Waiheke Island, New Zealand: The Long Sheltering Island
While the first European travellers called the place, "The Island of Trickling Waters," it will always be known as "The Long Sheltering Island" in Maori. Fair enough, it is home to many from sedimentary rocks of geological interests to beaches of tourism value. What's interesting is that the Waiheke Island, New Zealand has remained conservative with the populace holding the place as nuclear free and genetic engineering free zone. Discover more about this vacation sanctuary by taking a flight to Auckland International Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Except for cold weeks during winter, the climate in Waiheke Island is fairly tolerable for your travel especially around October until May. And, you would not dare miss exciting activities in November such as the Waiheke Olive Festival featuring live music and local cuisines, Waiheke Walking Festival which takes nine days, and the Waiheke Garden Safari perfect for flora lovers. Several other activities are in store for you in January and May such as the traditional Fun Run and Half Marathon, respectively.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Nested on the coastal hills of the Waiheke Island is the ampitheater-like Obsidian Waiheke Island Vineyard feeding on soil out of weathered rocks. The Auckland Botanical Gardens is also a sight to behold with 10,000 plants and once made a shooting location for a Power Rangers episode. Also, there is the New Zealand National Maritime Museum that would tell you more about the nation's ocean-faring history before heading back to your Waiheke Island, NZ hotel accommodation at The Courtyard or book a room at the nearby Waiheke Island Resort.