New York has the Hamptons, London has the Cotswolds, and Auckland has Waiheke Island. Just a ferry hop from downtown Auckland, this island getaway is sculpted from patchwork vineyards, sweeping green hills, and white-sand beaches, providing an idyllic antidote to urban life. The third most populated island in New Zealand (after the North and South Island), Waiheke has a reputation for world-class wines, 5-star dining, and sensational views, giving its celebrity visitors plenty of things to do—household names from Bill Gates to Beyoncé have holidayed on the island.
The beaches of Waiheke Island are a magnet for sunseekers in summer (December through February), with average highs between 72°F (22°C) and 79°F (26°C). Summer also brings events, including the Waiheke Olive Festival and the Waiheke Island Wine and Food Festival. Wine lovers and foodies could also time their visit for fall (March through May), the main harvest season for the island’s vineyards and olive groves, and an ideal time for tasting tours.
Regular car and foot-passenger ferries cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, taking less than 40 minutes from downtown Auckland. Once you’re on the island, it’s easy to get around with your own vehicle by renting a bike or scooter or using the public buses, which run between Kennedy Point and Matiatia. Alternatively, the fastest (and most luxurious) option is to take a small plane or helicopter to the island—about a 12-minute flight.
The island’s most impressive hike is the Matiatia Walkway, which takes about 1.5 hours to walk. It follows the coastal cliffs along the Matiatia Channel and then loops back along the forested headland. It’s a scenic route at any time of year, but the most impressive time to visit is for the biennial Sculpture on the Gulf outdoor art exhibition, the largest of its kind in New Zealand.
