More Auckland? Time to head South? The big debate

  Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Friday, March 27, 2009

Day Two's feelings about the freedom to go wherever and do whatever spilled over to Day 3. The trouble, unfortunately, is not knowing how to decide what to do. I was torn between checking out of my hotel and staying another night in Auckland somewhere new (umm, hostel...I'm supposed to stay in hostels...) OR checking out and heading on to other parts of the North Island that I want to see. I have a blank slate in New Zealand until I depart from the South Island on 4/11, but there is a lot to see! On my Auckland Must See is another popular spot, Weiheke Island, which is known for vibrant art, fabulous vineyards and pristine beaches. But - I didn't know if I wanted to stay on the island or come back to Auckland. I also knew I needed to start heading towards my next NZ destination, Rotorua, but didn't know if I should rent a car or take a bus. Things cleared up after I had a lovely chat with the hotel concierge and he helped me devise a plan...

After another great brekky at different cafe by the hotel (the cappuccinos are insane here!), I headed towards the harbor for the 11:00 ferry to Weiheke Island. It felt like everything happens for a reason, because I was able to get the last spot for the day's Vineyard Tour with the ferry company. I had decided to see Weiheke Island and then come back to Auckland - ok, ok, and for one more last night at the Hyatt. We landed in Weiheke at about 11:45 with an itinerary of 4 wineries and an olive oil producer via guided tour. The weather was the best yet, with no humidity and mid 70's.

First stop of the tour

View during lunch

.
Weiheke became popular with the hippie crowd in the 60's and is known today as an artist colony and for its beautiful vineyards. The beaches are gorgeous as well and the island is popular with Aucklanders and tourists alike. I checked out the real estate listings and a small beach bungalow is mid US$300,000's and up. I guess the hippies moved out and yuppies moved in.

Weiheke beaches

This was my first winery tour experience, and I can see why my friends are addicted, it totally changes your impression of a particular wine by seeing and sensing the place it is bottled. My favorite was the last winery, Mudbrick Vineyard. It is situated at the top of a hill overlooking all of Weiheke.

My favorite winery

We walked around the vines and saw the grapes in process, even sampled a few bunches as grapes are ready to be harvested in the next couple weeks. I also can tell that people on winery tours probably tend to buy the most bottles of wine from the last stop on a tour - something about being a little loosened up?? Mom- I have 8 bottles of Mudbrick being shipped to your house in 6-8 weeks, don't dip in until I'm back! :)

Yes - I was there!

This evening I'm planning to wrap up the one other area of town I want to see called Ponsonby. It is close to where I'm staying, so I can implement my bus skills one more time. (Even at 33 years old, I am proud that I can navigate the bus, is that weird?) Ponsonby is known for their restaurants and shops, so I'm going to head over there for dinner and then back to the hotel to pack up. Bus to Rotorua departs at 9:30 a.m.!

Till next time,
Stephanie