features
With the maximum
travel time to
anywhere being 40
minutes we checked
out numerous
little hamlets and
beaches, the
hypnotic scenery
taking us back to our
Scottish homeland
artisanal wine producer also sold their
most amazing honey and olive oil
from their colonial tasting room. Aptly
placed garden picnic tables give you
the chance to enjoy the wares and lose
yourself with the magical views. The kids
were also able to get involved with their
own sampling in the form of a honey
sandwich in the cute snack bag.
Grassy lawns, games and special
menus come as standard at the
majority of wineries on the island, with
kids more than welcome at both lunch
and dinner sittings and also at the
Cellar Doors if you are just popping in
for a quick taste. We had outstanding
dinners at Bach (pronounced Batch)
and also at Tantalus Estate, where you
can wander around some of the vines
or chill out on an oversized bean bag in
the garden, enjoying a glass from their
Cellar Door whilst the sun goes down.
A fantastic experience was also had
at Mudbrick Winery, a popular setting
for many a beautiful wedding. We
went along late in the afternoon, and
spent time chatting to the staff in Cellar
Door, before heading to one of their
restaurants later for dinner. Their Chef’s
tasting and wine pairing menu, featuring
their local speciality, abalone, was
exquisite, as was the service and their
acceptance of visiting children lounging
on the sofas in the reception area. A
parent’s dream. Thankfully other diners
weren’t perturbed by this at all.
The island itself has a very efficient
bus service reaching most parts of the
island, or if you fancy a bit of activity there
are a couple of bike rental companies –
one of which specialises in e-bikes.
The week flew by too fast and before
we knew it, we were heading back to
Auckland on the Fuller’s ferry – but
don’t worry Waiheke, we’ll be back
again before long …
April 2018
47