Waiheke Island
New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is a world of extraordinary beauty and wonders waiting to be explored. Merely a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke is a 20km-long island famous for being a wine-lovers and foodies paradise. Here food is an art, and so too is wine and spirits. The Island used to be a hub for artists and hippies but is now a mix between Martha’s Vineyard and Ibiza. Walk or picnic on the white sandy beaches of Oneroa, Hauraki Gulf or Palm Beach. Swim or get a boat ride to any of the Islands and explore the hidden treasures they offer. Trek Stony Batter walkway, which still has underground tunnels from world war ll, hire a mountain bike, a scooter or a car to explore the area. Locally called ‘’Motu-Wai-Heke’’ which means “island of trickling water” in the Māori language, the Island is a gem. The bright turquoise water and the warm climate makes it easy to explore; it is known for offering activities that are high in adrenaline, like bungee jumping. Spend a day sampling local wine at Man O’ War Bay Vineyard or any of the other wineries on the Island. Explore Cactus Bay, Owhiti Bay, Stony Batter, and other ancient Maori settlements. Get immersed in the local tradition and European style of living all in one place.
