Why Waiheke Island is the ultimate summer getaway spot for Aucklanders

Oysters, obligatory Mudbrick shots and plenty of pink wine. Photos / Supplied

OPINION

Planning an epic roadie, or booking flights to sun-soaked locations is half the fun of summer holidays.

But with big trips, comes big admin and many headaches and pitstops along the way. So with summer under way, lifestyle and travel editor Jenni Mortimer set out to find all the elements of the perfect summer getaway without the admin.

If you’ve found yourself Googling “summer holiday ideas”, “cheap flights” or “get me out of here” as you desperately look to wind up the work year in your bone-chillingly air-conditioned office, you’re not alone.

While Gavin from Property Services has the aircon on 18C and you’re huddled under a promotional KFC blanket you got as a “work perk” the mind cannot be blamed for wandering.

But booking a holiday can also mean booking yourself in for some serious admin - even more so if you’ve got kids - and plenty of time spent as you try to nail the best deal.

As I didn’t want to drive, or fly, but I was desperate for a few days away sipping wine, eating dangerous quantities of cured meats on charcuterie boards and soaking up the sun, I knew there was only one place for me − Waiheke Island.

In the spirit of wanting less admin, I booked the ferries, accommodation and a cheeky sunset wine tour on booking.com using their loyalty programme. I hold my Genius status as close to my heart as my Air New Zealand Gold status, but not quite as close as a nine-stamp deep coffee card.

Fullers ferry leaving the ferry terminal at Matiatia Waiheke.

I took an Uber to the Downtown Ferry Terminal ahead of my Fullers ferry trip to the island. Once on the ferry the summer mini-break had well and truly begun with a Pals drink in hand for the easy 40-minute ferry ride.

But upon arrival at Cable Bay Views, a stunning boutique accommodation overlooking Cable Bay Vineyard, the state of my finances was a distant memory after taking in spectacular views overlooking Church Bay, Auckland City, across the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto.

Cable Bay Lodge.

I had booked Cable Bay Lodge which came with two bedrooms, a massive deck for entertaining (or a pilates session as I used it for) a butler’s pantry, a spacious lounge, stylish furnishings and a super well-equipped kitchen.

It was also perfectly positioned in between award-winning vineyards Mudbrick and Cable Bay, both a five-minute walk, and the main village of Oneroa a 20-minute stroll away.

The location was perfect for our 3.5-hour sunset wine tour that was booked for that evening - only it wasn’t. In a slight hiccup, there had been a mix-up with booking through a third-party website and our booking wasn’t lined up correctly. However, the local legend on the end of the phone managed to sort the tour for the next day and we headed to Mudbrick to enjoy a wine tasting and soak up the last of the day’s sun.

The next day, after a walk to the village to secure the ingredients for a truly chaotic charcuterie board, we soaked up the sun on the deck and enjoyed the views that make Waiheke what it is.

Chaotic charcuterie. Photo / Supplied

As we took in Auckland CBD views from the deck, I was reminded of just how close this paradise is to the hustle and bustle of the city but without any of the stressors coming along for the ride.

Waiheke is so much more than a day trip spot for drunken hens and wine enthusiasts - it’s the perfect spot for some solace for Aucklanders desperate to indulge in a moment of peace and escape the hum of the office air-con.

And yet another spot that offered up some solace was Cable Bay, where the service, wine and food were immaculate. Despite the fact the infamous grass area is no longer able to be used, the views and vibes were as world-class as ever. We enjoyed the oysters, truffle parmesan chips, and a bottle of the vineyard’s famous Rosé as we eavesdropped on a small bridal party absolutely irate with a woman named Iona.

The perfect chips at Cable Bay. Photo / NZ Herald

That night for dinner we headed to the uber-cosy local Italian spot, Fenice. It’s a fave with locals and it was easy to see why, with the atmosphere and service feeling like home after a day sipping wine in the sun. We split a handmade Salsiccia Di Maile pizza with pork sausage, pancetta, pecorino, basil and chilli and every bite was uniquely delicious.

Before catching the ferry back to the CBD on our final morning, we enjoyed one final coffee and breakfast on the deck, one final moment basking in the views and one final pricey cab fare to the ferry terminal.

Italian cuisine and local red wines at Cafe Fenice, Waiheke. Photo / Supplied

On returning to the city I felt topped up with vitamin D, wonderfully refreshed, curious about the fate of Iona, and searching dates in my calendar where I could squeeze in another two-night Waiheke getaway soon.

With just a short 40-minute sail, a few clicks and a few bottles of Rose, Waiheke provided the ultimate destination to rest, relax, indulge and enjoy the start of summer.

Jenni was hosted by booking.com’s Genius programme which enabled her to book accommodation, ferry and attractions in one place.

Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s lifestyle and travel editor. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and previously worked as an education publication editor. She’s also mum to a 5-year-old son who she loves taking on adventures across the globe.