Waiheke is the second-largest of the gulf islands. It is also the most populated, and the most accessible due to regular ferry and air services. Interestingly, Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands.
The reason why we had been waiting until now to visit Waiheke is that the island is largely a summer (or at least a great-weather) destination. It is a picturesque blend of farmland, bush, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. As Waiheke is a very popular summer holidays spot, there is a great range of activities to choose from: sightseeing, relaxing on many of the island beaches, biking, tramping, kayaking, wine tasting... Even with E in tow, we were able to get a flavor of many of these options.
Similarly to our trip to the Coromandel Peninsula, we rented a bach on the island, in the Rocky Bay area. This time, however, our place was anything but rustic.
And the views from the porch (and the bedroom) were amazing!
We dropped our bags at the bach and we headed for the beach. The first beach we went to was Palm Beach.
The following morning we hit the beaches again. This time we drove to Oneroa Beach and walked to the neighboring Little Oneroa Beach where E was rewarded with a playground and a few seagulls and ducks to chase after.
Pohutukawa is the New Zealand X-mas tree. It blossoms in the summer - just in time for X-mas.
After a well deserved nap, we hit the vineyards and olive groves. Supposedly, Waiheke wines are world reknown. While we enjoyed the wine, we were often astounded by the beautiful scenery.
While we were tasting wines, E kept himself busy wherever we stopped.
To reward E's patience and creativity, we took him to yet another beach: Onetangi Beach.
E had a blast!
E's idea to "enter" the water:
On Sunday morning (sadly our last day on the island), we went hiking in Whakanewha Regional Park.
While on Waiheke, we continued to learn about Kiwis. We confirmed that they are hospitable:
They have a great sense of humor:
They are not shy to admit their weaknesses:
And they are very "green":
Before we left the island, a whole bunch of roosters scared the bejesus out of me!
The boys caught a bit of some "falling-apart-car" race.
We had a late lunch at "Stefano's" where, along with a great pizza, E enjoyed a couple of guitar performers and we met an American man who spoke POLISH (and a few other languages)!
We had such a good time on Waiheke that we missed our ferry back home!
Luckily, the next boat an hour and a half later was able to take us.
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