Waiheke Island - Onetangi

Onetangi has a somewhat more exposed feel to it than neighbouring Oneroa.

Like the latter, it would only be suitable as an anchorage when the wind was from the south through to west.

There was also a slight swell coming in when we visited and that was after a period of prolonged southwesterly winds.

To avoid the swell, head for the western end of the bay. This end is also more private with few houses on shore but a longer dinghy trip if you want to take a walk along this very pleasant beach.

I learnt that the swell can be a hazard when landing in the dinghy. When you do land, head for the western most possible piece of sand. I made the mistake of going a little further east and an untimely wave gave me an unexpected swim. It was New Years day and the rather cold looking bunch of "sun bathers" probably enjoyed the diversion from trying to chase the sun.

There are two cafe / bars at the eastern end of the beach.

Certainly worth a visit if the weather is from the right direction.

Anchorage: Onetangi

Position: 36.37S 175.05E

Last Visited: Jan 07

Waiheke Island - Oneroa Bay

We enjoy Oneroa because it offers an opportunity for something different.

At the head of the bay, apart from a lovely sandy beach, is the very pleasant little village of Oneroa. If offers a range of interesting shops to keep the first mate happy, not so many as to bore the skipper, great views back over the bay (you can keep an eye on the boat) and a few cafes for refreshments.

If you plan to stay longer than a day then Oneroa also offers some pleasant walks around the surrounding coastline. The one out to the south head of the bay along the top of the cliffs offers some spectacular views of the bay and the Hauraki Gulf.

The bay itself is sheltered from the southerly quarter probably through to westerly. It is open to the north and would not provide anchorage in those winds.

We last visited on New Years Eve 2006. The anchorage was crowded but there was still plenty of room provided you had a dinghy (and motor) for getting ashore. The negative aspect of all the traffic was that it tended to be a little bumpy during the day with all of the coming and going of boats.

Anchorage: Oneroa Bay - WaihekeIsland

Position: 36.47S 175.01E

Last Visited: 1 January 2007