Travel By Sealink To The All Year Round Destination Of Waiheke Island

Mention world class food and exquisite wines in one sentence and you will inevitably come up with ‘Waiheke Island’. For those who have not yet partaken of the Waiheke experience, this is a great time of the year to explore some of the fine dining and picturesque vineyards to be found there. Known as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of Auckland city, Waiheke Island is only an hour away travelling by the SeaLink car ferries. Most sailings depart from Half Moon Bay and there is also a service leaving from the Wynyard Quarter on Friday nights and weekends.
Although the natural summertime pursuits may have to be shelved until next summer, there is still so much to do on Waiheke Island, including their beautiful walks, which are just as nice during the cooler months, and of course sampling some of their fabulous restaurants and wineries. Also, remember, Waiheke Island is officially three degrees warmer than the mainland (according to the Waiheke Islanders anyway!)

One of the oldest and most iconic destinations is Stonyridge vineyard and restaurant. Nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees and colourful vines, Stonyridge restaurant exudes the aromas of the south of France, specialising in Waiheke and organic wines by the glass or bottle and boast their own olives and olive oil and gastro dining.

The bucolic and totally Italian experience of Poderi Crisci brings traditional Italian food to Waiheke Island. Poderi Crisci serves Italian classics in a spectacular setting, accompanied by their estate wines, providing a warm and friendly service. You can also enjoy vineyard dining and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in The Goldie Room, set amongst 30 acres of rolling vineyards and native bush overlooking Putiki Bay. The Goldie Room is perfect for weddings, conferences and private functions and delicious vineyard lunches with one of their famous platters accompanied by a bottle of their stunning estate wine.

Fenice, another Italian offering, is located in the heart of Oneroa Village and is a place to enjoy company, meet, talk, laugh and enjoy life. Enjoy a slice of Italy in the heart of Oneroa by the sea. Fenice’s ‘sister ship’ is Mudbrick restaurant and winery which has been described as one of the most romantic places on earth, ensconced amongst beds of lavender and their beautiful vineyard, also by the sea. Reservations are recommended in all these restaurants, especially on weekends as they are all so well-known and so popular. For more information please visit the website at http://www.sealink.co.nz .