Waiheke Island, New Zealand

We traveled to the CBD, Central business district, to pick up the ferry to Waiheke Island. It is best to book a hop on hop off tour that includes a ferry ride to and from.

The view from the ferry looking at Auckland.
Waiheke Island at the Port of Matiatia.

We boarded the hop on hop off bus at the ferry terminal and went to the first stop at Oneroa Village. This is the heart of the island with many cafes, art galleries, and shops.

Panoramic view of the beach at Oneroa. We did walk down to the beach and dip toes in the water.

We did some shopping in the galleries and shops. Many beautiful things to look at. This island is so beautiful and quiet. It would be fun just to stay here for awhile.

I loved this artist gallery. There are kiwis in a boat!

We took the next bus to the stonyridge winery. They also have Olive trees on the property and the setting is very picturesque.

We ordered wine with a cheese plate that included Manuka honey..

Before we went to the winery we inquired about ziplining. Usually advanced booking is required but we were lucky to get two of the last few spots available. We were picked up by a van to go to the ecozip line stop. This is something I have always wanted to do. It was pretty fun and the company owns the land over an old section of jungle. Ziplining with them helps to preserve the area from development.

The first section over the vineyard.
The second section.
Getting ready for the third section which was the longest and steepest. This is Carolyn with the preschool mascot she brought with her on the adventure.
Others finishing the third section.

After the ziplining there is a 25 minutes walk back where they give history of the area and point out various plant species.

These trees are part of the old section of the jungle that have been undisturbed as they are part of a wet valley unusable for farming. They are 600 years old.
Yes, I am a tree hugger.

Onetangi beach was our last stop. Here i waded out into the waves then walked along the beach. I also enjoyed blood orange sorbet.

After the ferry ride back, we stopped along the water to eat raw oysters before stopping at a grocery store to pick up salads to take back to the hotel.

Now to reorganize bags as we will leave some here at this hotel as we fly to Queenstown in the South island for a few days before coming back up to the North island.