Waiheke Island is located only 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the world's best-kept secrets. With 133.5 km (83 miles) of coastline, Waiheke Island sits like a green gem in the middle of the setting of the blue Hauraki Gulf. With fabulous geography, golden sand beaches fringed with native trees and the beautiful red-flowered Pohutakawa, Waiheke Island abounds with vineyards, artists, and fine restaurants. Its walkways are both extensive and among the most scenic imaginable. The people are friendly, the weather is warmer and drier than that experienced on the mainland, and as if that wasn't enough, the fishing is superb.
Just a ferry ride away from cosmopolitan Auckland sits quaint Waiheke Island. It's a favorite summer holiday spot for Kiwis, the secluded shores dotted with baches -- the equivalent of a summer cottage. If the beach isn't your thing, no worries, Waiheke is a hot spot for New Zealand's massive wine and olive industries. Growers of both grapes and olives have caught wind of all those traveling foodies and responded by building sleek and modern accommodations amongst the vines, providing high-end creature comforts, menus offering food for the sophisticated palate and spectacular views of the bay and distant Auckland (source: Frommers).
Swimmers enjoying Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
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