Banish urban blues on Waiheke Island

By STEVE HART

Just 35 minutes from Auckland is Waiheke Island - a tranquil place that has something for everyone. Interesting walks, good beaches, food and wine.

Long-time residents of the island are Anna and Geoff Brown, who run Wine Country Tours and have put together a series of day or weekend tours guaranteed to banish those urban blues.

The Browns can meet you from the 10 am Auckland ferry and take you on a meandering drive past the beaches of Oneroa, Sandy Bay and Onetangi to the vantage point of Trig Hill, where you stop for a morning tea picnic.

The views are spectacular across to Little Barrier Island, Great Barrier Island and - on a clear day - Coromandel Peninsula. A little further on is the Onetangi Forest and Bird Reserve, where a 10-minute easy walk through native bush takes you to a grove of native kauri up to 300 years old. Next is a drive through the rolling farmland to Orapiu to view the gulf islands of Ponui, Pakatoa and Rotoroa, ending with lunch at Stonyridge Vineyard Veranda Cafe overlooking the vineyard.

After lunch, it's back on the road with a visit to the Whakanewha Regional Park and a walk to the site of a Maori Pa. Protected birds such as the New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher nest on the beach - a beautiful halfmoon sweep of sand.

Waiheke is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and has 40km of beaches, regional bush reserves and 25 vineyards, so there is plenty to see and do before catching the 3 pm ferry back to Auckland.

If you want to linger longer, the Browns can arrange accommodation at island B&Bs, a vineyard retreat, vineyard cottages or an island lodge. They can also guide you round an arts and craft trail where more than 70 artists exhibit at galleries and studios.

There is also a visit to the Rangihou Olive Company to taste Waiheke-made Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or a stop at a vineyard to taste and perhaps buy some red wines. Hot dry summers combine with free draining soils and the skills of experienced vintners to produce compelling vintages.

The Browns' tours are flexible and customised to individual needs. Extended tours and picnic lunches are available and tours cost from $230 for two people.

For more information on Waiheke Island tours and accommodation, contact Anna or Geoff Brown at Wine Country tours, ph (09) 372 7753, fax (09) 372 7794, e-mail abrown@wine tours.co.nz

Waiheke Island Visitor Information