Just because “the driver” had been a student at Pakuranga College about fifty five years ago, didn’t mean that the land layout, which led to Half Moon Bay, where the Waiheke ferry sailed from, had remained the same.. After quite a few “it’s just over this hill” followed by “oh no. It has all changed. That road wasn’t there” we screamed into the marina about 7 minutes before the ferry sailed. The navigator wasn’t any better trying to use the GPS) Not a wonderful start to, what turned out to be a very enjoyable three days on Waiheke Island. (“The Driver” is a great travel companion. Very keen on checking out all nooks, crannies and possible roads available – or not available.)
Our accommodation at Tutiri in Oneroa was comfortable and warm with easy access to the little village of Oneroa. Small shops, selling very upmarket merino winter accessories in multi hued colours of purples, emerald greens and fuchsia, china and knick knacks – all opened onto the pathway to welcome you in. Visitors, enjoying the hospitality of Waiheke cafes, were snacking on the multitude of breads, sweet treats and coffees offered. Well gone are the days of a teaspoon of Nescafe and a leamington!!
One particular place which fascinated me was a gourmet grocery store, The Island Grocer. One of my purchases was a chocolate sauce flavoured with strawberry containing 1 % Champagne. I have since shared this with friends over vanilla ice cream and it is even better than imagined. These days we have such a wonderful selection of foods available. AND they always seem even more tasty when on holiday.
Once our eyes and appetites were satisfied on Friday morning, we took off to explore the island, stopping at Tantalous Estate for a Wagyu slider to stop the hunger pains (Yeah Right) and a little drop of sparkling prosecco and a light ale to celebrate this enjoyable journey.
The vines all lined up in perfect rows.
We then continued our magical mystery tour, along windy roads, past beautiful scenery of ocean , bush and grassy hills, chancing upon the Man of War vineyard. No coffee but ice creams soothed our hunger pains.
Saturday, being the last of this wonderful weekend, was used to explore a market at Ostend where we sampled empanadas, a smaller version of the samosas which are more common. They are wrapped in short pastry rather than flakey and baked rather than deep fried. Delicious
More windy roads beckoned. Easy driving but because of tourists and many corners, care needs to be taken. We found little art galleries, museums, beaches to walk on and, of course, cafes to visit.
All too soon it was time to board the returning ferry and come back to reality. This ferry was much smaller than the one to transfer us over, but still an articulated truck and trailer managed to BACK on!! It was amazing to watch the skill of the driver.
Arriving back fairly latish on Saturday evening, we couldn’t help saying what a beautiful country we have and how lucky we are to have the time and means to explore it.
