Thoughtful, coastal-inspired gifts that honour Aotearoaās favourite island.
From long weekends to lifelong memoriesāWaiheke is more than a destination.
Whether youāre buying for a Waiheke local, gifting a housewarming for a newly built bach, or searching for something more meaningful than another bottle of rosĆ©āthis guide will help you choose gifts that capture the essence of island life.
And yes, a handcrafted map is just the start.
š Browse our curated collection belowāand follow the links to dive deeper into each idea.
šŗļø 1. A Custom Ocean Map of Waiheke Island
The gift that says "I know where your heart lives."
Thereās something timeless about seeing a place you loveāyour launch spot, your favourite bay, the view from the deckāturned into layered wooden art.
Our handcrafted Waiheke Island map features:
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Accurate bathymetric contours from real marine data
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The full shape of Waihekeās coastline, inlets, and drop-offs
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The option to add names, dates, boat references, or baches
š Read: Behind the Scenes ā Crafting Our Waiheke Island Depth Map
š Explore: Why Waiheke Locals Love Our Custom Ocean Maps
š Perfect for: Fatherās Day, retirement gifts, wedding presents, or holiday home dĆ©cor.
š¼ļø 2. Waiheke-Inspired Art & DĆ©cor for the Holiday Home
Turn a bach into a haven.
Waiheke homes are famous for blending nature with design. From driftwood frames to nautical neutrals, gifting dƩcor that matches the rhythm of the island is a sure win.
We recommend:
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Coastal-coloured linens
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Shell or seabird prints
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Locally-made ceramics or wall hangings
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And of courseāa map of the view from the deck
š Read: Best Art and Decor for Waiheke Holiday Homes
š 3. Waiheke-Themed Souvenirs That Arenāt Just Fridge Magnets
Locally rooted. Creatively crafted. Emotionally resonant.
Waiheke is full of makers and market stallsābut the best souvenirs arenāt just about the place; theyāre about what the place means to you.
Our favourite unique Waiheke souvenirs include:
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Engraved local shell jewellery
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Handmade boat soaps and scents
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Artwork featuring tides, maps, and sea stories
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A bathymetric map of your favourite bay
š Read: 5 Unique Souvenirs That Celebrate Waihekeās Coastline
š§” 4. Support Local: Where to Buy Waiheke Art (and What to Look For)
If youāre visiting Waiheke or shopping for someone whoās hard to impress, nothing beats gifting true local art.
From Oneroa to Onetangi, there are dozens of creative studios and gallery spaces that celebrate island lifeājust make sure you know what sets authentic, locally made art apart from imports or mass-market designs.
š Read: Where to Buy Local Art in Waiheke (and What to Look For)
šØ 5. A Map That Starts a Story
Weāve heard from customers who:
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Proposed in Onetangi and ordered a map of the bay
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Raised their kids in Surfdale and gifted a map to their now-grown family
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Said goodbye to a loved one and scattered ashes along the shoreāand marked the moment with a map that helps them remember
Because in the end, the best gift isnāt just about place.
Itās about the memory anchored to it.
š Read: Why We Chose This Contour for Waiheke Island
š Add a bespoke addition to your Waiheke map
šļø Ready to Give Something Meaningful?
Tides Out Maps is proudly handcrafted in Aotearoa. Every map is made to order, and every line of coastline is chosen with care.
š Explore all Waiheke editions and order yours here
š¦ Ships across New Zealand and Australia
š Gift wrapping and personalised messages available