Waiheke Island at the end of the season


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Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland » Waiheke Island
April 22nd 2006
Published: April 30th 2006
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Ferry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon Bay

On our way to Auckland, we came up with the idea of going to Waiheke Island. So got off the highway and made it to catch the 6:30 sailing.
We decided at the last minute to go to Waiheke.

We headed for Auckland after dropping Erin off at the Hamilton airport heading back to Wellington. On the highway we decided to check out Waiheke Island off the east coast of Auckland - which turned out to be just like Saltspring Island off the Canadian West Coast. Lots of artists and granola types and organic this and that - just my cuppa tea again!

We arrived off the ferry in the dark, and fortunately we had a map from the ferry office. The island does not have street lighting, so it was only by the light of our headlights that we made our way on the twisting roads that criss cross the island.

We stayed at a Backpacker's owned by a guy from our era, who owns a big house with lots of rooms and a big back porch ideal for having meals outside, and with party lights hanging perpetually from post to post, ready for celebrations of any kind. The waiter at one restaurant we went to said it's known as Party Central in the summer. The pool was a bit green and didn't seem to be
Ferry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon Bay

And the sky kept changing
used much.

There are a few collections of shops and houses grouped around the island, joined by twisty hilly roads which also reveal dwellings sprouting on hillsides along the way. The Backpackers where we stayed was a short hike or even shorter drive to the village called Oneroa. On Saturday morning we went to a farmer's market in the Ostend collection of shops and gas station, on Putiki Bay at the south side of the long narrow island, about a ten minute drive because of the twists and turns of the roads, and the frequency with which we took the wrong turns because of the way the maps are made. Local vendors hawk a wide assortment of home made goods including ethnic and vegetarian foods and hot breakfast (bacon and egg sandwiches- yum)pottery, books, and crafts. I bought my first bag of feijoas after asking how to eat them. Easy - cut in half, scoop out insides like with a kiwi.

I had a lovely long conversation with a Maori woman who was up from Wellington visiting her sister for a few weeks. We were looking at felted wool at one booth, and she told me how the
Ferry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon BayFerry Terminal, Half Moon Bay

Called the City of Sails, Auckland is surrounded by bays
Maori used it for nappies, and the children never had rashes like they do now. It is so soft on their skin, and absorbent. And she also made blankets to go on top of hay mattresses for her children when they were growing up. It's also a favourite for the old people to keep warm at night when the temperature drops considerably in winter.

We spent the weekend touring the island, walking along beaches, eating in the restaurants or making meals at the backpacker's and having a restful time. However, the rain started Saturday night and we caught the 10 am ferry to get to Auckland in time to secure a place to stay before heading to a gethering of all my Hope relatives in Auckland who were meeting Pat for the first time. It was pouring rain as we left the island so we read our books in the comfort of the lounge on the upper deck.


Additional photos below
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Farmers Market, OstendFarmers Market, Ostend
Farmers Market, Ostend

brings out all ages, many colourful characters
FeijoiasFeijoias
Feijoias

My first sight of this popular fruit.
Garden ornamentsGarden ornaments
Garden ornaments

Haven't seen this type of thing before. Kiwi humour abounds.
Fair Trade productsFair Trade products
Fair Trade products

I was eyeing the colourful yarns
I bought some paua shell I bought some paua shell
I bought some paua shell

from these girls. They said their mother buys them in bulk, and the man behind me said \"does she know you have them?\"
Garden flagsGarden flags
Garden flags

good way to remember where you planted the peas.
Wonderful crusty breadWonderful crusty bread
Wonderful crusty bread

We tried the sourdough rye - excellent!
Water was cold at firstWater was cold at first
Water was cold at first

We had our togs but never put them on.
Blue Bottle Jelly FishBlue Bottle Jelly Fish
Blue Bottle Jelly Fish

Hundreds of them washed up. They pack a sting which doesn't start hurting until hours afterwards. I found out by accidently stepping on one of the squishy things. Gross!
As they landedAs they landed
As they landed

Lots of these as well. Pippi shells, I think. Only the beaches on the north side of the island have white sand.
Beach Parade curves round and runs alongBeach Parade curves round and runs along
Beach Parade curves round and runs along

the beach. Viewed from Ocean View Road, downtown Oneroa.
As far as we got to swimmingAs far as we got to swimming
As far as we got to swimming

Pat says he has a cousin, Frankie, who as a child ran around pulling up his shorts like this. Onetangi Beach, where we went several times over the weekend.
Kiwis are just all-round tougherKiwis are just all-round tougher
Kiwis are just all-round tougher

compared to us. Look at them all having a gay old time. Onetangi Beach.
Beside a winery and breweryBeside a winery and brewery
Beside a winery and brewery

is a small pig farm. The pigs are small. I don't know about the farm.
Looking out from our tableLooking out from our table
Looking out from our table

at another seaside restaurant at Onetangi Beach, the longest and most popular of the beaches on Waiheke..
Palm Beach, also on the north shorePalm Beach, also on the north shore
Palm Beach, also on the north shore

of the island, is quiet and clean. With beautifully crafted picnic tables.
Surf's out. The EsplanadeSurf's out. The Esplanade
Surf's out. The Esplanade

in the area called Blackpool on the south side of the island.


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