It’s official. Waiheke Island has been ranked one of the best islands in the world outside the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers in their Readers Choice Awards 2015.
Joining other beautiful global islands including Bora Bora in Tahiti, Santorini in Greece, Boracay in the Philippines and St Lucia in the Caribbean, we 100% agree that Waiheke Island is one of New Zealand’s biggest charms.
Just over 30 minutes by boat, or a 10-minute helicopter flight from Auckland City, the island is a wine-lover’s nirvana dotted with a number of world-class vineyards in spectacular settings, many with sea views. You’ll find sandy beaches for lounging on, superb restaurants that make use of island produce and fresh seafood, and luxury accommodation perfect for a getaway from the mainland.
Here are Black Label’s Top 6 Waiheke Experiences:
1. Wine Tasting at Man O’ War Vineyard
Journey to the eastern end of Waiheke Island where you will find Man O’ War Bay, surrounded by New Zealand’s iconic pohutukawa trees.
Here at this picturesque beach front location, you can soak away the weariness of a busy life at the Man O’ War Vineyard – a perfect mix of island legacy, land and wine where the sun illuminates the bench tables on the lawn or choose to relax on the rattan furniture in the shade of the verandah that surrounds the Tasting Room.
The interior of the stunning Tasting Room is a link to the land where you will notice the cedar clad pitched roof, recycled Matai flooring and the Man O’ War bar that has been crafted from sustainably sourced Kauri, akin to the magnificent stands that occupy the surrounding hills.
Black Label Experience believes the hardest choice is deciding who to take! Relax and enjoy on your own or bring your family or special loved one and savour a delicious glass of Man O’ War wine and a tempting platter of cheeses, olives and other local produce.
2. Exhilarating Seaplane Flight combined with Luxury Accommodation at Marino Ridge
Whether you’re looking to experience an exhilarating water take-off and landing, ticking a seaplane flight off your bucket list or wanting to explore the breath taking landscapes found nowhere else in the world, Black Label have you covered.
Join us on an adventure of history, romance and luxury in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, a slice of New Zealand paradise.
Begin with a thrilling seaplane flight that showcases the very best of the Auckland region and gives all passengers an experience of a lifetime, and finish with luxury hosted accommodation at Marino Ridge.
Marino Ridge occupies a stunning setting that includes three and a half acres of native bush and gardens in a sheltered position with 240° harbour and ocean views. Escape to the virtually private pebble swimming beach at the foot of the grounds where you can claim your own spot for contemplative fishing, go kayaking or venture out paddle boarding. Soak in the hot spa with a glass of champagne as you admire awe-inspiring views of bush and bay where you can unwind or rejuvenate. The options are limitless at this one of a kind slice of Waiheke paradise.
3. Adventure & Nature Experience
The intrepid adventurers that book with Black Label will love our EcoZip Adventures package on Waiheke Island.
Enjoy a complimentary pick up from the island ferry before being whisked to state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and an eco-immersive forest walk that will please nature lovers of all ages.
Afterwards, we can recommend any number of excellent local restaurants for a meal – get in touch with us to discuss your ideas.
4. Lazy Afternoons at The Oyster Inn
Oneroa Beach is a popular spot to visit on Waiheke Island with a north-facing sunny beach fringed by pohutakawa trees and calm waters for family swimming.
Nearby to Oneroa Beach, you’ll find The Oyster Inn and as the name suggests it’s the perfect island hub to meet and mingle, and to wash down an oyster (or two) with a pitcher of homemade sangria.
Soak in the view of the shimmering bay in summer or cosy up on the cane sofa by the wood-burning stove in winter – Black Label thinks that the bar at the Oyster Inn is THE place to let the world go by. If sangria’s not to your liking, there’s plenty of other options including home-made lemonade, a glass of Waiheke Island’s best wine, as well as local and regional artisan beers.
Afterwards, pop into The Shop at The Oyster Inn where you can grab clothing from brands including Karen Walker, Deadly Ponies, Moscot, and Orlebar Brown as well as a new take on beach chic, The Oyster Inn’s special white-and-yellow Havaianas jandals (flip flops/thongs), a re-release of a design from 1970 sold exclusively in The Shop there.
5. Sun, Sea and Star-Gazing at Pah View
Budding astronomers will find Pah View is the definition of luxury accommodation at its finest. The house opens right up to provide indoor/outdoor flow and is fully equipped with all you could need for a relaxing holiday at the beach including a designer kitchen, two living areas, a direct walkway to Onetangi Beach, your own boat pad, fish bench and outdoor shower.
You have all the pleasures of privacy, whilst still being conveniently located close to Onetangi’s cafes, bars, and convenience store.
The house is beautifully presented and boasts panoramic views over Onetangi Beach – just imagine, sitting with a hot chocolate on the deck gazing at the Southern Hemisphere stars in a night sky unspoiled by city lights.
6. Scenic Helicopter Flight & Champagne with Gourmet Dinner at Delamore Lodge
Waiheke Island is a 10-minute helicopter transfer from Auckland City but why rush when you can enjoy a scenic helicopter flight that takes in the metropolitan, volcanic, and maritime beauty of Auckland’s landscape.
Fly over Auckland’s busy waterfront districts with trendy bars and active harbour, cruise above dormant volcanic craters, drift over golden sands and soar over native bush before finishing your experience at Delamore Lodge for champagne and a gourmet dinner overlooking Owhanake Bay. If you so wish, Black Label can also facilitate luxurious Spa treatments at Delamore Lodge including hydration facials and relaxing massages.
If you would love to book these must-do Waiheke experiences above, please contact us today to ensure your reservation for these high-demand packages; we can also reserve Honeymoon packages, boat charters, fishing and diving tours, Spa treatments, and gourmet food experiences. Make your reservation today to secure your slice of Waiheke paradise!