Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its beaches and "eclectic lifestyles" (read: "bunch of artists and homos"). There are galleries and public sculptures scattered all over the place. The island is big enough for three small villages, full bus services and regular ferry service.

The ferry leaves from the Queen Street Wharf and takes about half an hour. It runs through the Hauraki Gulf past the dormant shield volcano, Rangitoto, among a dozen or so other islands.

We jumped on a bus and took it to Palm Beach. We were expecting to have lunch there... but didn't find much. So we caught another bus... but ended up going the wrong way and ended up headed back toward the ferry terminal.

This time we jumped off in Oneroa, searching for some lunch. Every restaurant we tried was closed or closing in a few minutes. Aaaargh. So, we waited for the Island Queen restaurant to open at 4pm. Our server was a nice kid from California who claims to be losing his American accent (ummm, not so much). The food was good and the gin-and-tonics were probably the best we've had so far!

It's a beautiful place to visit! Probably a great place to have a vacation bach or getaway from the city...

Hmmmmmmmm....