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We've compiled the best of the best in Hauraki Gulf Islands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
On the eastern end of Waiheke Island, this award-winning vineyard in its own little valley with a view to Passage Rock has pricey and highly regarded wines. It's especially known for chardonnays, viogniers, and syrahs. The vineyard has a good bistro, which is very popular with locals. Tastings are only offered in the afternoon.
This vineyard has followers all over the world. The Stonyridge Larose, made from the classic Bordeaux varieties, is excellent, and the vintage often sells out. Reservations for lunch at the Veranda Café, which uses local produce including olive oil and wine, are essential. This place is popular with the helicopter-in crowd and visiting people who work in the film industry.
The friendly Dunleavy family started planting vines in 1989, and today Te Motu Bordeaux blend, made only when conditions are right, is on the wine list at many Michelin-starred restaurants in France. The winery gives tastings, but you must call first to check for times. Don't be fooled by the restaurant's name, the Shed; it caters to a fussy clientele for its grown-on-site garden-to-plate cooking. The wine list, which always features Te Motu wines from the heritage cellar, changes monthly. Reservations are essential for the restaurant.
