The Waiheke dirt track club is the only local racing track on the island. They also have a clubhouse called the “Woolshed” that you can drink at and hire for functions. The events are typically held in the weekend and sometimes on special occasions they host a demolition derby. Their main hub is located off Obrien Road.
Waiheke croquet and petanque club – Waiheke croquet club is located in Oneroa next to Alison Park. The club is set on the old Oneroa Bowling Club’s green at Mako Street. Nearby is the Waiheke Sustainability Centre. The club members play Tuesday & Thursday 9.30am and Sunday 3pm.
Waiheke Island pony club – Waiheke Island pony club is over 50 years old, they offer a range of classes and horse related activities. Classes entail jumping, dressage, ocean swimming and more. Their club is located in Blackpool on Tahatai Road.
Waiheke bowling club – Waiheke bowling club is located in Surfdale. It’s a thriving community hub with an Astro grass green field that allows for year-round play. It has a full bar and restaurant (The Social) and is a great spot to meet long-term residents.
Waiheke RSA – Waiheke RSA is located in Ostend on Belgium Street, this is arguably the island’s most popular social spot. It features a restaurant, darts, snooker, and TAB. It’s famous for its quiz nights, karaoke, and meat raffles.
Waiheke golf club – Waiheke golf club is located in Onetangi off Onetangi Road. It is a picturesque 11-green course (played as 18 holes) known for its friendly, unpretentious atmosphere.
Waiheke United AFC – Waiheke United AFC is a soccer club based at Onetangi Sports Park. Waiheke United covers all ages from first kicks and fun football, junior, youth and senior men’s and women’s.
Waiheke tennis club – Waiheke tennis club is based at Onetangi Sports Park. Waiheke tennis club is built on respect, fun, and community. The club has around 115 members and welcomes more.
Waiheke rugby club – Waiheke Island rugby club is based at Onetangi Sports Park. The club was founded to support both Junior and Senior rugby on Waiheke Island. Over the years the club has grown steadily and has a sound Junior Club membership that is well supported by some key sponsors.
Waiheke Island radio yacht club – The Waiheke Island radio yacht club was established in 2020 and is affiliated with the NZ Radio yachting association. Races are held at either Anzac Bay or on the Causeway at times depending on the wind and tide conditions.