Waiheke is brimming with opportunities for adventure, right on Auckland's doorstep.
1. Wild on Waiheke
82 Onetangi Road, Ostend, Auckland 1971, ph (09) 372 4225.
This vineyard venue is more than just a place to eat and drink, it's also a great spot for the active, with archery and laser claybird shooting next to the licensed cafe and brewery. Child-friendly with a playground, trampoline and sandpit plus petanque, giant chess and volleyball.
2. Kayak Waiheke
Based at Matiatia, ph (09) 372 2211.
These guys offer everything from half to full-day trips, right through to over-nighters for as long as six-eight nights. Most popular trips include Onetangi to Thumb Point with some delightfully remote sandy beaches, gannets and caves. Or explore the outer islands, which are great for bird watchers. Goodwin Reserve is also a tremendous trip, with mangroves and a serene lagoon.
3. Waiheke Mountain Biking Club
Mountain Biking is taking off on Waiheke, largely thanks to this organisation, dedicated to increasing and improving the tracks. There's a family trail or exciting tracks for the more experienced. The big event on December 1 is the Round Rangihoua Four Hour Challenge. Bikes ride for free on Fullers Ferry.
Look for the club's suggested cycle trails - the Beach/Wine-Lovers Trail, the Easy Life Loop, the Nature Trail and the Stony Batter Trail for a mix of adventure, gourmet food, beach-hopping and nature-watching, at various fitness levels.
