Our favourites on the ISLAND - If you do nothing else - try to fit a few of these in...
BEACHES
All the beaches are lovely – but PALM BEACH and SANDY BAY are my favourite beaches especially on high tides.
ONETANGI is gorgeous for a morning walk and you can get a good coffee at Charlie's (Island Coffee supply here)
VINEYARD & DINING - too many to mention but for my money:
Fine Dining - TANTALUS is AMAZING - lovely scenery and fine dining - ask to be seated in the covered courtyard area. Love an evening at Alibi, a small and cozy bar downstairs from Tantalus.
372 and KI MAHA facing Onetangi Bay, both these recent addition to Waiheke have fabulous food and wines.
MUDBRICK - is stunning and worth a visit, the gardens are fabulous and multiple food options and really fine dining too.
More relaxed dining - TE MOTU - along the Onetangi straight - very informal and delicious.
PODERI CRISCI - is absolutely lovely! It's a bit of a drive - but well worth it
BATCH WINERY is in a beautiful setting and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere
VINEYARDS & DISTILLERIES - more than 30 vineyards etcon the Island, all well worth a visit.
We love HEKE and the WHISKEY DISTILLERY- great food , relaxed vibe, fantastic for kids and adults! Has a great play area and a golf simulator . A bit furhter afield but driving the Eastern End of Waiheke is great. Stop and take a walk at Stoney Batter and continue round to Man o War - you can try zip lining on the Forest Flight and finish off at the Gin DIstillery. All stunning views and locations - a great combo if you fancy a day out and about
And for CELLAR DOOR WINES
TE MOTU - we love the wines here - its along the Onetangi Straight - and well worth a visit
RESTAURANTS & SNACKING
For a cocktail with a view , I love Aperitivo in Oneroa - great margarita and lovely views and cozy setting. or the margaritas at 372 are fabulous as is the view.
There are lots of lovely places - but I love
372 facing Onetangi Bay, delicious award-winning restaurant. Fine dining.
ARCADIA in Palm Beach, delicious fresh and simple food in a friendly and relaxed setting. Such a nice feel!
FENICE if you are looking for something informal and casual - that is in Oneroa. They do delicious Italian food.
Or for Casual for breakfast or during the day you can’t beat
WAI KITCHEN & THE COURTYARD - both in Oneroa – and overlook Oneroa Bay
AHIPAO EATS - A destination store and cafe in Matiatia - a newly renovated heritage building hosts the cafe with amazing food - a great bar and and knitting factory where you'll find lovely knitted cashmere articles - really great for families and lots of room for kids to run around - AHIPAO
LA DOLCE VITA The best of Italy on Waiheke - lovely Italian food and gelatos in Ostend - LA DOLCE VITA
ISLAND GELATO Artisan gelato in Oneroa - ISLAND GELATO
AKITO Lovely plant based cuisine - AKITO
EXPLORE:
If you venture out then go to:
BOTTOM END - is a real joy to drive and lovely scenery I would recommend you go down to
MAN OF WAR - you can have a fantastic platter here - they have some great reds and I love their Rose (onion skin style) - this is at the 'bottom end' of the island.
Whilst down there - you can walk at
STONY BATTER - these are old gun embattlements - they have the most lovely painted rock (of a fish head) on the walk and if you follow the dirt road past the sheep station and past the rock - and keep walking up a slight hill (rather than turning down to the tunnels which are closed) you can follow a foot path to the right - and this takes you up onto the hillside with the most spectaculars views and you are able to walk down into one of the Gunning stations.
WALKING - all around the coastline from Matiatia is gorgeous! Something to fit in if you can - you can always end up on the terrace at Mudbrick....
Also from Omiha – you have the Whakanewha Regional park with gorgeous bush and waterfront walks
SCULPTURE WALKS:
There are two sculpture and garden tours - but booking is required
SACRED BLESSING GARDEN & SCULPTURE WALK - WITH HIGH TEA ( Requires booking and is a minimum charge of $ 250 )
Location: Sandy Bay.
LINK: https://www.sacredblessingsanctuary.co.nz
CONNELLS BAY SCULPTURE WALK - you must call and book ( tel: 09 372 8957)
LINK: http://www.connellsbay.co.nz
everywhere is wonderful... it's hard to fit it all in. Good luck and enjoy!