Romance on Waiheke Island
If you're looking for a romantic place to spend time with your loved one, look no further than Waiheke Island. Right on the doorstep of Auckland city, this beautiful Hauraki Gulf Island has it all – from olive groves and boutique vineyards to historic sites and art studios. It's the perfect place to succumb to romance, and then there are those spectacular seaviews and long, sandy beaches.
As far back as the 1880s, the island's eastern end was a favourite weekend getaway for Aucklanders. Crowds of Victorian ladies and gents would travel by steamer to the flourishing boarding houses at Cowes Bay, Awaawaroa and Orapui to take to the waters and promenade in the seaside air. These days, Waiheke remains just as much in vogue with Aucklanders, not to mention a new wave of lifestyle block owners, winemakers and daily commuters who enjoy its scenic beauty and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
One of the best things about Waiheke is that it's quintessentially romantic, and you're never short of new adventures to discover. If sampling the award-winning local wines doesn't appeal, enjoy the vistas on a coastal walkway, find your own picnic spot on a sandy beach, or try some of the following ideas to spice up your Valentine's:
- Get Arty
With that serene native bush and inspirational views, it's not surprising that Waiheke is home to a host of talented artists and sculptors. Their studios are open to the public, or book a tour and have someone else do the driving. You'll find some great crafts on sale at the community gallery, Artworks, or browse for bric-a-brac and bargains at the colourful Ostend market on Saturday mornings. This lively community market is also the place to pick up tasty delicacies, such as Te Matuku oysters, French crepes and Dutch doughnuts.
- Discover Paddle Power
Two sets of arms are better than one – so hire a tandem kayak and go adventuring around Waiheke's stunning coastline. There are plenty of secluded bay and coves where you can enjoy a swim or picnic, and you may even be honoured by a dolphin escort.
- See How the Rich and Famous Live
Walk along the foreshore at Matiatia and take the spectacular coastal walkway to Church Bay, or head off to the left and follow the scenic track around the headland around to Fossil Bay. On the way, you can see how the other half lives as you enjoy the same panoramic vistas as those deluxe multi-million dollar properties. The Waiheke Island Walkways brochure details eight major walks – you can pick it up from the DOC information centre at the Ferry Building in Quay Street, Auckland, or stop by the info desk at the Matiatia terminal.
- Develop Tunnel Vision at Stony Batter
If history and fantastic coastal scenery appeal, head out and explore the underground tunnels at this historic World War II site at the island's eastern end. The soldiers who were once stationed here manned the underground bunkers and gun embattlements designed to protect Auckland's harbour. 
When they weren't busy, they passed the time painting some of the giant boulders that gave this area its name, and the results of their handiwork can still be seen. You’ll need to hire a car to get there, and the small museum at the main tunnel entrance is worth a visit for an overview of the area’s military history. Bring your own torch (entry fee $5).
- Wine & Dine Among the Vines
With more than 25 boutique vineyards vying for attention, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to a gourmet wine and food experience. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the island's award-winning reds, and if you fancy dining among the vines, there is an illustrious list of restaurants with menus – and views – that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Full-day winery tours depart from the ferry at Matiatia, or pick up the Waiheke Island of Wine Map and go exploring on your own.
- Take the Plunge
We're talking skydiving here! You can get perfect bird's-eye views of the island's dramatic scenery with Waiheke Skydive – and set your pulses racing at the same time.
- Go Bush at Te Whau
For a small cost ($7), you can enjoy the flourishing gardens, sculptures and native bush at Te Whau Garden in Rocky Bay's Vintage Lane. Owners Kay and Lance Peterson have been collecting art for many years now, and the gardens contain outdoor sculptures by such renowned artists as Jeff Thompson, Ricks Terstappen and Fatu Fe'u. An hour-long trail leads through native bush and down to the wetlands, where there is a lovely picnic spot. Afterwards, you can head along the end of the peninsula to the cliff-top Te Whau Winery for wine tasting with a 360º view that’s hard to beat, even on Waiheke Island.
- Set up Camp at Whakanewha
Nothing beats a cosy tent for two, especially when it enjoys a prime real estate spot right on the beachfront. Located in beautiful Whakanewha Regional Park, the island’s only campground is just a hop skip and a jump away from a safe swimming beach, with free gas barbecues and some of the island’s loveliest bushwalks right on hand.
Useful links
Getting There
Fullers Ferries run regular daily services year round, departing from the Ferry Building on Quay Street in downtown Auckland, phone 367 9111, www.fullers.co.nz
- Sealink runs daily car and passenger services between Waiheke and Half Moon Bay in Howick, phone 0800 732 546, www.sealink.co.nz
Getting Around
There are plenty of options for getting around Waiheke. You can hire cars, motorbikes, scooters, mountain bikes, motorised cycles, kayaks and 4WDs where the ferry docks at Matiatia. Check out Waiheke Rental Cars – www.waihekerentalcars.co.nz
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