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Auckland Summer Escape ~ Waiheke Island Day Trip

In a New Zealand summer, you’ve got to spend a Saturday exploring Waiheke Island, just off Auckland! Only on Saturdays do they hold the local market — and as my friend said, winter here just isn’t as lively. The market is filled with island-made desserts, hot sauces, handicrafts, and live music — super chill vibes. My only regret? Not buying some souvenirs to take home! 😅 Here’s the route my island-local friend planned — hope it helps you too: 🕤 9:30 Depart from Downtown Ferry Terminal Sit outside on the upper deck (there’s shade!) — enjoy the sea breeze and views of Auckland’s skyline and surrounding islands. 🎟️ Buy tickets in advance on Fullers360 website — round trip NZD $62 per person. 🕙 10:10 Arrive at Waiheke Wharf Rental cars and buses (AT Hop card accepted) are available at the terminal. Bus routes are limited but cover most main spots — check timetables ahead! 🕚 11:10 Ostend Market (Saturday Only) So much to see, I barely had time to take photos! 🍰 Skip breakfast and come hungry — tried a homemade dessert from a local vendor, not too sweet and so refreshing (tears of joy after too many Auckland dessert letdowns!). 💧 Bring a water bottle — or skip it if you plan to taste wine 😉 🕧 12:30 Head to Man O' War Vineyards Located on the east side of the island — you can sample their own wines. We lucked out and joined a party vibe, shared some pizza (so good!), and the beach nearby offers jet ski fun — really relaxing. 🕝 14:30 Waiheke Distilling Co Outdoor dining with views overlooking the sea and Rotoroa Island — breathtaking! Their frozen cocktail (friend-recommended) was smooth even for a light drinker like me. Pizza 👍 / Fries 👎 Their gin is also famous. 🚌 Note: Not serviced by bus — best to drive here. 🕟 16:10 Alibi Brewing Company Perfect for craft beer lovers — mountain views and we even saw a wedding that day! 🍻 Try the tasting paddle (small glasses, multiple flavors to choose from). 🏖️ Nearby Onetangi Beach is said to be the most popular — worth a visit if you want seaside time. We took the bus back and stopped at Oneroa Beach — views were just okay, not a must-visit. 🕡 18:30 Bus back to the wharf, 19:00 ferry to Auckland Overall, a full yet totally relaxing day. If the weather’s good — totally worth it! Highlights: Saturday market + Waiheke Distilling Co views + Alibi Brewing beer. There are also online packages that include ferry + bus + wine tasting — pick what suits you! #AucklandLife #WaihekeWine #IslandDayTrip #NZSummer #WeekendVibes #ExploreNZ

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Wren Juliet
Wren Juliet
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Auckland Summer Escape ~ Waiheke Island Day Trip

In a New Zealand summer, you’ve got to spend a Saturday exploring Waiheke Island, just off Auckland! Only on Saturdays do they hold the local market — and as my friend said, winter here just isn’t as lively. The market is filled with island-made desserts, hot sauces, handicrafts, and live music — super chill vibes. My only regret? Not buying some souvenirs to take home! 😅 Here’s the route my island-local friend planned — hope it helps you too: 🕤 9:30 Depart from Downtown Ferry Terminal Sit outside on the upper deck (there’s shade!) — enjoy the sea breeze and views of Auckland’s skyline and surrounding islands. 🎟️ Buy tickets in advance on Fullers360 website — round trip NZD $62 per person. 🕙 10:10 Arrive at Waiheke Wharf Rental cars and buses (AT Hop card accepted) are available at the terminal. Bus routes are limited but cover most main spots — check timetables ahead! 🕚 11:10 Ostend Market (Saturday Only) So much to see, I barely had time to take photos! 🍰 Skip breakfast and come hungry — tried a homemade dessert from a local vendor, not too sweet and so refreshing (tears of joy after too many Auckland dessert letdowns!). 💧 Bring a water bottle — or skip it if you plan to taste wine 😉 🕧 12:30 Head to Man O' War Vineyards Located on the east side of the island — you can sample their own wines. We lucked out and joined a party vibe, shared some pizza (so good!), and the beach nearby offers jet ski fun — really relaxing. 🕝 14:30 Waiheke Distilling Co Outdoor dining with views overlooking the sea and Rotoroa Island — breathtaking! Their frozen cocktail (friend-recommended) was smooth even for a light drinker like me. Pizza 👍 / Fries 👎 Their gin is also famous. 🚌 Note: Not serviced by bus — best to drive here. 🕟 16:10 Alibi Brewing Company Perfect for craft beer lovers — mountain views and we even saw a wedding that day! 🍻 Try the tasting paddle (small glasses, multiple flavors to choose from). 🏖️ Nearby Onetangi Beach is said to be the most popular — worth a visit if you want seaside time. We took the bus back and stopped at Oneroa Beach — views were just okay, not a must-visit. 🕡 18:30 Bus back to the wharf, 19:00 ferry to Auckland Overall, a full yet totally relaxing day. If the weather’s good — totally worth it! Highlights: Saturday market + Waiheke Distilling Co views + Alibi Brewing beer. There are also online packages that include ferry + bus + wine tasting — pick what suits you! #AucklandLife #WaihekeWine #IslandDayTrip #NZSummer #WeekendVibes #ExploreNZ

Auckland
Waiheke Island
Waiheke IslandWaiheke Island