Things to do in Hauraki Gulf Islands
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Ananda Tours
Offers a food and wine tour ($95) and a Wine Connoisseur’s Tour ($190). Small-group, informal tours can be customised, including visits to artists’ studios.
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Fullers
Runs a Wine On Waiheke Tour (adult $115, 4¾ hours, departs Auckland 1pm) that visits three of the island’s top wineries and includes a platter of nibbles. Taste Of Waiheke (adult $112, 5½ hours, departs Auckland 11am) also includes three wineries plus an olive grove and light lunch. There’s also a 1½-hour Explorer Tour of the island (adult/child $48/24, departs Auckland 10am, 11am and noon). All prices include the ferry and an all-day bus pass.
reviewed
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Ross Adventures
It’s the fervently held opinion of Ross of Ross Adventures that Waiheke offers kayaking every bit as good as the legendary Abel Tasman National Park. He should know – Ross has been offering guided kayak trips for over 20 years. Experienced sea kayakers can comfortably circumnavigate the island in four days, exploring hidden coves and sand spits inaccessible by land.
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Aotea Sea Kayaks
Aotea Sea Kayaks runs harbour ($50, two hours), sunset ($60, two hours), snorkelling ($90, four hours) and phosphorescent night paddles ($90). Kayaks (per day $40 to $60) and snorkelling equipment (per day $25) can be hired, as well as sea kayaks kitted out with lines and tackle for fishing (per day $80).
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Te Whau
Perched on the end of Te Whau peninsula, this winery restaurant has exceptional views, food and service, and one of the finest wine lists you’ll see in the country (1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, $3000). Try its impressive Bordeaux blends, merlot and rosé for $3 per taste (11am to 5pm).
reviewed
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Stony Batter Historic Reserve
At the bottom end of the island, the Stony Batter Historic Reserve has WWII tunnels and gun emplacements that were built in 1941 to defend Auckland’s harbour. The walk leads through private farmland, and derives its name from the boulder-strewn fields. Bring a torch.
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Cable Bay Vineyards
Impressive uber-modern architecture, sculpture and beautiful views set the scene for this acclaimed restaurant. The food is sublime but the service isn’t always. If the budget won’t stretch to a meal, stop in for a wine tasting ($5) or a drink on the terrace.
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Mudbrick
Auckland and the gulf are at their glistening best when viewed from Mudbrick’s picturesque veranda. The adventurous menu is crammed with quality ingredients, well put together. This venue also offers tours and wine tasting ($5 to $10, 11am to 5pm).
reviewed
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Poderi Crisci
Recently purchased by the Italian-born patriarch behind Non Solo Pizza, we expect great things from the soon-to-come cafe. Italian varietals (Montepulciano, Nebbiolo) and olives have been planted alongside the existing pinot grigio and merlot.
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Thymes Tables
Fussy eaters should look elsewhere as this excellent French-style eatery offers only one or two dishes per evening, which change daily. The food is as elegant as the white-walled dining room, and the island’s best deli is downstairs.
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Wild Rose Cafe
Wild Rose does the best impersonation of an Auckland cafe on the island, albeit with the addition of local crowd-pleasers such as toasted sandwiches and burgers. It uses free-range, organic and local produce whenever possible.
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Te Whau Garden
A jealousy-inducing private property open to visitors is Te Whau Garden, giving you the opportunity to wander steep pathways through rainforest, wetlands and gardens scattered with sculpture.
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Currach Irish Pub
This lively and child-friendly pub has a changing menu of seafood, steak and burgers, and is the island’s social centre. Rub shoulders with local musos on Thursday jam nights.
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Artworks Complex
The Artworks complex houses a community theatre, an art-house cinema and an attention-grabbing art gallery. Also part of the Artworks complex is Whittaker’s Musical Museum, a collection of antique concert instruments.
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Claris Texas Cafe
While it doesn’t live up to the promise of its quirky name, this is the best gap-filler in the centre of the island, serving pretty good nachos, salads and pies.
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Wild On Waiheke
If you like to shoot stuff after a few drinks, this winery and microbrewery offers tastings, archery, clay shooting, pètanque and a giant chess board.
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Connells Bay
Connells Bay is a pricey but excellent private sculpture park featuring a stellar roster of NZ artists. Admission is by way of guided tour.
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Stefano’s
Stefano’s is the best-smelling joint on Waiheke, serving pasta staples and wonderful pizzas in the presence of a dodgy mural. It also does takeaways.
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Whittaker’s Musical Museum
Part of the Artworks complex is Whittaker’s Musical Museum, a collection of antique concert instruments.
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Hooked on Barrier
Hooked on Barrier sells and hires out diving, snorkelling, fishing, surfing and kayak (both from $35 per hour) gear.
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Stonyridge
Famous organic reds, an atmospheric cafe, tours ($10, 35 minutes, 11.30am Saturday and Sunday) and the occasional dance party.
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Lure
Enjoy beach views, great coffee, enticing counter food and a short focused menu. The chicken Caesar salad is superb.
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Waiheke Island Historic Village
The Waiheke Island Historic Village displays Islander artefacts in six restored buildings.
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Goldwater Estate
Waiheke’s wine pioneers, Goldwater has been producing wine from these 21 acres for over 30 years.
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Spice Wine Bar Cafe
A snappy little place with tables on the street, excellent coffee and delectable lemon tarts.
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