Putiki Bay

Overview

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.

The bay has been altered by humans, the inlet has become silted because of reduced tidal flow along with building and roading activity over many years.

There is a concrete path wrapped around Putiki Bay leading you from Causeway Road all the way to Wharf Road. Which is where you will find a small playground, toilets, parking and a bus stop. Further down the grass edge a picnic table is located.

The bay have been divided by the causeway one side of the bay is clear open ocean. Where as the other side across the road you will find mangroves which is usually home to a lot of wildlife such as pied stilts, white faced herons, pied shags and kingfishers as its a perfect place to search for food.

Many locals live on the bay in their house boats which is what they call home and have done so for many years. Even though some look pretty rough and beaten up they add character to the bay.

You will also see while driving across the causeway a little yellow submarine this was installed a few years ago by a local, locals love it, its a cute photo opportunity. If its ever missing its usually sunk to the bottom but its always back again after a few days. In addition there is also a half boat sculpture this is another great photo opportunity or somewhere to take a rest and enjoy the view.

On the mangrove side of the bay many locals have a hobby and like to race their small RC sails boats as it is beautiful and calm.

Further around the bay is the Wharf Road Boat Ramp and home to many anchored/moored boats.

Waiheke Beaches

❮ ❯

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…

Matiatia Bay

Matiatia bay will be the first beach you see when walking off Fullers or Island Direct passenger ferry services coming from Auckland city or Devonport.

Gear Grab – Hire

Gear Grab is a hire shop on Waiheke, they have a wide range of everyday gear. Their store consists of party, gaming, outdoors, household, tech and more.

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.

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.

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…

Anzac Bay

Anzac 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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

Little Palm Beach

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

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.

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

Pearl Bay

Pearl bay is a lovely privately accessed bay,to enter this bay is on foot via the walking track on Otakawhe Bay. This bay screams relaxation wrapped around it are many…

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.

Blackpool Beach

A south side beach on Waiheke found on The esplanade, the beach is best at high tide. This beach is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

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…

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.

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…

Dead Dog Bay

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

Beach Amenities

• Picnic table
• Playground
• Toilets
• Bus stops

Key Access Points

From Surfdale

Coming from Surfdale keep going straight at the roundabout and you will come down a slight hill which is the start of causeway road, Putiki bay is the waters edge you see, there is parking located at the clubhouse or on wharf road which is the road before the corner at the lower end.

From Ostend Road

Coming from the main Ostend road follow the road through the main Ostend township (Woolworths etc.) Putiki bay is the waters edge you see.

Bike access/ Walking Access

There is a bike and walking track located on causeway road on either side, this was recently installed.

Wheelchair Access

Putiki bay has a flat concrete path wrapping around the bay.

Well Known For

• Calm water
• Quiet picnics
• Tranquil
• Wildlife
• House Boats
• Waiheke Boating club
• Hardstand
• Playground
• Little Yellow submarine

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, like sea scooters, metal detectors, beach speakers, sea biscuits, beach tents and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.

Gallery