Last week I shared the details on where we stayed while we were in Waiheke Island. I think it’s true that you can “catch the travel bug” and even just writing about our journey through New Zealand got me excited for my next adventure in March. Today I’m giving you a list of our favorite things to do in Waiheke Island.
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Coat: T Tahari (also here and here) // Shirt: Splendid (also here) // Belt: Gucci // Boots: Sam Edelman // Backpack: Loeffler Randal ON SALE // Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Take a Hike
Fun fact: Waiheke is actually the second largest island in the Gulf, after the Great Barrier Reef! It’s easily accessible by ferry from Auckland and has around 9,000 residents. In the Summer months, there are an overwhelming number of water-related activities to do. But, since we were there during the “shoulder season” we couldn’t quite partake in that kind of fun.
So, I’ll preface this activity recommendation with the fact that I didn’t really bring much in terms of clothing to hike on our honeymoon. On the full day that we were there, we wanted to walk to the local wineries and it sort of ended up being a hike! As such, that explains my outfit (which Matt loooooves to make fun of still). I thought we were simply walking on a path to Mudbrick Restaurant and Winery (more details below). In the end, it was a 5 mile hike through a reserve area which, as you can see, was nature as its best – quiet, secluded, and peaceful. I’d do it all over again (but, with sneakers and some leggings instead).
Visit the Waiheke Island Wineries
Since we got married at a winery, it’s only fitting that one of the suggestions on my list of things to do in Waiheke Island is to enjoy all the great wineries. First, we hiked our way (unintentionally, as you read above) to Mudbrick Restauarant and Vineyard, and then we went on to Cable Bay Vineyards. Many sites will tell you Man O’ War is the number one winery to visit. The challenge is that it’s on the other side of the island and a decent drive to get over to.
With around 25 wineries on the island, you’ve got plenty of options for tasting. Coming from Marlborough, known for their tasty Sauvignon Blancs, we were thrilled to find delicious reds on Waiheke. Not surprisingly, one of the souvenirs we brought back was a bottle of the Mudbrick Velvet (2015). Velvet is Mudbrick’s premium wine, a yearly blend, with one year being completely different from the next. It was rich and silky but had such a smooth taste. Perhaps we’ll drink our bottle on our first anniversary!
Also – definitely eat at Mudbrick! After our tasting, we each got a glass to drink and we ordered the short rib and cheese platter to share for lunch. I’m pretty sure I had a permanent smile on my face as I sipped my rose and looked out at the water.
Take a Waiheke Island Horseback Riding Tour
It’s hard to compete with the Waiheke Island wineries, but one of the most romantic things we did on our honeymoon was take a horseback riding tour. In brief, there might be other sources; but, Waiheke Horse Tours is who you want to use. Steve is the guide and to make getting to and from the tour easy he’ll pick you up at your hotel (many of the island’s roads are unpaved, so we didn’t realize how beneficial this was at the time).
Steve’s well known in the entertainment industry as a horse trainer for major movies like The Last Samauri and the Lord of the Rings series. He’s also very personable, incredibly well-versed on Waiheke, and makes great restaurant recommendations. The horses are stunningly beautiful. Matt’s horse, Trigger, is below.
The best part? Steve takes pictures of you on the tour! I intended to take some of my own, but I let myself just enjoy the moment, the views and the experience.
Our stay in Waiheke was unlike any other part of our time on our honeymoon in New Zealand. If you still need ideas for where to stay then be sure to read my last post here.
As outlined above, there are so many things to do in Waiheke Island! If you have any questions about the activities above, leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to reply!
