What is this Waiheke everyone talks about?

Waiheke is a small island (only 10,000 residents) that is a 30-minute boat ride from Auckland City – this is where city-goers come to escape reality and replenish their souls. This island is covered in vineyards; this is the perfect holiday destination for your inner wine-o-holic.

The size of the island concerns travellers in terms of accommodation – but there is no need to worry! The island loves travellers and tourism and happily caters for everyone’s accommodation needs! From luxury retreats to backpackers to cute Air BnB houses (some of these come with cars!).

Little Oneroa beach will be your main hub here you will find all kiwi favourites for fast food! Fish and chips (bet that doesn’t surprise you!) and also a mobile pizza oven which parks up every night providing the locals with delicious kebabs and pizzas – eat them there, take them home or create a romantic pizza picnic on the beach! Walk ten minutes further in town to find restaurants and cafes.

As I mentioned earlier, Waiheke is famous for its vineyards. Now these aren’t your mediocre boring vineyards where the wine is amazing but the atmosphere lacks, Waiheke’s vineyards are picturesque, and have a lot more to offer than a delicious vino.

Man O War is something to rave about – this is at the end of a 30-minute dirt road, but all good things take time right? The platters here are delicious and packed to the brim with all of your usual platter suspects. Dine on a beautiful lawn with tables widespread giving you a private, intimate atmosphere. Umbrellas and marquees are present to protect you from the sun whilst looking at the ocean twenty metres in front of you.

Surely you have recognized the name Cable Bay Vineyards if you are deep into your Waiheke research. This is the easiest vineyard to get to with its location being only 2km from Oneroa Township. There is a fine dining restaurants, a tasting room and a casual dining hall. There newest addition is what makes it one our favourite spots – the Verandah, this is a sunken outdoor area where you lax out on a beanbag whilst eating wood-fired pizza and admiring the skyline of the Auckland CBD.

If you have been to Italy, this place will look familiar. Mudbrick Vineyard has a beautifully arranged garden that will take you to Silicy. To avoid the queues for the tasting room just pull up on some outdoor seating and order wine from the menu and enjoy the scenery.

Taking your rental vehicle over to the island will cost you $160 without passengers, for a cheaper option rent scooters on the island or book a wine tasting tour bus! This will take you to several wineries without someone having to remain sober!