Motu-Wai-HekeĀ = “Island of Trickling Waters”

Summer in New Zealand calls for one thing: Sampling some of the worlds best vinos in the sunshine. What better way to taste your way through New Zealand vineyards than an island dedicated to boutique wineries and breweries. Located just a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is mostly known for its delicious red wines.

Now, I have never been a wineĀ connoisseur. Nor do I claim to know anything about wine. I do know that when in university I would drink Ā£2.50 bottles of white wine mixed with 70p lemonade. So, I’m not exactly the main demographic for fancy Kiwi vineyards. Yet, I was pretty adamant to at least partly understand the complicated processes that go into making these delicious wines that, for quite some time, Waiheke Island had been top of my Auckland bucket list. Accompanied by my friends Alex and Grace (@theunoriginalcouple), we ate and drank our way through Waiheke Island over the course of 48 hours.

How to get there/get around

Ferries run from Auckland City ferry terminal to Waiheke Island every half hour with Fullers. A return ferry will set you back $40. If you’re feeling boujie, you can get a seaplane in. However, these are expensive and you’re gonna want to spend your hard-earned dollars on as much wine as you can handle.

Getting around is easy, too. Try to avoid the hop on hop off buses, they can get pretty pricey with hardly any freedom. Some people rent scooters/bikes, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that if you’re going over to do wine tastings. Public buses run all over the island though, so bring your AThop card (these can be bought in the city) and jump on with the Waiheke Island residents for a truly local experience.

Waiheke Island Vineyards

With its main attraction being an abundance of vineyards, you’re going to want to get your fair share of wine tasting in. Here are a few of my favourite wineries to include on your tasting tour of the island:

Stonyridge Waiheke Island

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the South of France when you arrive at this sheltered valley. Stonyridge is known for it’s delicious Larose – although I do recommend a full tasting session!

Batch Winery

Owned by a local family, Batch Winery vines have been growing on Waiheke Island for over twenty years. I recommend trying the Syrah (which I had more than my fair share of), but Batch Winery is known for many local delights like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Flora. Oh, and don’t get me started on the view.

Wild On Waiheke

This was probably my favourite stop on Waiheke Island, mainly down to its numerous activities. Here, we skipped on the wine and went for a tasting paddle of Waiheke’s many craft beers (all brewed on site) which set us up nicely for the main activity: Archery. Not just any Archery either. We were given our own row of grapes and a target to hit. Not my best performance and I came out of it with a lovely bruise on my arm.

I blame the beer.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Estate

With sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland skyline, and Rangitoto Volcano, Mudbrick is a personal favourite of all the wineries on Waiheke Island. Although pretty expensive, the wine and food here are world class ($23 a glass didn’t seem so bad when I realised how delicious it actually was).

Mudbrick is close to the ferry port so I recommend watching the beautiful sunset here before heading back to Auckland City.

Waiheke Island Beaches

It’s not just all about wine.

Heading to Waiheke Island in the summer? You’ll be able to chill out and relax on some of the islands most beautiful beaches and coves. If you’re on a budget, bring a picnic and some wine and spend the day exploring tropical beaches, and wandering through the towns.

Oneroa and Onetangi are the main townships, take some time to grab a coffee and some locally grown food.Ā Poderi Crisci inĀ Awaawaroa Bay uses vegetables grown in the garden next door in their dishes. Also, The Oyster Inn boasts market and line caught fish fresh from the Hauraki Gulf.

Hiking is pretty big on Waiheke Island, too. There are many circuits and nature walks to do all over the island. Complete with wooden benches dotted around the coast to stop and take in the epic views of Hauraki Gulf. Whakanewha Regional Park is a must-see on Waiheke Island, so pack your walking boots!

So, there you have it. Waiheke Island is Auckland’s own little slice of paradise and worth the ferry ride over even if it’s just for a day or two.

Do you know any fun-activities or off the beaten track things to do in Waiheke? Let me know down below!

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