Day 181
Today marks six months since I left home to live a life of travel. I am not sure where the time went, but it has become more and more clear to me that I hope this never ends. There have been tremendous ups and downs, all through Asia and Australia; all have been beautiful, and all have been transformative.
Today sees me in New Zealand with none other than my lovely mother! Though it is my first time here, she came to Middle Earth (before it was so-dubbed) just over 30 years ago. It’s interesting to hear about what has changed since now and then.
Eager to explore something a little different, we hopped on the ferry from Auckland over to Waiheke Island – a place that more than a few people told me we just had to check out when we got out here.
We followed their advice, and we’re very glad that we did:
Auckland is a beautiful city, but it’s not very off-the-beaten path, and that’s really my modus operandi. My mother’s is hiking. By visiting Waiheke, we managed to hit both.
We selected the Northern Walk, encompassing Matiatia Historic Reserve, Owhanake Bay, and Oneroa beach. This allowed us to see as much of the island as possible without having to stray too far from the ferry stop. There are other trails including the Southern Walk, which is perfect for bird and wildlife watching; the Hekerua Palm Beach & Rocky Bay trail, ideal for seeing different beaches on the island, and the Wakanewha Walk, which offers sightings at the island’s biggest beach, and only takes an hour to complete.
I’m fairly certain I’ve never seen water quite this color. It seemed to change as we made our way down the walking trail, most likely due to depth (I’m a sharp one, yes. Got that all figured out).
What’s more, I’ve seldom gone on a hike without ever seeing another person on the trail. I felt we had hit the off-beat jackpot given that we never did over the duration of our two-hour hike.
The day culminated with just a taste of wine at one of the gorgeous vineyards on the island. We had earned it, after all.
It was the perfect way to spend my six-month travelversary, and I feel lucky to spend this milestone in the company of family. I feel even luckier that I have been able to impress her with my ability to drive on the opposite side of the road. I’m sure you can agree, where family is involved, you really really want to show them a good time, especially when you don’t get to see them that often.
So far, we’re doing well.
Do it yourself:
- Catch the ferry (they leave every 15 – 30 minutes Monday – Friday, and every 30 minutes Saturday – Sunday. Click here for the ferry schedule) departing from the docks at Queen and Quay streets in Auckland, terminal two. Bypass the tours kiosk and head for the Fullers blue ticketing window (tickets should be cheaper at NZD$38 RT). The journey takes about 40 – 50 minutes.
- Don shoes for walking/hiking, along with sunscreen, and make your way to the starting point on the beach which is just to the left of the bus stop outside of the information center. You will be dropped here by the ferry
- Follow the well-signed hiking trail and/or grab a free map at the visitor’s center at the ferry drop-off.
- Take a bus or walk to your winery of choice as a celebration when finished. I can’t remember which one we stopped at, but here’s a list of the vineyards open for wine tasting on Waiheke Island.
Simmy says
Breathtaking images! I hope to make it to NZ on my travels 🙂
admin says
Thank you! You should go!
Chris C. says
Oh wow! This is just fabulous. I too, as a solo traveler, spent 5 days on Waiheke just about a month before your visit. I chose the southern walk and was just as impressed that the trail was so clearly sign posted and I didn’t see another human for a good 2 hrs.
Southern walk leaves Matiatia Bay right from the ferry and through the bush up the headlands. Amazing views of Auckland (- just love SkyTower that can be seen from all parts of north island) On top of the lookout point was the best scrap wood structure with the swings! Then trail curves around and down to Church Bay. Then walking around the pastures and through more fern bush, I emerged at a road where some local kiwis gave me a lift back to Oneroa ( and a bag of fresh fruit from their garden). It was one of the best days of my NZ travels. That island is amazing. I will definetly be going back at some point.
Thank you for sharing your photos, I now can see ‘the path not taken’ as they say.
Best to you, CC
admin says
Chris,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment! That’s pretty cool that you got a ride and some fruit from locals. Kiwis have turned out to be extremely nice. Falling more in love with this place every day.
admin says
Made it up to Bay of Islands as well, but I don’t think it’s as off-beat. Still, breathtaking.
Travelling Kiwi says
If you are ever back in NZ, head check out the Otago Railway Trail for something off the beaten path. (About 1hr from Queenstown on a bus). Its an old railway line converted into a bicycle track. You ride for 4 days across the South Island from Clyde to Middlemarch and stop at some very old school traditional kiwi towns. Easy ride through beautiful Otago countryside – dedicated track so no cars
zel says
How long did this route take you?
Kristin says
An afternoon
Jen says
Heading to NZ this weekend and have a couple days to kill in Auckland before heading south – wanted to find a good, safe solo walking track on waiheke (I love wine but not enough to drink it all day) and this looks perfect! Thanks so much for posting!
Kristin says
yay have fun!
Tina says
Which winery did you stop at? We are going to be visiting Waiheke at the beginning of April and want to experience a hike followed by one winery for food (for non drinkers) and of course some wine for the rest of us. 🙂
Kristin says
I honestly have no idea which one it was, but you’ll pass by several and you can pick and choose!
Shannon says
Hey girl! Just came across your blog, love it! Waiheke Island is one of my favorite places! Loved your article! The wineries on Waiheke Island were amazing! Best of luck in your travels!