DISCOVER
Hauraki Gulf & Islands
Tīkapa Moana me ōna Motu
The pristine waters between Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula are better known as the Hauraki Gulf. As New Zealand’s largest marine reserve, live the island-lifestyle on six accessible motu. Waiheke Island © Todd Eyre
WAIHEKE ISLAND
TOP PICKS
40-minute ferry from downtown Auckland
7
Hauraki Gulf & Islands map p94
Good weather days bring bike rides along the Rangihoua mountain bike trails or within Whakanewha Regional Park; beach treks to secluded bays with Waiheke Horse Tours, or visiting Waiheke Distilling Co, a new boutique gin distillery and garden straddling Waiheke’s eastern reaches. Inclement days might include lounging before a vineyard fireplace with a cheese board, a ‘dinner for two’ roast lamb meal from Waiheke Specialty Food store (delivered straight to your door if you’re self-catering) or a film at the Waiheke Island Community Cinema with its cosy, mismatched sofas. For rainproof adventures, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus visits Waiheke’s best vineyards, galleries, shops and cafés on a fully enclosed double-decker bus.
78
WINTER AUCKLAND – FREE OFFICIAL GUIDE
