Take home more than just photosābring back something that tells a story.
Thereās something about Waiheke that stays with you.
Maybe itās the first dip at Palm Beach.
The long lunch overlooking Man Oā War Bay.
That ferry ride where the ocean shimmered just right.
Whatever it is, Waiheke leaves a markāand when itās time to leave, many visitors (and even locals) go looking for a way to hold onto it. Thatās where souvenirs come inābut not the mass-produced kind.
Here are 5 Waiheke-inspired keepsakes that celebrate the island's unique coastline, created with care and made to last.
1. šŗļø A Custom Ocean Map of the Island You Fell in Love With
Letās start with the most personal.
Our handcrafted Waiheke Island depth maps turn marine data into beautiful, tactile art. Using real seabed contours and layered wood, each map captures the islandās curves and coastlinesāPalm Beach, Onetangi, Surfdale, and all the special spots in between.
What makes it a souvenir worth framing?
You can personalise it with:
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Your familyās bach name
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A special date or message
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A marker for where your boat is moored
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A memory that deserves a place on the wall
š Perfect for: First-timers, repeat visitors, hosts, weddings, or gifts for yourself.
š Explore Waiheke Island maps
2. š Locally Made Sea-Inspired Jewellery
Waiheke has an incredible community of makers, and many of them draw direct inspiration from the ocean. Youāll find:
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Earrings made from polished sea glass
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Necklaces shaped like surf breaks or shells
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Rings set with beach-collected stones
Look for artists selling at Oneroaās galleries or weekend marketsāespecially those who work with locally sourced materials.
3. š§“ Small-Batch Coastal Scents
Smell is memoryāand Waihekeās air has its own signature.
Some local soapmakers and perfumers have bottled it beautifully.
Youāll find Waiheke-made:
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Salted rosemary + citrus soaps
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Sandalwood and driftwood candles
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Room sprays and diffusers that smell like low tide in the best way
These are ideal for:
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Lightweight travel gifts
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Airbnb thank-you tokens
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Pairing with a handwritten note or postcard
4. šØ Prints, Photography & Local Art
What better way to remember that view than to hang it on the wall?
Waiheke galleries feature plenty of art that celebrates its bays, vineyards, and sea. Look out for:
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Watercolour prints of the coastline
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Abstract aerial shots of the island
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Line drawings of ferry routes and island maps
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Paintings of the tides and swell patterns
Tip: Buy direct from the artist when you can. It supports the local creative economy and often means a better story to go with the gift.
š Read: Where to Buy Local Art in Waiheke (and What to Look For)
5. š¶ A Book, Chart, or Keepsake That Connects to the Water
Great souvenirs donāt always have to hang or wearāthey can also be read, browsed, or kept close.
Some under-the-radar Waiheke keepsakes include:
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Vintage marine charts of the Hauraki Gulf
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Books by Waiheke authors about coastal living
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Childrenās picture books about life by the sea
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Sketchbooks or journals to start your own record of island visits
And of courseāif youāre still torn, a mini map or gift voucher from Tides Out Maps is a great āI thought of youā gesture that lets them choose the spot that means the most.
š Souvenirs That Feel Like Home
Waiheke is full of beauty. The trick is finding something that doesnāt just show where you wentābut says why it mattered.
From custom maps to scent memories and local art, these souvenirs will last long after the ferry ride ends.
š¦ Order a map online
šļø Or visit us at the next show to see the full collection in person.