Waiheke Island

Meet Paige. She looks a little mischievous but I assure you, she is quite sweet!

Hi, Paige! Miss you!

If you find yourself in Auckland, don't miss Waiheke Island! This was my favorite day in New Zealand! Waiheke is known as The Island of Wine for its large number of vineyards. But there is more...much more! As one of the larger Hauraki Gulf islands, Waiheke's landscape varies greatly—particularly between the western end of the island, where we arrived via ferry, and the bottom end in the east, which is far less populated. The west buzzes with village and beach life, while the east is a real get-away-from-it-all place. There is plenty to explore among the picturesque farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards, olive groves, villages and deserted bays. In one day we visited an art gallery, sampled local olive oils, wines and brews, and ate ice cream at the beach. From downtown Auckland, the ferry ride is only 40 minutes.

Waiting for our ride

A view from one of the higher points

We rented a car for our tour of the island.

Obsidian Vineyard | Stonyridge Vineyard

We stopped for a tasting at Obsidian and enjoyed a sampler plate of tasty treats at Stonyridge: oysters, olives, oils, smoked salmon, rustic bread and wine (of course)

The view from Stonyridge

Family photo