Our pre-wedding trip to New Zealand last 2017 was very memorable. We went to different places in NZ to shoot our pre-nuptial photos so when my fiancé (then) and I were researching on beautiful places in Auckland, Waiheke Island was one of the top searches. We specifically wanted to have our photoshoot in a vineyard and at the same time have wine and olive oil tasting. Besides, Waiheke is home to some of the award-winning wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
The port of Sealink Ferry going to Waiheke Island is just few minutes away from Auckland airport. We bought tickets on the spot in the morning around 6:00 AM so we can explore the island for one full day. At that time, round-trip ticket for one (1) adult is about $ 36.5.
There's a small snack bar inside the ferry. You can buy coffee, drinks, and sandwiches. Travel time via ferry from Auckland to Waiheke is about 40 minutes.
When we arrived at the Waiheke port, we unfortunately missed the bus. We did not booked any tours because we wanted our day to be flexible and we were on a tight budget. There are few buses going around the island so commuting is hard as you have to wait for several minutes to hours for the next bus to arrive. In most blogs, travelers recommend booking a tour or renting a car or campervan or riding the bus as the cheapest mode of transportation in the island. When we missed our bus, we hitchhiked for the first time since we have no choice and no time to waste (any further!). At first, my partner and I were very shy and anxious to ask for a free ride but, a couple who missed the bus too helped us get our first ride and taught us how to do it correctly.
1. WILD ON WAIHEKE - It is a vineyard, restaurant, and brewery place in Waiheke Island. Perfect for visitors with or without kids as they have a play and kids area and other recreational activities such as archery and giant chess. You can unwind and chill outdoors and enjoy the scenery with their wine and beer sample and scrumptious food.
We were super hungry at that time after waiting for the bus to arrive and eventually hitchhike. We ordered chicken wings and chicken sandwich with fries and salad on the side. We also tasted their beer samples but forgot to take a photo of it. Our lunch costs $44.
2. STONYRIDGE VINEYARD - Next stop, we went to Stonyridge Vineyard to finally have wine tasting. We weren't able to book a wine tour because of time constraints so a wine sampler is all we can do at that time. Stonyridge Vineyard is known as "One of the top 10 must visit wineries in the world" according to Guardian UK and their Cabernet Merlot is award winning--topping all other Australia's most iconic Cabernet Merlot wines. Honestly, we didn't researched on which vineyard to visit at that time. We discovered Stonyridge Vineyard only by chance because that's the nearest vineyard we can find.
We were allowed to explore the vineyard at the back of their tasting lounge and yoga deck. So, that's where we took several pre-nuptial photos and videos!
We tried two (2) wine samplers--the New Zealand tasting worth $8 (2017 price) and the other is the Waiheke standard wine tasting at $9. Their wines are best paired with premium New Zealand cheese and other nibbles.
This is the yoga deck and tasting lounge. Overlooking is the vineyard and olive tree farm.
3. RANGIHOUA - Aside from award-winning wines in Waiheke, the island is also known for award-winning extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) producers. I'm not an expert when it comes to describing food and flavors but I loved the EVOO so much! It tastes like freshly cut grass with an herb-like aftertaste. My description sounds yucky haha but promise, it tastes good especially when paired with bread. In the Philippines, I'm used to eating EVOO for salad and dipping sauce but it tastes like... plain oil haha! The one in Rangihoua, is different and I like it. I could taste the difference between a cheap one versus a premium EVOO.
The staff were kind enough to inform us about the history of Rangihoua, the process on how to cultivate olive oil, and many more. They are very kind and warm too.
There's a garden outside Rangihoua where you can enjoy the olive oil, jams, and lights snacks you bought from them.
After spending the whole day in Waiheke Island, we've decided to go back to Auckland before sunset. Again, waiting for a bus is super hard so we already called a taxi which costs around $35.
If you're in Auckland and want to have a different experience outside the city, I highly suggest to go on a day-trip to Waiheke Island. Go there first thing in the morning so you have one full day to enjoy the chill life because, wine not? :)
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