Day 3: Wine & Sun on Waiheke

New Zealand has many wine regions. All little unique micro-climates unto themselves. There are a few around Auckland, and Waiheke Island is the probably most popular, due to its proximity to the city (a quick 40-minute ferry ride) and the getting away from it all feeling of sunny beaches and forest hikes.

I got a late start, after a delicious shakshuka breakfast at Dear Jervois. I probably played the day too fast and loose, so by the time I decided for sure to do some wine tasting and sun-bathing, the wine tasting tours AND the hop-on-hop-off wine & beach bus were both sold out (it was a Saturday). So, thankfully, 2 of the winery recommendations I got from Bryan, my foodie Hobbiton guide, we’re both within walking distance of the main town on Waiheke. I earned my wine with the uphill hike, but it was worth it.

Daily Observations:

~ It must be exhausting to have a social media account in Asia based on the 40-minute selfie session of two girls on the ferry.
~ The new fashion trends are very disorienting. I can’t get over seeing 90’s t-shirts (saw a 1992 Chicago Bulls championship one) on kids carrying cell phones.
~ NZ beaches have the best combo of shade/ soft grass to relax on/ ample space on the sand/ clean and convenient showers & changing areas
~ Cable Bay Vineyards’ wine wasn’t good enough to make up for the dark cellar tasting room and grudgingly friendly service
- Mudbrick Vineyards had the best mix of ambience, bubbly service, and incredible views

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