Waiheke Island
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Address:
Hauraki Gulf
1240 Auckland, New Zealand
Phone:
+64 9 372 9999 (Tourist Information)
NileGuide Expert tip:
When heading out to Onetangi, check the tide tables. When the tide is out it is the perfect walking beach with about 50 meters of exposed area.
Description:
Waiheke Island is the 2nd largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and is 17.7 kilometers from Auckland's CBD. it features many wineries (a new one every month it seems) and has one of New Zealand's best beaches, Onetangi. The easiest way for a visitor to get to Waiheke is by ferry. Ferries leave just about every hour on the hour (check the schedule as it varies on the weekend) and return until around 11 PM (earlier on Sunday). When you arrive at the Matiatia wharf, you can then select from the option of a taxi, public bus or hire car. There are many famous wineries and almost all of them have a restaurant on the premises to sample the wines and nibble some local delicacies. Two of the more popular wineries are Stonyridge and Mudbrick, but there really is no bad one. If you can pull yourself away from the vino, head to Onetangi beach for a walk or a swim. With views heading straight out to the Coromandel and one of the country's best white sand beaches, it is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Auckland.
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