Whether you are planning to visit Waiheke Island or you are already here, there are plenty of interesting facts about the island that you should know. Some of the interesting facts include the island's wineries, the Ashwin country, and the Rocky Bay region. In addition, the island offers a wide variety of attractions, including beaches, restaurants, and a hop-on, hop-off bus.

Rocky Bay

Located near the mainland of New Zealand, Waiheke Island is a small island. It is a popular holiday destination for tourists. It has a population of around 9,660 people. This makes it the third most populated island in the gulf.

The island is known for its wine production. It has around 30 wineries. Some of the vineyards produce award winning wines. The soils of the island also produce olive oil. There are also many sports teams on the island. These include the Waiheke Rugby Club and the Waiheke Indoor Football Team. There is also a community radio station, Waiheke Gulf News.

Waiheke has a unique micro-climate. It is warmer than the rest of Auckland, with more sunshine hours. It has less humidity and is characterized by an excellent soil structure. This helps the forests to thrive.

Awaroa and Ashwin Country

Among the many beaches on Waiheke Island is Cactus Bay. The Bay has a sheltered beach, a diving platform, and free BBQ facilities. It is a popular destination for families. However, the Bay is accessible only by boat.

There are two shipping lines that run between Auckland and Waiheke. One is owned by a farmer, and the other is operated by a shipping company. The ferry takes about forty minutes.

The island is known for its subtropical climate. According to NIWA, it receives over 100 hours more sunshine than the rest of Auckland. Most of the residents use rainwater harvested from their roofs to provide their homes with water.

There are several vineyards on Waiheke. Obsidian Vineyard was established in 1993. It specializes in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It won a gold medal at the Romeo Bragato National Wine Competition.

Wineries

Located near Auckland, Waiheke Island is an idyllic day-trip destination. The small island is surrounded by pristine beaches and olive groves. It is also home to a number of vineyards. These vineyards produce world-class wines.

Cable Bay Vineyard is one of the most popular wineries on Waiheke. It opened in 1998, producing award-winning wines. Its most popular varietals include syrah, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. The vineyard's award-winning Sauvignon Blanc won a top 5 award at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Tantalus Estate is a new winery on Waiheke. It has an Italian influence and features a light-filled restaurant. A casual downstairs cellar and outdoor seating provide a comfortable setting for guests.

There are a number of other wineries on the island. Awaroa Vineyard is a small family-run vineyard that produces Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Restaurants

Located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a perfect getaway. The idyllic beaches and scenic landscapes make it an ideal place for water sports, outdoor living, and gourmet food. Restaurants on Waiheke Island offer the opportunity to sample local and artisan foods, wines, and seafood.

One of the best restaurants on Waiheke Island is Mudbrick. Set amongst stunning gardens, this winery offers a dazzling dining experience. The restaurant has a casual bistro, as well as charming private dining rooms. The bistro serves island inspired dishes, including oysters, lobster and fresh shellfish. The menu also features a delicious vegetarian selection.

The bistro also offers great views of the sea. It's the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner.

Hop-on hop-off bus

Taking the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour on Waiheke Island is a fun and affordable way to explore the island. You'll get to see the scenic Hauraki Gulf, white sandy beaches, vineyards and other attractions. And you'll have a friendly, onboard guide to help you along.

The Hop-on, Hop-off tour includes a return ferry ticket from Auckland. You'll get a tour of the island and a 40-minute scenic cruise. You'll also enjoy an onboard host who gives you information on the island's history. And you'll stop at 17 of the most convenient locations on the island.

The Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The first tour departs at 9am from the Matiatia ferry terminal, and the last tour departs at 7pm from the Matiatia ferry terminal.

Whether you're looking for an active weekend away, or a lazy week-end in the sun, Waiheke Island has the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for you. A tour guide can help you get the most out of your day.

While there are plenty of ways to explore Waiheke Island, one of the best options is to rent a vehicle. There are several different vehicles available to hire, including scooters, cars, and motocycles. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry, which is a great way to see the island.

There are also Hop on Hop off bus tours, which give you a guided tour of the island, as well as some insight into the local culture. Many tours offer all-day passes. They can be purchased online or at the ferry terminal. This means that you can hop on and off at various locations throughout the day, and you can purchase a return ferry ticket.

WineVentures offers an excellent small group tour of Waiheke Island. This tour takes guests to eight stops, including vineyards, beaches, and trailheads. It includes a wine tasting, an introduction to the olive-growing industry, and a light lunch. You'll learn a bit about the local Maori culture along the way. You'll even get to taste some local beer.

A hop-on hop-off double decker bus is another great way to experience Waiheke Island. The bus has 16 stops, and it provides informative commentary about the island. It also offers advice on where to stop, and offers directions to the main attractions.