Our favourites on the ISLAND - If you do nothing else - try to fit a few of these in...

BEACHES

All the beaches are lovely – but PALM BEACH and SANDY BAY are my favourite beaches especially on high tides.

ONETANGI is gorgeous for a morning walk and you can get a good coffee at Charlie's (Island Coffee supply here)

VINEYARD & DINING - too many to mention but for my money:

Fine Dining - TANTALUS is new and AMAZING - lovely scenery and fine dining - ask to be seated in the covered courtyard area.

372 and KI MAHA facing Onetangi bay, both these recent addition to Waiheke have fabulous food and wines.

MUDBRICK - is stunning and worth a visit, the gardens are fabulous and multiple food options and really fine dining too.

More relaxed dining - TE MOTU - along the Onetangi straight - very informal and delicious.

PODERI CRISCI - is absolutely lovely! It's a bit of a drive - but well worth it — they do a gorgeous long lunch on Sundays - I’d highly recommend it - but essential to book in advance.

BATCH WINERY is in a beautiful setting and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere 

Vineyard Walk - There’s a fantastic vineyard walk in Onetangi - via Casito Miro / Obsidian then cross country over the vines to Tantalus / te Motu / Stonyridge and Wild on Waiheke!

VINEYARDS more than 30 vineyards on the Island,  all well worth a visit.

If it's off the beaten track  - but the Gin Distillery & Man Of War are both really worth a visit!  Stunning views and location - a great combo if you fancy visiting the bottom End - add the walk at Stoney Batter.

And for CELLAR DOOR WINES

OBSIDIAN - fab wines! and is in Onetangi - Mike the Winemaker is German trained and his wines are highly acclaimed.

RESTAURANTS & SNACKING

There are lots of lovely places - but I love

372 facing Onetangi Bay, delicious award-winning restaurant. Fine dining.

ARCADIA in Palm Beach, delicious fresh and simple food in a friendly and relaxed setting. Such a nice feel!

FENICE if you are looking for something informal and casual - that is in Oneroa. They do delicious Italian food.

Or for Casual for breakfast or during the day you can’t beat

WAI KITCHEN & THE COURTYARD - both in Oneroa – and overlook Oneroa Bay

AHIPAO EATS - A destination store and cafe in Matiatia - a newly renovated heritage building hosts the cafe with amazing food - a great bar and and knitting factory where you'll find lovely knitted cashmere articles  - really great for families and lots of room for kids to run around - AHIPAO

LA DOLCE VITA  The best of Italy on Waiheke - lovely Italian food and gelatos in Ostend -  LA DOLCE VITA

ISLAND GELATO Artisan gelato in Oneroa - ISLAND GELATO

AKITO Lovely plant based cuisine - AKITO

EXPLORE:

If you venture out then go to:

BOTTOM END - is a real joy to drive and lovely scenery I would recommend you go down to

MAN OF WAR - you can have a fantastic platter here - they have some great reds and I love their Rose (onion skin style) - this is at the 'bottom end' of the island.

Whilst down there - you can walk at

STONY BATTER - these are old gun embattlements - they have the most lovely painted rock (of a fish head) on the walk and if you follow the dirt road past the sheep station and past the rock - and keep walking up a slight hill (rather than turning down to the tunnels which are closed) you can follow a foot path to the right - and this takes you up onto the hillside with the most spectaculars views and you are able to walk down into one of the Gunning stations.

WALKING - all around the coastline from Matiatia is gorgeous! Something to fit in if you can - you can always end up on the terrace at Mudbrick.... 

Also from Omiha – you have the Whakanewha Regional park with gorgeous bush and waterfront walks

SCULPTURE WALKS:

There are two sculpture and garden tours - but booking is required

SACRED BLESSING GARDEN & SCULPTURE WALK - WITH HIGH TEA ( Requires booking and is a minimum charge of $ 250 )

Location: Sandy Bay. 

LINK: https://www.sacredblessingsanctuary.co.nz

CONNELLS BAY SCULPTURE WALK -  you must call and book ( tel:  09 372 8957)

LINK: http://www.connellsbay.co.nz

everywhere is wonderful... its hard to fit it all in. Good luck and enjoy!