Do wines taste better drunk from a glass while meandering among the vines from which the grapes were grown? I think so, but then I am hopelessly sentimental.

The Tea Lady in Birkenhead Point is all retro charm, with china cups, a host of brews, chilled tea infusions and even 'coffee if you must'.

Our four-legged beasts can now share the love in Auckland parks.

Randall Graham, a founding member of Californian wine group, The Rhône Rangers, once claimed it was more difficult to get rid of a case of syrah than the clap.

A helicopter flight is the quickest way to get from crowded city to island vines, finds Danielle Wright.

Not being a geologist, I cannot say exactly what kind of stones they were.

La dolce vita is just a ferry ride away at Poderi Crisci restaurant on Waiheke.

Careful use of colour appears to enlarge the interior of a small Waiheke cottage.

Never mind Europe's easy weekend haunts, we have Waiheke Island, writes Kerri Jackson.

I managed to spend some time on Waiheke Island over the break, soaking up the sun and catching up with friends.

Set virtually on the beach, this home takes its design cue from a lighthouse - even featuring a 'celestial window'.

While you're slumming it this summer, others are living it up.

There are many world-class wineries on our doorstep.

Cycling around Waiheke is a good way to take your time and really experience what the island has to offer, writes Kirsten Warner.

Interests closely associated with Mark Hotchin still control an opulent $9.8m Waiheke Island beachhead.

Waiheke Island's boutique wine industry is growing in experience, variety and profile.

There are many events on offer, Auckland-wide, to have you feeling festive.

Deep water fishing is firing at the moment, with large numbers of kingfish over deep pinnacles and reefs in the Hauraki Gulf.