TRAVEL GUIDE | WAIHEKE ISLAND
With its reputation for world class wine & food, it’s easy to fall in love with this island on and island.
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For a weekend on Waiheke you might want to take a bit more than you think. Theres an abundance of good food & wine here and your palette will definitely be tempted to try a little bit of it all. Budget around $400 - $500 for a tasty weekend.
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To get to Waiheke Island you’ll need to take the ferry across the harbour from Auckland City. Ferry’s leave every 30 minutes so there are plenty to catch. If you’re planning to take your vehicle, they have a car ferry service, but book ahead as it does fill up.
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Be mindful that there are no Ubers on Waiheke. You’ll need to hire a car or taxi the old school way. This isn’t as daunting as it sounds folks, plus you’ll be putting money back into the local community. Win-win. Our best option? Why not kill two birds with one stone and book your stay at Fleetwood and hire one of their private jeeps.
Note: If you stay closer to the vineyards there is the option of hiring an e-bike to vineyard hop. This is indeed, as fun as it sounds.
1 | STAY
Away
High above the forest floor Away offers stunning views of the forest canopy. Here you can relax in nature, listening to the beautiful native birdsong whilst enjoying one of the many wonderful local wines or beverages. Observe the subtle differences in colour and texture of the native bush, including a mighty kauri estimated between 800 and 900 years old. And when night falls, gaze at the stars above in the night sky. This setting is beautiful during the day and even more stunning at night.
Rates: $360/night | Sleeps: 2
Blackpool House
Relax in this secluded setting, close to the beaches amongst magnificent Taraire trees. Built with a couple in mind, this spacious architect designed house has been fitted out with a contemporary meets retro interior. A split level living space reaches out to the landscaped garden with two large decks that catch the sun at different times of the day.
Fleetwood
Super stylish duel cabins, minimal interior with amazing views of valley. Fleetwood is on the quiet side of the island next to best Italian restaurant, Poderi Crisci. The accommodation, set on 18 acres, offers privacy and sun filled west facing decks encouraging rest and relaxation. With stunning views over the valley and beautiful bush works through to Te Matuku Bay, you will leave feeling well rested.
Rates: $350 per night | Sleeps: 2 per room
Lovers Point
You'll instantly fall in head over heels for Lover's Point. The moment you arrive at the stunning clifftop cabin, every way you look, the views, quite simply, take your breath away. Standing on the deck, be mesmerised by uninterrupted vistas of the Coromandel, The Noises, Oneroa Bay & even as far out as Great Barrier Island. The cabin is stylishly designed, with luxurious linens & thoughtful touches throughout. You have two hot-water shower options, both outside...one with a sensational view, and one tucked away behind the cabin.
Rates: from $290/night | Sleeps: 2
2 | EAT & DRINK
Poderi Crisci
Poderi Crisci, widely recognised as one of Waiheke’s finest restaurants, is on our doorstep. Indulge in their unforgettable Sunday long lunch, enjoy a glass of wine at the La Locanda, or a romantic dinner al fresco. Just down the road from your stay at Fleetwood
205 Awaawaroa Rd, Awaawaroa Bay
09 372 2148
info@podericrisci.co.nz
Mudbrick
No visit to Waiheke is complete without a stop in at Mudbrick. Choose from the Flagship Mudbrick restaurant for a sensory and romantic culinary experience or relax in the more casual Mediterranean influenced bistro. Both restaurants sit on the ridge overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and back to Auckland city.
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa | +64 9 372 9050 | info@mudbrick.co.nz
The Oyster Inn
We know we might be starting to sound like a broken record, but you really cant make the trip to Waiheke without a long lunch at Oyster Inn. Josh Emmett’s arrival as head chef at Oyster Inn is the best take over since Cindy and Bill English. Their menu is a deliciously simple, coastal-inspired bistro menu featuring the daily market fish dishes, crisp salads and crowd-pleasers like their ever popular fish and chips and mac ‘n’ cheese. Serving the freshest oysters including Waiheke’s very own Te Matuku, harvested fresh from the shallows daily.
124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa | +64 9 372 2222 | info@theoysterinn.co.nz
Betty’s Cart
A true local gem. We were lucky enough to get word from a Waiheke insider that Betty’s Cart is the go to for excellent coffee and all round cute and wholesome vibes. We’re definitely not too snobby for an instagram shot in front of the cart. Run by Fran, she’ll provide a good yarn, and refuel you with delicious Atomic Coffee or a sweet treat for the sweet tooth. We love you, Fran!
2 Putiki Road, Ostend, Waiheke Island
Man O War
For an unparalleled wine experience you can’t go past Man O’ War at the eastern end of the island. Waiheke has 100 vineyards but an incredible 75 of those vineyards are at Man O’ War set in picturesque locations across 4,500 acres. Man O’ War’s Winery Tasting Room is the only one on Waiheke that’s on the water and New Zealand’s only beachfront tasting experience. The building is island colonial style, fitting perfectly with its surroundings.
725 Man O War Bay Road, Waiheke Island | info@manowar.co.nz
Alibi
Located on the ground floor beside their brewery, discover the moody and secretive Alibi Brewer’s Lounge – reminiscent of a speakeasy from the Prohibition era. The lounge gives guests a sneak preview of the brewery and caters for 40 diners or 70 guests enjoying a canapé-style function.
3 | SHOP
Veranda
With a focus on quality design, and guided by the words of William Morris, Veranda on Waiheke Island has gathered an exquisite collection of homewares and lifestyle products from New Zealand around the globe. We ended up here after our slightly boozy lunch at Oyster Inn and purchased $200 worth of homeware goods that we absolutely didn’t need but were too good to pass up. Not the booze talking.. we swear.
2/116 Oceanview Road, Oneroa enquiries@verandawaiheke.co.nz
Greatest Friend
For all your vintage goods needs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at this vintage op shop. The Greatest Friend collection feels curated by a keen eye for the chic and classic. It’s not a place you’ll need to scour the shelves, the pieces are all timeless and a smaller stock means something may catch your eye quicker than you think. We bought a few records here and a vintage hat. Yes, also post boozy lunch, but hey, island life was meant for a little indulgence now and then.
112 Ocean view road, Oneroa
The Island Grocer
You may think it odd that we’re including a grocery shop on this list but trust us, once you step inside The Island Grocer corner store you’ll be in fine goods heaven. More than just a store to buy potato chips, you’ll find shelves stocked with goods that you didn’t think New Zealand even had. So many local goodies here its basically a one stop shop for the cool brands that are up and coming in the food world. Jalapeño Tostada’s anyone?
4 | EXPLORE
Little Palm Beach
This walk takes in one of the most popular viewing spots on Waiheke, and some great coastal trails. You’ll enjoy views out over the Hauraki Gulf and walk some lesser-known trails near popular Palm Beach. The route is two loops, so you can choose to do only half if you run out of time or energy. There are some steep climbs, but the views are worth the effort. Sections can be a bit wet and muddy in winter. Ps. If you take the track to little Palm Beach (also known as Nudey Bay) you may stumble across people sunbathe in the nude here, but don’t worry, everyone gets along.
Connell’s Bay Sculpture Park
The park is a great way to spend a few hours with a 2km track that showcases over 30 sculptures. Some great NZ artists are represented with works made from a range of materials including aluminium, bronze, stone and wood. The biggest of them all is over 8m high and you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding areas. They have a guest house onsite too.
Approx Time: 2 hours
142 Cowes Bay Road | 09 372 8957
info@connellsbay.co.nz
