Kristen and Shane's guidebook
Food and Wine Favourites
Quirky decor and outstanding food. Casita Miro is defintely a local favourite. Bookings are essential especially during peak season. Great for groups due to the nature of the menu (sharing small plates/tapas). Can definitely still enjoy as a family - rugs and blankets available to go and sit out under the olive trees if you are conscious of noise (however full menu not available for outside). Lovely spanish style wines made on the island.
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Casita Miro
3 Brown RdQuirky decor and outstanding food. Casita Miro is defintely a local favourite. Bookings are essential especially during peak season. Great for groups due to the nature of the menu (sharing small plates/tapas). Can definitely still enjoy as a family - rugs and blankets available to go and sit out under the olive trees if you are conscious of noise (however full menu not available for outside). Lovely spanish style wines made on the island.
Stunning food nestled in a hidden valley. This Italian vineyard is a must do on the Island. Highly recommend the Sunday Long Lunch Degustation. At around $89 per person (excluding wine) you will not be disappointed. However be warned - not for those in a hurry as it takes about 4 hours. You will leave feeling like you have been transported briefly to Tuscany. Its a bit of a drive to get there so best suited if you have a car or go there as part of a organised shuttle. Taxing there and back is do-able but will add on another $80-100 return on top of your meal. Cell phone reception is not great out there so make sure to pre-arrange your return or get the staff to call a cab for you.
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Poderi Crisci Restaurant and Vineyard
205 Awaawaroa RdStunning food nestled in a hidden valley. This Italian vineyard is a must do on the Island. Highly recommend the Sunday Long Lunch Degustation. At around $89 per person (excluding wine) you will not be disappointed. However be warned - not for those in a hurry as it takes about 4 hours. You will leave feeling like you have been transported briefly to Tuscany. Its a bit of a drive to get there so best suited if you have a car or go there as part of a organised shuttle. Taxing there and back is do-able but will add on another $80-100 return on top of your meal. Cell phone reception is not great out there so make sure to pre-arrange your return or get the staff to call a cab for you.
Waiheke has a number of great vineyards but in our opinion this is probably the best location and arguably the best wines on the Island. Takes a bit to get there but well worth it. Great all times of the year but check open hours in winter months. They do a limited food menu but highly recommend the sharing platters.
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Man O’ War Vineyards
725 Man O War Bay RdWaiheke has a number of great vineyards but in our opinion this is probably the best location and arguably the best wines on the Island. Takes a bit to get there but well worth it. Great all times of the year but check open hours in winter months. They do a limited food menu but highly recommend the sharing platters.
Just up the road from our place. Is walkable if you cut through the school via Hooks Lane (about 2kms walk). They serve delicious organic wines and also do some sharing platters for you to sit out in relaxed seating amongst the olive grove. Great views back to Auckland.
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Kennedy Point Vineyard
44 Donald Bruce RdJust up the road from our place. Is walkable if you cut through the school via Hooks Lane (about 2kms walk). They serve delicious organic wines and also do some sharing platters for you to sit out in relaxed seating amongst the olive grove. Great views back to Auckland.
Beautiful food and excellent location. Tantulus does superb high end lunches. However if you are looking for something less formal - you can sit on bean bags in the garden area out the back - perfect way to enjoy some wines and the truffle fries while the kids run around. If you have a group and are keen for some vineyard hooping - can easily access Stonyridge, Te Motu and Wild Estate from here (can walk through vineyard across to those places).
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Tantalus Estate
72 Onetangi RoadBeautiful food and excellent location. Tantulus does superb high end lunches. However if you are looking for something less formal - you can sit on bean bags in the garden area out the back - perfect way to enjoy some wines and the truffle fries while the kids run around. If you have a group and are keen for some vineyard hooping - can easily access Stonyridge, Te Motu and Wild Estate from here (can walk through vineyard across to those places).
Very chilled out venue - looking out across Te Maketu Bay. Has a tramp for the kids to play on and outdoor games like Jenga. Wines are beautiful and food is great. Recommend best time to go is for late lunch/afternoon grazing.
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Passage Rock Wines & Bistro, Cellar door
438 Orapiu RdVery chilled out venue - looking out across Te Maketu Bay. Has a tramp for the kids to play on and outdoor games like Jenga. Wines are beautiful and food is great. Recommend best time to go is for late lunch/afternoon grazing.
Neighbourhoods
Nearby Surfdale has a small village with cafes, retaurants, Irish Bar and convienence outlets meaning only a quick trip down the road to get supplies or a flat white. For sports fans you can watch big games at Malones Irish Bar or at Waiheke Bowling Club (which is located 5 minutes walk closer to Oneroa). Te Huruhi Bay is only a 3 minute walk from the house and can be accessed via a staircase off the end of Mitchell Road (the gravel part). Note the beach is very tidal so recommend swimming at high tide.
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Surfdale
Nearby Surfdale has a small village with cafes, retaurants, Irish Bar and convienence outlets meaning only a quick trip down the road to get supplies or a flat white. For sports fans you can watch big games at Malones Irish Bar or at Waiheke Bowling Club (which is located 5 minutes walk closer to Oneroa). Te Huruhi Bay is only a 3 minute walk from the house and can be accessed via a staircase off the end of Mitchell Road (the gravel part). Note the beach is very tidal so recommend swimming at high tide.
Kids Playgrounds
Just up the road from Onetangi Beach - this playground will entertain the kids for hours. If the carparks are jammed at the beach also a good spot to park and walk to the beach from
Tin Boat Reserve
Just up the road from Onetangi Beach - this playground will entertain the kids for hours. If the carparks are jammed at the beach also a good spot to park and walk to the beach from
More affectionately known in our household as the secret house playground. Tucked away facing out to Kauakarau Bay - this playground has a touch of Hansell and Gretel about it. Beach across the road is also a nice spot for a picnic as long as its not a windy day. Parents can grab a coffee at the Rocky Bay Hall (only open weekends but limited hours).
28 McMillan Road
More affectionately known in our household as the secret house playground. Tucked away facing out to Kauakarau Bay - this playground has a touch of Hansell and Gretel about it. Beach across the road is also a nice spot for a picnic as long as its not a windy day. Parents can grab a coffee at the Rocky Bay Hall (only open weekends but limited hours).
Located on Palm Road, Palm Beach - this is probably the most comprehensive playground on the Island. Also has direct access onto the beach. Arcadia Cafe is located just down the road so perfect for a brunch stop and then play.
Children's Playground
51-53 Palm RdLocated on Palm Road, Palm Beach - this is probably the most comprehensive playground on the Island. Also has direct access onto the beach. Arcadia Cafe is located just down the road so perfect for a brunch stop and then play.
Closest playground to our house. Is walkable for small kids but may want to take a pram in case they run out of steam. Opens out on Te Huruhi Bay. Can stop off in Surfdale village at Found Cafe for a coffee there or way home.
Surfdale Hall
6 Hamilton RoadClosest playground to our house. Is walkable for small kids but may want to take a pram in case they run out of steam. Opens out on Te Huruhi Bay. Can stop off in Surfdale village at Found Cafe for a coffee there or way home.
Walks and Hikes
Located out at the far end of Waiheke Island, Stony Batter is both a former military fortification but also has unique rock formations that make you feel like you have been dropped into the Scottish Highlands. The walk is pretty suitable for all ages (smaller children might need to be carried) but can be quite muddy in Winter months. If you are heading out there recommend also heading to Man O War vineyard which is only a couple of kms down the road.
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Stony Batter Historic Reserve
Located out at the far end of Waiheke Island, Stony Batter is both a former military fortification but also has unique rock formations that make you feel like you have been dropped into the Scottish Highlands. The walk is pretty suitable for all ages (smaller children might need to be carried) but can be quite muddy in Winter months. If you are heading out there recommend also heading to Man O War vineyard which is only a couple of kms down the road.
Starting point for a number of great walks. Our favourite is the Nikau Track, which starts from the Sculpture carpark on Gordons Rd. This track has hundreds of beautiful mature Nikau palms along with heaps of nature birdlife (listen out for Tuis and Kereru). Follow the Nikau track until the turnoff onto the Tarata track and then turn left onto the Central track. At the top of the Central Track is Batch Winery - which has stunning views back to Auckland. Great spot to refuel and then do the track in reverse (thankfully all downhill on way back!). Walk is about half an hour each way. Our kids 6 and 4 regularly walk the whole way but be warned there is a lot of stairs on the Central Track. You can also detour off and do the Cascades (small waterfall) which is definitely worth a look.
Whakanewha Park Sculpture Car Park
Gordons RoadStarting point for a number of great walks. Our favourite is the Nikau Track, which starts from the Sculpture carpark on Gordons Rd. This track has hundreds of beautiful mature Nikau palms along with heaps of nature birdlife (listen out for Tuis and Kereru). Follow the Nikau track until the turnoff onto the Tarata track and then turn left onto the Central track. At the top of the Central Track is Batch Winery - which has stunning views back to Auckland. Great spot to refuel and then do the track in reverse (thankfully all downhill on way back!). Walk is about half an hour each way. Our kids 6 and 4 regularly walk the whole way but be warned there is a lot of stairs on the Central Track. You can also detour off and do the Cascades (small waterfall) which is definitely worth a look.
Access track off Church Bay Road, can park just beside track or can park at Mudbrick Winery and walk down. Relatively short easy walk to feel like you have done a bit of exercise before relaxing into some great wine and food at Mudbrick. The views at the top are stunning and offer close to 360 degrees of the island. Climb over the fence near the heli pad to come into the Mudbrick Estate
Te Uri Karaka Reserve
126 Church Bay RdAccess track off Church Bay Road, can park just beside track or can park at Mudbrick Winery and walk down. Relatively short easy walk to feel like you have done a bit of exercise before relaxing into some great wine and food at Mudbrick. The views at the top are stunning and offer close to 360 degrees of the island. Climb over the fence near the heli pad to come into the Mudbrick Estate
There are two loop tracks you can access from Matiatia ferry and both navigate the cliftops to the north and south of Matiatia. The south is longer but you can make it as short or as long as you like and can end up at Cable Bay Vineyard. The North is only accessable about an hour either side of low tide and can take you around to Owhanake Bay and then back over Delamore Drive. The track can be a bit undulating so not ideal for young kids. Northern loop around 45mins - 1 hour depending on fitness levels.
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Matiatia Wharf station
There are two loop tracks you can access from Matiatia ferry and both navigate the cliftops to the north and south of Matiatia. The south is longer but you can make it as short or as long as you like and can end up at Cable Bay Vineyard. The North is only accessable about an hour either side of low tide and can take you around to Owhanake Bay and then back over Delamore Drive. The track can be a bit undulating so not ideal for young kids. Northern loop around 45mins - 1 hour depending on fitness levels.
Brunch Favourites
Stunning views located in the heart of Oneroa. Get here before 10am (for Brunch) if you want to try and get an outside seaview seat.
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Wai Kitchen
149 Ocean View RdStunning views located in the heart of Oneroa. Get here before 10am (for Brunch) if you want to try and get an outside seaview seat.
Great spot to enjoy a coffee and some locally made honey treats. Super family friendly. Recommend the Honey and Rosemary cake.
https://www.waihekehoneyhouse.co.nz/
Honey House & Cafe
22 Totara RdGreat spot to enjoy a coffee and some locally made honey treats. Super family friendly. Recommend the Honey and Rosemary cake.
https://www.waihekehoneyhouse.co.nz/
Located just a couple of minutes down the road in Surfdale village - its a great spot for brunch or a takeaway coffee.
Doubles as a night spot in the weekend and often has DJs on Fridays or Saturday nights.
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Found
8 Miami AveLocated just a couple of minutes down the road in Surfdale village - its a great spot for brunch or a takeaway coffee.
Doubles as a night spot in the weekend and often has DJs on Fridays or Saturday nights.
Beaches
Beautiful white sand beach - biggest and nicest on the Island. Even in peak its not too jammed but certainly one of the main attractions on the Island. Grab a beer at Charley Farleys to round out the trip
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Onetangi Beach
The StrandBeautiful white sand beach - biggest and nicest on the Island. Even in peak its not too jammed but certainly one of the main attractions on the Island. Grab a beer at Charley Farleys to round out the trip
Local spot - tucked away from Oneroa. Lovely bay with picnic tables down by waters edge. Couple of walking tracks one to the left that takes you to Cable Bay (secret beach) and one to the right that takes you to a bay that has a low tide cave, great for the kids to play in.
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Owhanake Bay
Local spot - tucked away from Oneroa. Lovely bay with picnic tables down by waters edge. Couple of walking tracks one to the left that takes you to Cable Bay (secret beach) and one to the right that takes you to a bay that has a low tide cave, great for the kids to play in.
Esslin Road Reserve is close to our house (walkable). It has a deep bay so suitable for swimming in all tides and often numerous yachts moor here overnight. There is a nice grassy reserve at the top of the beach with picnic tables for lunch or takeaway dinner at sunset. Pontoon a short swim from the shore.
Esslin Road
Esslin RoadEsslin Road Reserve is close to our house (walkable). It has a deep bay so suitable for swimming in all tides and often numerous yachts moor here overnight. There is a nice grassy reserve at the top of the beach with picnic tables for lunch or takeaway dinner at sunset. Pontoon a short swim from the shore.
Very safe swimming bay - best accessed at high tide. Great for fishing, snorkelling and kayaking.
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Enclosure Bay
Very safe swimming bay - best accessed at high tide. Great for fishing, snorkelling and kayaking.
Activities
Perfect for a bit of weekend chortling - located by the RSA in Ostend, the markets are an eclectic mash up of local traders produce and wares. Grab a coffee at Island Coffee Roasters (the best on the Island) tucked behind the block of shops just before the markets.
http://www.waihekeostendmarket.co.nz/Resources/Default.htm
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Ostend Markets
76 Belgium StPerfect for a bit of weekend chortling - located by the RSA in Ostend, the markets are an eclectic mash up of local traders produce and wares. Grab a coffee at Island Coffee Roasters (the best on the Island) tucked behind the block of shops just before the markets.
http://www.waihekeostendmarket.co.nz/Resources/Default.htm
Great spot for kids if the weather isn't great. They have a free Makers Space Club on Sundays at 10.30am -12pm where kids can use the 3D Printer and do other activities.
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Waiheke Library
131 Ocean View RdGreat spot for kids if the weather isn't great. They have a free Makers Space Club on Sundays at 10.30am -12pm where kids can use the 3D Printer and do other activities.
After a bit of an adrenaline rush then this is probably the spot for you. Located at the top of the Island so has superb views.
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EcoZip Adventures
150 Trig Hill RdAfter a bit of an adrenaline rush then this is probably the spot for you. Located at the top of the Island so has superb views.
Has heaps of group activities like Archery and Clay Bird Shooting making this perfect for group entertainment. Is very family friendly with playground near outdoor tables so you can enjoy a beer or wine while the kids play
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Wild on Waiheke
82 Onetangi RdHas heaps of group activities like Archery and Clay Bird Shooting making this perfect for group entertainment. Is very family friendly with playground near outdoor tables so you can enjoy a beer or wine while the kids play