Blogs from Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

Easter has arrived in Waiheke along with it an influx of tourists. Lots of people own houses around these parts which they only use for weekends like these. And what a weekend, the temperature on the beach is ideal, around 24 degrees, a cooling zephyr and warm sea water make this the ideal beach time of year, better even than summer. The boats from Auckland line up in the bay and people pile into little dinghies to access the beach. And what a beach (see even more photoes of it!) A place to really be in the moment, full of mindfulness. Autumn's here and the cicadas have stopped singing. It's also cooler at night- around 15 degrees. The nights are fair drawing in! It's dark at half past six, just as well we've got Tunein radio ... read more

We've been having such a great time here on Waiheke. Yesterday we had the most amazing walk, starting at the Onetangi sports club on O'Brien Road, crossing the peninsula to tale us to coastal bays with a view to Auckland. We stopped for lunch at the world famous Te Whau vineyard and restaurant. Then continued our walk to Rocky bay, where we caught the bus back. This walk has unbelievable scenery. The weather was perfect, totally clear blue skies, but with a cool breeze. We had panoramic views over Rocky bay, Te Whau point, inland parts of Western Waiheke and to Auckland. This is a secluded part of the island. We had a serene excursion through mature coastal forest and vineyards. Savouring the amazing fare of Te Whau- excellent food and wine. We've explored many other ... read more

Every house in Waiheke has a long, steep driveway at the end of which there is a mailbox.... We've got a new hobby, photographing thr quirky ones. Haven't we anything better to do with our time??... read more

We've spent 5 days on Waiheke now. Enough to know it's New Zealand's best kept secret!! Check out the photoes and you'll see why.... read more

Waiheke Island is based 30minutes from Auckland by ferry. Its known for the shire quantity of vineyards. After getting into the harbour you can immediately see mountain bike hire rentals, van and car rental companies and scooter hire to get around the island. We hired a mountain bike which I only recommend for the most fittest of people or the most insane people. Reason I say this is that we rented the bikes and didn't quite realise how steep the island can be. The journey from one winery to another after having a tasting session at each place just takes it out of you. I would not recommend hiring a bike that's for sure but the Island is well worth a visit if you are ever in Auckland. The tasting sessions are very informal and each ... read more

We were planning to head back to New Zealand one last time to see a few things we’d missed, to catch up with some friends and also to meet up with Colin and Roberta, Kat’s Dad and Stepmother. We flew into Christchurch and picked up the rental car and found a place to spend the night, as it was already rather late. Christchurch is still badly affected by the February earthquake with the CBD still closed and lots of derelict buildings and empty plots where houses once stood. That night the earth moved again when another earthquake, this time a 4.9 shook our hostel. There was no damage and it only lasted a few seconds but it was a rather eerie experience and we were rather relieved to be leaving the following morning. We next found ... read more

Great City!!!!!!!!! Long ass plane ride from L.A.!!!! Great festival Asian food/culture a block from my hotel..... Great food!!!! The city has a lot of hills was not used to that @ all but it'll come........ Was in the concert Jungle for 12 days.... Then hit the Waiheke Island UNREAL!!!!!!!!! The weather was a little over cast not much for wildlife saw a few birds....... The views where unreal!!!!!!!!!!! Great time..................... read more