Waiheke Island is always a great place to visit, but summer brings even more reason to hop on the ferry and make a day or a weekend of it. From gardens and live music to art and New Year’s celebrations, there’s plenty happening this summer.

Bringing your own vehicle unlocks a whole lot more of Waiheke Island. You can fit more into your day, discover beaches and vineyards away from the main centres, and make the most of events happening across the island.

Jassy Dean Garden Festival | November 2026

A highlight on Waiheke’s spring calendar, the Jassy Dean Trust Garden Festival celebrates the island’s incredible gardens, creativity and community. Explore beautiful private gardens, discover local designers and makers, and get inspired for your own backyard. Having your car makes it easy to move between gardens, see more of the island along the way and make a weekend of it. Purchase an event ticket and then book your crossing with SeaLink.

Highlife New Year’s Eve | 31 December 2026

See in 2027 on the island with the iconic Highlife NYE celebration. Make a weekend (or week) of it, enjoy dinner and drinks at one of Waiheke’s many restaurants and vineyards, then head to the celebrations. With your car, you have the flexibility to explore the island before and after the festivities.

The Great Kiwi Music Festival | 7 February 2027

Get ready for a day of live music at Wild Estate, with some of New Zealand’s favourite artists, great food and Waiheke wine. Gather your friends, make a day of it and enjoy one of the island’s biggest music events. Bringing your car means you can combine the festival with a stop at a beach, vineyard or one of Waiheke’s many other attractions. The Great Kiwi Music Festival is a must-do for those looking for a festival vibe with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure.

Sculpture on the Gulf | 26 February to 29 March 2027

One of Waiheke’s signature events returns in late summer. Sculpture on the Gulf transforms the island’s coastline into an outdoor art gallery, with large-scale works set among spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf. With a car, you can make the most of your visit and explore more of Waiheke before or after experiencing the exhibition.

Credit: Peter Rees

Waiheke Walking Festival | 11 to 22 March 2027*

Discover a different side of the island during the Waiheke Walking Festival. With a programme of guided walks and experiences, it’s a great way to explore Waiheke’s beaches, vineyards, coastline and beautiful landscapes. Having your own car gives you the freedom to get to walks across the island and turn your event visit into a full day or weekend of exploring.

*Excluding 16th and 17th of March.

Make more of your Waiheke trip

Whether you’re visiting for a big event, a long lunch, a day at the beach or a weekend away, bringing your car gives you the freedom to experience more of Waiheke. Pack the beach gear, bring the bikes, load up the family and explore at your own pace.

Book your SeaLink vehicle ferry and unlock more of Waiheke this summer.