Some sculptors walk the route before they begin their piece to ensure the art interacts with the environment.
"Because it is a big, bold landscape, we tend to get much bigger works," says Rae Finlay, hSOTG project director.
"And because the walk is 2km long, there is the opportunity to enjoy the walkway and vistas and landscapes and then you come across another piece of work. A lot of artists have their own 'room' on the walk, the pieces are well separated.
Nick Moon's 'Breath', from 2013. Photo / Supplied
"There are a few teasers people can see from the ferry and then when they get up close to the pieces they look quite different."
Bold colours, varying textures and materials, a mix of traditional and technology including some virtual pieces.
This year, the exhibition starts as visitors queue for the ferry in Auckland, passing by or over a large billboard, one half of a work by Elliot Collins entitled Across the Narrow Sea. The other half of this conversation piece is at Matiatia. The work is the result of collaboration between the artist and event's selection panel.
The walk appeals to all ages and the 2km route is easily manageable for people with average fitness (there is also the option of shuttle buses to the start and halfway points). It is suggested that the walkers follow the map route and Rae laughs as she says you can spot the locals because they are the ones walking the sculpture walk in the other direction.
Gregor Kregan's 'Pavillion' (which won both the premier and the people's choice awards). Photo / Supplied
Younger visitors especially will enjoy Shannon Novak's work where only one of the 12 pieces is indicated on the map. Walkers then have to look for the others and take selfies on their smartphones, uploading them in the pavilion to enter a prize draw.
Cushla Donaldson's The Precariats on the headland is an interactive percussive piece which will feature set performances by musicians. Like many of this year's pieces, this is an artwork to reach out and touch.
Another interactive piece is that of Xin Cheng and Chris Berthelsen, inviting walkers to make their own sculpture from recycled materials.
The daily guided walks ($5 donation) will appeal to those wanting to learn more than the catalogue offers, while Artists in Conversation at Oneroa's library will feature artists' presentations followed by Q&As.
"It's a nice format to have a group of artists and there is the opportunity to ask questions about the process and also for artists to interact with each other, says Rae.
David Carson's 'Bubbles'. Photo / Supplied
Walkers can also cast their vote in the People's Choice award.
If you love the buzz of a crowd, visit on a weekend. But if you prefer a quieter time to enjoy the sculptures, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be less busy. Early mornings and evenings are cooler times.
Continuing the art theme, Waiheke Community Art Gallery exhibitions include Close to the Heart and Gaye Jurisich - All Fall Down.
Waiheke Cinema hosts a gala film preview on January 25 of Mind Spaces The Artist's Studio with Denis O'Connor, directed and produced by Stephanie Bennett.
Follow the 2015 Waiheke Art Map to visit artists in their studio environments.
NEED TO KNOW
Getting there: This has been the summer of choice with three ferry companies operating at weekends. headland Sculpture on the Gulf and Fullers have an integrated ticket with a return ferry, sculpture shuttle bus or all-day Waiheke bus pass, and event catalogue (adults $41 and $46). Shuttle bus (from Matiatia, the walkway start, halfway point, return to Matiatia) Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm; Thursday to Sunday 9am to 6.45pm.
Eat, drink, be merry: The headland pavilion has sculptures to view and buy. Chefs Ana Schwarz and Nico Fini are cooking up a Taste of Waiheke using fresh local produce and a selection of Waiheke wines from Goldie Wines, Obsidian, Peacock Sky Vineyard, Kennedy Point Vineyard and Batch Winery. Waiheke Island Brewery beers will also accompany the menu while local musicians add to the ambience. Thursday to Sunday.
Wider Waiheke:
• Kayak Waiheke is just metres from the hSOTG pavilion. You can hire a kayak for an hour or longer.
• Wander up the hill or jump on a bus to Oneroa to enjoy the cafes, beaches and shops while absorbing the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside village.
• EcoZip at Onetangi has three dual zip lines running above vineyards and bush.
Event information: Sculpture on the Gulf at Matiatia runs from Friday, January, 23 until Sunday, February 15. The pavilion is open daily, 8.30am to 10pm Mon-Sat; 8.30am-9pm Sunday. Free.
Allow a leisurely 1.5 to 2.5 hours to enjoy the walk, the views and sculptures and a look around the gallery.
Wear suitable shoes for walking and expect varied terrain. Bring sunscreen, water bottle, towel and togs, if you want to swim.
