Waiheke Island Must-Do's

WAIHEKE ISLAND MUST-DO'S

Gelato, Oneroa © Auckland Unlimited

> Ferry Crossing - Sail to Waiheke on the 40-minute passenger ferry departing downtown Auckland. You can also take your car with SeaLink, leaving from Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter. >Island of Wine - A self-contained bubble of viticulture, Waiheke vineyards are famed for their worldrenowned range of reds and whites. Thanks to its own microclimate, Waiheke Island is both drier and generally a degree or two warmer than Auckland.

> Vineyards - Sprinkled with over 30 vineyards, most places offer wine tasting and decadent dining, as well as outdoor terraces for summer and cosy fireplaces during winter months. Download the NZ Wineries Waiheke Wine app for interactive wine maps.

> Wine Picnics - Goldie Estate is Waiheke’s oldest vineyard. Picnic amidst the vines with a wicker basket full of produce from the winery’s deli. Armed with Rosé and rugs, head to the vineyard’s private picnic spot overlooking Putiki Bay.

> Island Scoot - Hire a moped or e-bike on Waiheke Island, or if you’re feeling snazzy, pick up a retro Italian Lambretta from Island Scoot in Oneroa. They also have doubleseater scooters for duos with only one experienced driver.

> Bike Rides Good weather days call for sun-soaked bike rides along the Rangihoua mountain bike trails or within Whakanewha Regional Park.

> Dragonfired - This bijou food truck serves alfresco wood-fired pizza, on the sand, in Little Oneroa. Pizza always tastes better eaten on the beach and straight from the box.

Pizza on the beach, Waiheke Island © Miles Holden

> Waiheke Horse Tours - Partner up with a sweet-natured horse for a trek to Waiheke’s prettiest and most secluded bays. Tours are tailored to suit all levels of experience.

> Waiheke Distilling Co. - A new boutique gin distillery straddling Waiheke’s eastern reaches, sit on the beanbags strewn across the lawn; G&T in hand and sea views in the distance.

> Waiheke Island Community Cinema - With its cosy, mismatched sofas, watching a film at this small and independent cinema is decidedly snug.

> Hop-on, Hop-off Bus - Visit Waiheke’s best vineyards, galleries, shops and cafés on a double-decker bus. Perfect for rainproof adventures, the bus is fully enclosed.

> EcoZip Adventures - Soar above native forest and a working vineyard by zipline. Your three-hour thrill starts with pickup from the ferry terminal and a tour of Waiheke on the way to the forest. Ride the giant ziplines and polish off the day with a bush walk.

> Wild on Waiheke - Test your dexterity and precision with archery in between the vines, clay pigeon shooting, pétanque and volleyball.

TOP IMAGE: Winery on Waiheke Island © Miles Holden