Good food and wine reward your exertions on a new Waiheke track, writes Donna McIntyre.

There's something wonderfully decadent about dining out yet being in your own private room. One of the most fabulous eateries to cross the Viva radar recently is the underground cellar at Cable Bay vineyard on Waiheke Island.

Libby Nicholson-Moon finds 10 of the best cafes for Sunday brunch.

Three talented Waiheke artists open the doors of their studios and reveal how their home, workplace and surrounding environment is imperative to their inspiration.

The Tea Lady in Birkenhead Point is all retro charm, with china cups, a host of brews, chilled tea infusions and even 'coffee if you must'.

Our four-legged beasts can now share the love in Auckland parks.

Randall Graham, a founding member of Californian wine group, The Rhône Rangers, once claimed it was more difficult to get rid of a case of syrah than the clap.

A helicopter flight is the quickest way to get from crowded city to island vines, finds Danielle Wright.

Not being a geologist, I cannot say exactly what kind of stones they were.

Recognising a good structure in a former rental A-frame was the first step for a new family home.

La dolce vita is just a ferry ride away at Poderi Crisci restaurant on Waiheke.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

I managed to spend some time on Waiheke Island over the break, soaking up the sun and catching up with friends.

Set virtually on the beach, this home takes its design cue from a lighthouse - even featuring a 'celestial window'.

A distressed woman screamed into her cellphone for help as the six-metre boat she and her father were on capsized and sank.

There is a search on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour this morning.

While you're slumming it this summer, others are living it up.

There are many world-class wineries on our doorstep.