Waiheke - the Island of Wine

Greetings from the land of islands!

Living here in New Zealand for more than 6 months, we've enjoyed many wonderful vistas created by the islands sprinkled off the coast.  The territory of NZ includes more than 600 out islands scattered across the Pacific and Tasman Sea a few of which are inhabited.  Waiheke Island is a 40 minute ferry ride away from Auckland and hosts more than a million visitors every year.  The big draw to this island are its 22 boutique vineyards/wine cellars and beautiful white sandy beaches.  A beautiful red Shiraz makes up 25% of the volume produced on the island, but there are another 8 red varietals and 5 white varietals also produced.  Mudbrick Vineyard was our favorite. With its award winning wines, fabulous restaurant, beautifully kept gardens and spectacular sea views, it is easy to understand why this vineyard does a brisk business in hosting weddings and other celebrations.  

Mudbrick Vineyard Terrace view

One of the many fields covered in grape vines

Beautiful sandy beaches make this a favorite summer getaway

During this latest lockdown, all stores, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions were once again closed.  So we keep our hiking legs in shape by exploring the various suburbs that surround Auckland.  Less than a mile out of the CBD, we find quaint communities filled with gingerbread houses and locally owned cafes and shops.  Ponsonby is one of my favorite burbs filled with old buildings that are still bustling with businesses and a sense of community that is palpable as you walk the streets.

Neighborhoods of tidy old homes are abundant here

Such a pretty place to call home!

Ponsonby's original courthouse now serves as a bistro and pub

There are several dormant volcanoes sprinkled around the area which have been turned into lovely hiking paths/parks for all to enjoy. We make a day of it hiking through town to get to the volcano and then hiking the summit itself.  

Mt Eden was last active 15,000 years ago

Looking north to Auckland

Mt. Hobson's volcanic cone was repurposed to serve as a Maori Pa (fortified settlement) for centuries

This Anglican Parish of St. Mark in Remuera hosted fundraisers for WWI 

Spring blossoms

In just a month the trees will be bursting into their spring shades of green.  Early flowers already fill the parks with their lovely happiness.

Albert Park poppies

A flower sun dial!

A gorgeous evening view from our apartment on the 29th floor.

We look forward to spring's warmer days so that we can shed a few layers of clothes and soak up some much needed sunshine.  

Stay Curious!

Cheryl & Dan



Comments

  1. Mary BSeptember 8, 2020 at 8:21 PM

    Big Wyoming hugs! Love to read about your escapades.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C and D UntetheredSeptember 12, 2020 at 9:00 PM

      Hi Mary, It is always nice to hear from you. Hope you are staying healthy and safe!

      Delete
  2. CharlesSeptember 11, 2020 at 5:17 AM

    That looks like a wonderful place to be stranded in...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C and D UntetheredSeptember 12, 2020 at 8:59 PM

      Yes, indeed, we have been lucky! New Zealand is a lovely country filled with people who are really very nice.

      Delete
  3. Lauren L StantonSeptember 23, 2020 at 10:58 AM

    I love the houses you posted! It looks like a beautiful and friendly place to hang for six months! Miss you!

    ReplyDelete

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