NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 14: The Mudbrick vineyard on Waiheke Island, January 14, 2005. (Photo by ... More Sandra Teddy/Getty Images) Getty Images Waiheke is known to Auckland locals as the “island of wine.” It’s a sensible moniker considering that the bucolic retreat—just a 35-minute ferry ride from the city center—holds nearly three dozen wineries, along with some of the best tasting room experiences anywhere in the country. But this sunny landscape is also an embarrassment of riches when it comes to all things you can eat and drink. Olive oil is pressed fresh from countless groves dotting the landscape. Award-winning gin and vodka is crafted by hand, and served with stunning panorama, at Waiheke Distilling. Vibrant bars and adventurous eateries line the adorable downtown row of Oneroa. This is paradise for any self-styled gourmand, all of it enveloped by an abundance of natural beauty. All you need to access it is a thirst for adventure—and a roundtrip ferry ticket. A friendly local guide to get you around the island also doesn’t hurt, either. We suggest booking one through Ananda Tours, a trusted family-run operation that’s been hosting guests here for nearly three decades. They’ve got the wheels to get you around. And we’ve got the insider intel to help you engineer an unforgettable day on Waiheke Island. Follow along below. Looking past the vines of Waiheke, with Auckland CBD in the distant background. Allpress Olive Groves 8:45 a.m. - Depart Fullers Ferry terminal in the CBD aboard the Fullers360 ferry to Waiheke. The 35-minute-long ferry ride is particularly pretty during the quiet morning hours. A return ticket will cost $28 USD. 9:20 a.m. - Meet your tour guide at Matiatia and head out for olive oil tasting. MORE FOR YOU ‘Buckle Up’—Bitcoin Price Suddenly Braced For A ‘Cambrian Explosion’ Ukraine Unleashes Nikola Tesla’s Weapon In The Black Sea Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, March 26th Grab a quick toastie and latte from Akito Eatery in downtown Oneroa, and then make the quick drive up to the Allpress Olive Groves tasting room and retail store for a sampling session. The local purveyor also maintains luxury lodging for those who want to stay overnight amidst manicured rows of olive trees, perched hillside atop the surrounding bay. 10 a.m. - Stop for a swim on the way to Man O’ War Vineyard. This 4,500-acre family farm is home to one of the country’s top-rated wineries. But it’s on the opposite end of the island, about a 35-minute drive away. Split up the journey to the cellar door by stopping for a quick dip at Onetangi Beach along the way. If you’re hankering for another small snack, grab a small plate or two from Three Seven Two, a enduringly popular eatery with locals. Then prepare yourself for a precious pour of the outstanding Dreadnaught Syrah. Pair that wine with oysters and ocean. Man O'War Vineyards 12 p.m. - Whisky and beer tasting at The Heke Brewery & Distillery “Sure, the wineries are great, but don’t sleep on the other stuff,” warns travel writer Tasha McGill. “This is one of the best places on the island to chill with your mates.” To her point, you can enjoy ample craft offerings while strolling four acres of surrounding garden space. Alternatively, gin and vodka drinkers ought to head to Waiheke Distilling Co. for clear spirits that have won international acclaim, backdropped by stunning panorama that is uniquely Aotearoa. 2 p.m. - Afternoon lunch crawl in Oneroa. Oneroa is the main village on Waiheke, a bustling metropolis with some 1500 year-round residents. When they get hungry, they have an outsized array of options at their disposal. Writer and former restaurant critic Hillary Eaton recommends The Oyster Inn. “It’s incredible seafood done by Josh Emmett, one of New Zealand’s best chefs,” she says. “And it’s in a casual oceanfront setting so you can knock back some oysters or a fancy Kiwi fish and chips.” Aperitivo Balcony Bar and Kitchen is another standout. “It’s my favorite bar on the island,” says whisky and cocktail expert Pat Fraser. 4 p.m. - One last tasting before a quick round of golf Waiheke Golf Club is open to non-members and has been voted the best 9-hole course in the North Island. Even if you’re just a casual player, it’s worth taking a swing. And before you do, make a quick pitstop at the neighboring Tantalus Estate—a winery which holds a special subterranean secret.:“Tantalus do a phenomenal chardonnay,” according to Fraser. “But right underneath the cellar door is Alibi Brewing. Whatever their seasonal hazy beer at the time is, get it. You won’t get a fresher beer, anywhere.” 7 p.m. - Set sail back to Auckland for an evening of cocktails and karaoke. McGill has your evening plans all tied down to a tee: “Start with a casual Guinness and chips at Broken Lantern. Then head down into the CBD and go to Kemuri Hi-Fi for some great listening music and excellent Japanese-inspired cocktails; it has the most outstanding sound system, custom built for that room. Then top it all off with an obligatory karaoke session at Rocketman.” Enjoy award-winning gin and vodka with a world-class view at Waiheke Distilling Company. Waiheke Distilling Co. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades