Our penultimate day in NZ was devoted to visiting Waiheke Island and sampling some of the fine wines produced there. Access is via a 50 minute ferry ride from the Auckland port across a fairly large bay.
Our weather streak continued so we grabbed seats on the upper deck outside.
The primary mode for tourists getting around the island is a hop on/off bus which has stops in a couple of the small settlements as well as many of the wineries. The scenery is enchanting with different hues in the water, sandy beaches and lots of greenery.
We rode the entire loop (about 5 km in each direction) and jumped off at the Mudbrick winery. After a full flight of tastings with very very little spitting out or dumping, we sat down to a huge lunch looking at the ocean.
We also stopped at the Cable Bay winery where we completed a repeat performance except no second lunch. A very knowledgeable employee took us through the process but by our 9th glass of wine on the day we weren’t sure what she was saying. So rather than move on to another winery we felt it better we should get back on the ferry and head home.
The bay leaving the island was calm and blue while the crossing was green and choppy. Thank goodness we were out in the open air.
Back to the Auckland harbour and the hustle of a big city versus the idyllic setting we had just left. Really two worlds apart.
Tomorrow we have a museum or two on the agenda (all done with the active adventure calendar) before packing up and starting the long journey back to Toronto. Not looking forward to 20+ hours in the air but hey, we do get back the day we lost a few weeks ago.
The Bennetts On Tour 