Day 5 - Monday - Waiheke Island, Wineries and Onetangi Beach

In keeping with the relaxed way of approaching the trip, we didn't set alarms.  I was up at 6:00 am or so, of course (why is it I can't sleep in when I can?) and Barbara and Janice were up an hour or so later.  We had breakfast at the Airbnb and caught an Uber to the downtown ferry terminal to catch the 10:00 am ferry for Waiheke Island.  The Island, 35 minutes out from downtown Auckland in the Huraki Gulf, is probably the most recommended place to visit when you ask someone "what should I see whilst in Auckland.  It lies to the east, a short 35 minute ferry ride on the smokin' fast catamaran ferry that is run by Fullers Group, Ltd.

What they say about Waiheke Island:  Waiheke Island boasts 92 square kilometres of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, vineyards, olive groves and seaside villages – and is only a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of our most popular destinations, Waiheke Island was recently rated one of the top island escapes in the world.

At any rate, Fullers has a combined round-trip ferry and a hop-on/hop-off doubledecker bus that hits 15 or so top spots on the Island, including various wineries and the stunning Onetangi Beach.

So, we caught the ferry, departing Auckland in the morning sun with stunning views of downtown Auckland to the stern.

This ferry was fast.  Once out of the inner harbor area they put the throttle down and the boat positively flew on the water.  Lots of beautiful sights along the way.

Approaching the Island:

I neglected to get a shot of the bus, so you get a stock photo:

Apparently there is some conflict about the buses on the Island:

Remove Double-decker buses From Waiheke Island

"We want Auckland Council to immediately remove the Fuller's double-decker buses from Waiheke Island and that 'pruning' of protected native trees on Waiheke, by Auckland Council cease immediately pending a comprehensive public consultation and an urgent community meeting with Mayor Goff, Auckland Transport and our Local Board representatives."

The local paper has an article about the dispute, with video shot from the top level of the bus:

Inside Waiheke Island's Bus Scrap

In any event, the bus seems a fine idea to me.  We boarded, went to the top level, with me bumping my head on the stairs on the way up, and took our seats.

The first stop was Onerona Village, where we disembarked from the bus and stopped into several shops, buying trinkets from the natives.

Back on the bus for a short ride to our first winery, Wild on Waiheke.

 

The winery features archery in the vineyards, though all slots were booked until afternoon.

The setting was pleasant with a large tent with tables beneath, as well as tables scattered among the vines.

They have a couple sculptures that Mike Hammond would approve of.

While at Wild on Waiheke, we ran into a group of four of Janice's co-workers from Wellington who were here for concerts in Auckland.  Our paths continued to cross while on the Island.

Oh, the wine.  I didn't have any.  I had a very good pale ale brewed on-site and a weird wasabi flavored lager.  Not my favorite.  Janice had a chardonnay which she pronounced quite good, and Barbara had a red of some fashion.

Next stop was a short walk away.  Stonyridge Vineyard.  This was a beautiful setting.  The tasting room and restaurant are in vine covered buildings with a large deck that looks out on the vines and an olive grove.  We stayed quite a while.  This time, I skipped beer and joined Barbara and Janice in a sampling of their wines -

Airfield, a Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc blend

Pilgrim, a Syrah

Fallen Angel Sauv Blanc

All very good, although my level of sophistication for wines is at the lower end of the scale.

I also sampled a glass of the Fallen Angel Pinot Gris.  Quite good.

The obligatory photos:

 

 

   

 

Next stop, Onetangi Beach.

What can I say?  This was a stunning beach with beautiful sand, low surf and warm water.  I had not brought a suit, so I swam in my lightweight travel pants.  They dried in an hour or so.

Then a Baroona Pale Ale at the Dockside restaurant while we waited for the bus to take us back to Onerona Village for dinner before taking the 7:30 ferry back to Auckland.

Next up, Matakana and Omaha beach.