Girl About Auckland

The great escape

So..when was the last time you went to Waiheke Island?

“Ah nah, what’s the big deal with Waiheke” you’re probably thinking. “It’s full of hippies and new age weirdo’s; and the ferry ride is really expensive blah blah blah”. Well my friend let me tell you something. Firstly, stop talking to yourself, and secondly, consider just how much Waiheke has to offer!

For me recently winter had been a long, cruel, cold son of a you-know-what, so a spring escape was calling me, like a nagging house wife moaning at her husband to do the washing up. Cue Waiheke – somewhere where I hadn’t been for over 8 years and made for a perfect getaway.

Once on board the ferry I felt like I was running away from the madness of work, bills and familiar ground-hog-day routines. An adventure if you like, to a mini paradise within Auckland.

Because Waiheke is an island you’re pretty screwed without transport. We decided to take it as it came, so that we could enjoy a bit of booze without worrying about driving. There’s a bus you can catch from the ferry terminal (you need a bit of patience cos like ‘Fiji Time’ the bus service is laid-back and comes along pretty much whenever it feels like it). There are car hire options of course, and a not-so-bad taxi service too.

I was looking forward to wine tasting at one of the many beautiful vineyards located on Waiheke. Casita-Miro was my favourite, with its romantic French/Italian charm. Just gorgeous. Amazing views. Friendly staff. I could go on. The dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard was lovely too and after 8 years since my last visit there, I can confirm that nothing has changed and it’s still as perfect as usual.

So my suggestion Aucklanders: If you’re fed up with the weather and wanna get away without the involvement of a long drawn-out road kiwi road trip (which are indeed awesome but are often full of traffic jams and those annoying little toilet stops in the bush) –  pack your nearest and dearest and a happy attitude and take yourself over to Waiheke.

I had a ball. You won’t regret it.

Here’s to summer
Auckland Girl