Latest from Waiheke Island

Ferry launches rival for Waiheke run

Auckland's fledgling Waiheke ferry commuter service is launching a new vessel next week to boost capacity for the peak summer market.

Waiheke home sells for $14m

A Waiheke holiday home with private beach access owned by a trust linked to businessman Mark Hotchin has sold for more than $14 million.

Where to head on NYE

Here are TimeOut's picks of the big gigs bringing in 2015.

No conviction over spectacular smash

A spectacular maritime collision will cost an Auckland finance company executive more than $11,000 but he has avoided a conviction.

Mum's anger at gesture to 6-year-old

A drink driver on Waiheke Island is accused of trying to coerce a 6-year-old girl into his car, then making a throat-slitting gesture when she refused.

Waiheke: Take the fast boat to heaven

A relaxing island paradise of food, wine and great views is just a 35-minute ferry trip away, writes Donna McIntyre.

Big yellow ferry for Auckland

A new company will ferry passengers to Waiheke, Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands from today.

Epic walk puts life and work in perspective

Matthew Smith went for a walk in search of a better life. After two months and 1600km on foot between Waiheke Island and Queenstown, he reckons he has found it.

Waiheke houseboat fire not suspicious

The Waiheke Island boat fire that killed a transient alcoholic and badly injured the boat owner has been deemed not suspicious by fire investigators.

Disruptions irk commuters

Half Moon Bay ferry commuters say they are sick of bearing the brunt of service disruptions

Waiheke ferry commuters stranded

About 40 Waiheke commuters were left to wait on the island yesterday after being unable to cram on a stand-in vessel for large ferries knocked out by storm damage and mechanical problems.

Waiheke policeman dies suddenly

Tackled teen cleared of serious injury

Ellis clash over island getaway

Former All Black Marc Ellis has got offside with a neighbour at the prestigious gated community of Matiatia Estate on Waiheke Island.

Boaties lucky to survive

The battle for Matiatia Bay

"This is Waiheke's Springbok Tour," says John Hawkesby, the bon vivant who has become the mouthpiece of dissent on the former hippie outpost of Waiheke Island.

Catching the drift of kayaks

Kayaking trips from Matiatia on Waiheke can be an adventure for the whole family, discovers Donna McIntyre.

False drop in ferry numbers put down to historical error

Alarming declines in patronage on Auckland ferries have been blamed on a double-counting blooper stretching back to 2011.