Waiheke Island, Island of Wine

A trip to a city, down town definitely we will have to visit. Nearby suburb is another place to visit. I got a book from library prior to the trip. The writer was in New Zealand for 2 years with working holiday visa. She gave a insight view of New Zealand. Waiheke Island was a place that highly recommended by her in the book. Well, I and wife decided to check this out.

Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, about 17.7 km from Auckland. It was rated the fifth best destination in the world to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet. It has become known as New Zealand's "Island of Wine," home to a dedicated group of winegrowers who have successfully produce red and white wines with distinctive varietal character.

 Devonport

We made a booking with Fullers, a ferry operator and tour company for Waiheke Island. Fullers

We selected Taste of Waiheke tour, a day of wine tastings at 3 vineyards and an olive grove. The package includes 2 ways ferry ticket and a light lunch at Stonyridge vineyard. Ferry is departed from Devonport. It cost us NZD140 per person.

Auckland

Waiheke Island

This is the bus for our tour. The driver cum tour guide is friendly and humorous.

Stonyridge Vineyard

First stop we at Stonyridge vineyard. We tasted red and white wines followed by a light lunch. Second stop was olive grove - Rangihoua Estate. We tasted their award winning olive oils. Next was Wild on Waiheke vineyard. Besides wines, they served us various beers too. Personally I like their cider beer, nice. 

Cheers

Our light lunch - quiche and salad. Of course, with wines.

Award winning olive oils @ Rangihoua Estate.

The olive tree.

The tour finished with wine tastings at the beautiful Mudbrick vineyard with spectacular views of the Haoraki Gulf.

Mudbrick Vineyard

Often spotted helicopters in the island. According to tour guide, these are the transport used by the rich.

Waiheke Island