🪵 Behind the Scenes – Crafting Our Waiheke Island Depth Map

How raw data, laser-cut layers, and local love come together in one iconic map.

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Not just a map. A love letter to Waiheke.

For us, Waiheke Island holds a special kind of magic.
It’s where ocean meets art. Where vineyards overlook tide lines. Where locals and visitors alike fall into rhythm with the water.

So when we set out to create our Waiheke Island depth map, we didn’t want to just make a pretty piece—we wanted to honour the shape, the feeling, and the stories woven into its coastline.

Here’s how we brought it to life, layer by layer.

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🌊 Step 1: Choosing the Right Bathymetric Data

We begin every Tides Out Map with real marine depth data (also known as bathymetry). For Waiheke, this meant carefully sourcing topographic datasets that revealed the true shape of:

• Wide, gentle shallows off Onetangi and Palm Beach

• Steeper drop-offs near the southern coastline

• Sheltered inlets like Putiki Bay and Te Matuku

• The intricate gaps between Waiheke and nearby islands

This isn’t stylised guesswork—it’s actual hydrographic information, layered with artistic interpretation.

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🧭 Step 2: Testing the Contour Line

Bathymetric data gives us a full range of depths—but we choose one primary contour that defines the character of the piece.

For Waiheke, we tested multiple depths until we found a line that:

• Hugged the coastline just enough to show contrast

• Highlighted the anchor-friendly shallows people know well

• Left room for personalisation (baches, boats, dates, names)

We always ask ourselves: Does this feel like the island?
When it did, we locked it in.

👉 Read: Why We Chose This Contour for Waiheke Island

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🪚 Step 3: Cutting and Layering with Intention

Once the design is finalised, it’s time for the hands-on craftsmanship:

• Each depth line is laser-cut into sustainable plywood, chosen for its grain, tone, and durability

• Layers are stacked and bonded to reflect the underwater topography

• We sand, seal, and assemble everything by hand, making sure the transitions feel natural—like tides receding over sandbanks

Some maps are made in a day.
Waiheke takes a little longer—because we want every bend, bay, and beach to feel just right.

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✍️ Step 4: Adding the Personal Touch

The thing we love most? Hearing what this island means to you.

Over time, we’ve customised Waiheke maps with:

• “The spot where we got engaged”

• “Dad’s mooring – Surfdale”

• “Our bach – Sandy Bay, est. 1989”

• Boat names, anniversary dates, GPS points… even family nicknames

That’s the moment it goes from “a map” to your map.

👉 Add a bespoke addition to your Waiheke map

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🎨 Step 5: Framing, Wrapping, and Sending It Home

We finish each piece with the frame that best suits your space—natural, black, white, or custom—and package it safely for shipping across New Zealand and Australia.

We’ve sent Waiheke maps to:

• Wedding couples

• Auckland apartments

• Holiday homes

• Overseas family missing home

• And even memorial gifts for those who’ve said goodbye by the sea

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💬 Final Thoughts from the Studio

Creating our Waiheke Island depth map wasn’t just about accuracy.
It was about emotion. About shape. About place.

It’s the most requested spot on our order list—and every time we make one, it feels a little like coming home.

Whether you know the island by foot, ferry, or boat—we hope this map helps you hold onto it, even when you’re far away.