You’ve got two days to entertain out-of-town friends in Auckland. Answer: Waiheke! But with so many great options on the Hauraki Gulf’s most glorious island you need the insiders’ guide.
The Feed asked Christina Hyde, who is the Chairperson of Waiheke Island Tourism Incorporated (WITI), and a passionate Waiheke Island wine and food-lover. Christina’s also owns and runs the Onetangi Beach Apartments, meaning she has to offer guests great local recommendations of what to eat, drink and do on the island. If anyone knows, it’s Christina.
Question: I have two days with my out-of-town friends on Waiheke. Where to go for …
AhiPao
Hearty breakfast – AhiPao, located a short stroll from the Matiatia Bay ferry terminal, offers a range of stomach-satisfying breakfasts. The full breakfast with eggs your way, bacon, sausages, baked beans, creamy mushrooms, crispy potatoes, and toast will keep you full all day. If only sweet will do, the AhiPao French toast with homemade chocolate & hazelnut spread, banana & mascarpone is a winner.
Vino Vino
Lunch outside, under a veranda, if we can – Vino Vino by Connie Aldao in Oneroa infuses delicious Argentine-Mediterranean flavours with outstanding views to Aotea/Great Barrier Island. The locally sourced menu includes Te Makutu oysters, freshly caught snapper, and of course the Argentinian specialty of perfectly cooked steak. If you’re hankering for an out of this world chimichurri sauce, then VinoVino is the perfect restaurant for you.
Wild Estate
Beer tasting – Wild Estate has the largest selection of local craft beers that are small-batch brewed on-site to keep it fresh and interesting. As the first brewery on the island, established in 1998, they have plenty of fascinating yarns and the perfect location to kick back and enjoy the suds.
The view from The Local
Fish and chips near a beach – The Local is a good old-fashioned fish and chips restaurant located on Oceanview Road Oneroa. Enjoy your meal on their rooftop area, or take a short walk to the pristine white-sanded Oneroa beach – you can’t go wrong.
Cat and Barnett Bond
A vineyard with personality
From the moment you arrive at Casita Miro you know you are in for something special. Mosaic walls inspired by famous Spanish artists Gaudi and Joan Miro weave their way through beautiful gardens. As one of the smallest family-owned vineyards on the island you will receive a personal welcome that extends through every moment of your visit. Start with a journey through Casita Miro wines paired with matched tapas. Then relax and enjoy shared Mediterranean and Spanish inspired platters. The quaint cellar door offers a taste of Spain with unique imported fortified wines, gin along with wines from their own vineyard. This is a favourite of locals and returning visitors on the island for good reason.
Dinner with views – With one of the most romantic sunset views on the island, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant may have been around for decades, but they consistently punch above their weight with exquisite dining and incredible wines. Choose from sensory culinary romantic dining in the restaurant or modern bistro al fresco. An oldie but a very goodie.
