The phrase “on island time” may seem incongruous as wet weather approaches, but Waiheke Island offers the perfect – alas, temporary – escape from winter woes. 

words Hayley Barnett

It’s widely known that Waiheke Island is the place to be during the summer months, but many are unaware of the island’s lure during the cooler season. 

Over winter Waiheke transforms into a different kind of wonderland, with vineyards displaying stunning autumn colours and fewer crowds, providing visitors with more intimate experiences.

With a bit of help, it’s easy to get around the world-class wineries, and if you can find a good place to hunker down when the weather gets bleak, then you’ve found yourself the ideal winter island getaway.

Omana Luxury Villa

Located at Woodside Bay, Omana Luxury Villa boasts breathtaking panoramic views, a private beach, and offers all the modern amenities required for a luxury hideaway. 

Upon entering the spacious apartment, it was immediately apparent that relaxing and unwinding are of the utmost importance here. Within 10 minutes of our arrival I was making use of the oversized bathtub while enjoying the view and precariously balancing a glass of Thomas Estate blanc de gris on the side.

The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the stunning natural beauty surrounding the apartments. Each villa has been given a name – Serenity, Haven, Surrender, and Joy – to reflect the type of experience the owners hope their guests will have during their stay. 

The super king bed is perfect for snuggling up and watching movies, which is just what we did for an entire afternoon and night one rainy day – although watching a storm roll by through the huge windows is entertainment enough. 

The dining table and kitchenette containing all the necessary appliances allowed us to stay cooped up in luxury, without the need to leave.

When the sun finally came out the following day, we ate breakfast on the private terrace overlooking the incredible views of the rolling hills and water. Each morning breakfast is delivered to your door and includes an omelette, croissants, granola, and fresh fruit with orange juice. Each apartment is equipped with a coffee machine that takes the finest Waiheke beans, so there’s no need to even venture out for a coffee. 

Tour Waiheke

Graeme from Kiwi Connect Tours picked us up right on our doorstep the day after our arrival at Omana. His large-yet-economical and environmentally friendly electric vans make for a comfortable, relaxing journey around the winding hills of Waiheke. And his well-informed chat kept us entertained as he ferried us from vineyard to vineyard. Graeme has been living on Waiheke since 2019, just before the first COVID-19 lockdown decimated his tuktuk business in Auckland. The move to green vehicles was a genius move on Graeme’s part, as much of the island’s population has long been an environmentally conscious community. Since starting the business, Graeme has adapted to island life well, knowing the best places to go and the history behind each winery.

Casita Miro 

Our first stop is one of the trendiest vineyards – Casito Miro – to indulge in a wine tasting. At 10am it did seem a little early to start on the vino, but I wasn’t complaining. The Spanish-style building immediately transports you to Barcelona with its Gaudi-esque mosaic design. With the vines stretched out below you as you sample each of Casito Miro’s best wines, you’d be forgiven for believing yourself to be somewhere far beyond in the Mediterranean. Though they do make amazing wines here, it’s the tapas that attracts the foodies. The goat’s cheese croqueta and patatas bravas are menu must-tries.

Batch 

Next it was on to Batch, where the young, hip vibe was immediately apparent. Three hens’ dos and posters advertising its summer festivals were the first two giveaways. As we were guided through to the cellar door, a young Frenchman gave us a rundown on what makes Batch so unique. His passion and knowledge for wine was impressive and infectious.

By the time we swayed unsteadily out towards the restaurant for lunch, we felt we were already well-educated wine connoisseurs and looked forward to critiquing our wine matches with lunch. 

Cable Bay

Perched atop a hill overlooking Auckland City is the highly reputable Cable Bay.
I have vague, fond memories of spending my 30th here for lunch just over 10 years ago. Not much has changed other than the layout of the restaurant and the menu but, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Here, we’re treated to a vineyard tour and tasting. The first vineyard was built here in 1998, and today the business has expanded to include the winery, olive groves, organic gardens, two restaurants, event spaces, a cellar door and an expansive outdoor lawn area.

Tantalus Estate Vineyard

Returning home to our villa in the early afternoon after Cable Bay, sheets of rain swept into our island cove and we spent the rest of the day hunkered down watching movies.

Thankfully, it was the rain that saved us from a brutal hangover the next day. We had enough energy reserves to head out to Tantalus Estate before catching our ferry back to the city.

The estate prides itself on using local New Zealand ingredients where executive chef Gideon Landman experiments with bold flavours and textures. We were treated to the Tantalus “Trust The Chef” lunch, which consists of six courses and what seems to be never-ending welcome snacks (not that we were complaining). 

The taste and presentation of each dish was exquisite and we were soon on the edges of our seats waiting for each course to arrive. 

We waddled out of there fully satisfied and somewhat surprised that we had just experienced one of the best meals of our lives.

Making it back in time for the ferry, we sadly farewelled our temporary island home, right before the rain clouds set back in.