Waiheke Island – Feb. 16, 2007
We drove further north just outside of Auckland to pick up a vehicular ferry at 11:30 to Waiheke Island. It is compared to the US’s Martha’s Vineyard. We took the 45 minute scenic ferry ride out to the island and had lunch at the famous (locally anyways) Mudbrick Cafe. Jonathan had Kangaroo (awl…) and Jess had pan-fried calamari. Pretty decent.
Afterwards, we walked around the village of Oneroa and checked out the shops. Then we headed for our last night’s stay at the Owhanake Bay Estate. A couple (Mike and Kristy) own this estate along with their 3 yr old son and 9 mo. old daughter. Mike was a lawyer for a decade and then went into business for himself where he sold all of his business assets to buy this estate. Now they have a small vineyard (@ 1000 vines) of Pinot Gris & Syrah and an olive grove (@ 70 trees) and rent out a very nice room to travelers like us! Awesome family with an ideal lifestyle. They have been there about 7 yrs and plan to get a full vegetable garden planted so they can be self-sufficent. For now, they only sell their wine from the estate but are thinking of branching out. We bought a couple bottles to enjoy. If ever in New Zealand, we recommend this place.
They recommended a new restaurant to us called Cable Bay. Mike drove us out there so that we could enjoy a few drinks. Very shi-shi kind of place but delicious food and awesome sunset. Jonathan tested out Cable Bay’s Five Hills red wine and Jess tried their Pinot Noir (tried despite allergy – seems that the allergy pertains only to cheap $2 blush wine…go figure!). What an experience along with the lamb…..YUM!
We got to sleep pretty early that night and woke early to go for a walk along the bay. Afterwards, Mike brought out a nice, organic breakfast to enjoy on our deck. We got packed up and toured the vineyard for a last look then headed back to the ferry for the airport.
This island is renowned for it wine and olive oil. There are about 50 vineyards on this 52 square mile island!
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