RV Exchange Travel Destination - New Zealand - Waiheke Island
In the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke is a tourist island, yet you would be hard pressed to find a typical Waiheke tourist.
Young or old, backpacker or millionaire, they are all there to be seen happily fossicking through the shops at the island’s main village, Oneroa; or cheek by jowl at the many exquisite beaches, vineyards and art galleries.
Visitors arriving by Fuller’s passenger ferry at the island’s main port, Matiatia, get a taste of what’s to come as the 35-minute boat ride from downtown Auckland draws to a close. Dotted along the clifftops are the palatial homes of the very rich, many surrounded by boutique olive groves or small vineyards producing the Bordeaux-style wines for which the island is justifiably famous. Yet, further inland the more modest homes of permanent residents and quaint old baches are arranged in a higgledy-piggledy fashion across the steep hills and valleys. The majority enjoy close-up sea views – the island is only 600 metres across at its narrowest point.
The beaches are some of the best in Auckland and easily accessible by the regular buses that meet each ferry sailing. Two vehicular ferry companies – SeaLink and Waiheke Shipping – have vessels departing almost hourly to ply the 45-minute route between Half Moon Bay and the Kennedy Point wharf. Those not wishing to bring their own vehicle have plenty of hire transport options, including bicycles and zippy motor scooters, or sleek sports cars and rugged 4WD vehicles. And walkers are also well catered for. The island is crossed by a stunning variety of well-maintained walkways and a special pamphlet is available from the visitor office a short bus ride up the hill from the ferry terminal.
Some of the most popular walking routes are the coastal treks past the aforementioned mansions where the sculptures created by some of the nation’s best known artists can clearly be seen adorning perfectly-manicured lawns. There are two sculpture parks. Waiheke is a haven for artists, many of whom have regular open studios. A gallery tour pamphlet is also available for visitors and local tour operators provide art excursions.
The island’s community art gallery is located near the visitor office in the Artwork’s Courtyard. Also nearby is Whittaker’s Musical Museum, an outstanding collection of historic instruments, including the composer Paderewski’s own concert grand piano. At 1.30 every Saturday afternoon the museum comes alive when the namesake owners give an engaging historical discourse and performance on the antique instruments.
And those with an interest in Maori or early European history will also be charmed by the island’s dinky little Historical Museum adjacent to the nine-hole golf course. Despite the stunning views and the island’s reputation as a producer of olive oil and wine, dining on Waiheke was until recently a haphazard affair. Last month, the inclusion of three of the island restaurants, Passage Rock Vineyard, Te Whau Vineyard and Thymes Tables, in the hotly contested Metro magazine awards indicates a change for the better.
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