About Us

The experts on all things Waiheke

However being the experts is not enough to guarantee a truly amazing Waiheke experience therefore we only work with the islands best venues, accommodation, transport, and activity providers. We are obsessed with attention to detail, ticking all the right boxes, getting things right the first time, and ensuring everyone is enjoying themselves – every single one of them. We make everything easy for you by taking care of the unexpected, shuffle things around, smooth out the bumps along the way, so you can relax, party, and play!

30+ Years
Corporate event management experience
20,000+
Guests we’ve brought to Waiheke
90%
NZ's top 100 companies we’ve worked with

Don’t just take our word for it

"I worked with DWI to set up a simple, amazing and beautiful celebration/reception [...] which turned out to be fabulous wonderful and memorable. They made the planning easy and I’d use them again in a second. Use the local pros to get good results!"

Tom Wolf / Director Communication & External Affairs - Northwest

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Who We Are

Karen & Rob Webb

We bring over 20 years of local knowledge and 30 years of corporate event management expertise, ensuring you an unmatchable Waiheke experience. Having worked overseas for more than a decade in senior management positions in large international hotels, we know what it takes to create a successful event. We have owned and operated three successful hospitality businesses on Waiheke Island and built strong local partnerships, meaning we are well connected with all the right people and can bring you a Waiheke destination experience totally unique to your brief and budget. The truth is, any event held on one of the world’s most idyllic off-shore islands is going to be unique but it’s a whole lot more fun and a whole lot less work and worry when you let us do all the organising, just perfectly!

Sally Kingsford

With a consulting background in helping businesses to grow and empower their employees, combined with the past 10 years on Waiheke in the tourism industry, Sally is well equipped to run our Great Escape events. As your facilitator Sally will ensure your team gets the most out of their adventure-filled day on Waiheke.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Waiheke?

It is so easy with Fullers regular 35-minute passenger ferry from downtown Auckland and with us booking and taking care of it for you including emailing the tickets. Sealink operate a 45 minute vehicular ferry service from Halfmoon Bay or alternatively, it’s only a 10 minute helicopter flight from Auckland. There are also options for private fixed wing flights, seaplanes, water taxis, private charters and luxury launches.

Will someone be there to meet us when we arrive?

We offer a complimentary meet and greet service for all our groups. We love having the opportunity to meet every single client and ensure you are settled in. Then we are available ‘on call’ for the remainder of your event or we can arrange for one of our team to be onsite and oversee your event for an extra charge.

What are the WIFI capabilities and network coverage like?

Mobile coverage is great on Waiheke along with most venues now offering fibre connections with fast, reliable, and complimentary wireless internet. If your event is dependent on using the internet e.g. hybrid conferencing, then we can organise technical specialists and support for a hardwired setup.

What are the most popular things to see and do?

There are more than 30 vineyards offering tastings and many have award winning restaurants to dine. There are 10 stunning beaches within 10 minutes of each other. Explore the stunning scenery, flora fauna and native bird life on the Te Aru Hua Track with over 100 kms of coastal walkways. Meet local artists and artisan producers in residence, or shop for local arts and crafts the village. If its adventure you are after then ziplining, archery, segway tours or The Great Escape Island challenge could be the perfect activity for you.

What accommodation options are there?

There are many stunning accommodation venues, from all-inclusive resorts and lodges to serviced apartment complexes, boutique 5-star hotels, a motel, and private homes set in the most amazing locations. Whether you are planning a team escape, a wild island weekend, or languishing in luxury – we know the perfect place.

What dining options are there?

The island’s many wineries, restaurants and eateries are perfect for culinary indulgence. You will find a range of options from food pairings, to platters and casual lunch options, to gourmet meals at award-winning restaurants. Choose from beautiful seaside settings to vineyard, valleys, and village locations.

Why should I use Destination Waiheke Island to help organise my event?

We bring 20 years of local living and 30 years of corporate event management expertise to ensuring you an unmatchable Waiheke experience. We work together with Waiheke’s best venue, accommodation, transport, technology, culture, entertainment, and activities providers to bring you the ultimate Waiheke experience. With only one contact person, one account, and us always in the background to ensure everything is seamlessly taken care of, it is all “easy as”!

What are your payment terms and conditions?

A booking is confirmed when the initial deposit of 50% is paid, however we are flexible so please talk to us about what deposit terms work best for you. The balance is due on or before the day of the relevant event or experience, unless otherwise agreed at the timing of booking.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

We understand that things can happen that are out of your control and therefore we always try to be as flexible as we can. We recommend that postponing or holding your event in credit is preferable otherwise cancellations incur a 20% non-refundable administration fee of the initial deposit subject to a minimum fee of $500. This fee excludes any non-refundable costs paid to any third-party service provider in connection with your booking based on their terms and conditions and will also be deducted from your deposit.

How do I get around the island?

Once you arrive it is easy to get around, from a convenient public bus service that meets every ferry to private group transfers which we can arrange for you, taxis, hire cars/vans, moped or electric bike hire. You can also discover the island on foot with many connecting pathways and tracks.

Let's get planning

Ready to escape to Waiheke Island? Simply share a few details about your event requirements and we will be in touch (usually within 12 hours) with a proposal quote outlining our recommendations and different options to consider.

Enquire now