For Australian travelholics, we are lucky that we have New Zealand within three hours flying to satiate our yearn for adventure. Waiheke Island, just off Auckland is close for us and there is lots to see and do. This three-day break was the perfect opportunity to take to the road and sky, clear the cobwebs and enjoy time filled with wine, food and beautiful beaches.
DAY ONE
The day is warm and bright and we are bobbing on the water on our way to Waiheke Island. A little wobble then lift off. The bouncing stops and we are moving smoothly like a seagull, looking down on Auckland city as the buildings shrink and the people start to look like busy little ants. We have slipped the surly bonds of Earth, as the poem goes. We are in a seaplane and this beats the ferry every day.
We circle over Rangitoto Island and gaze down into the volcanic crater, the luscious pōhutukawa forest and lava fields and head on for Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island. We swoop down towards the sand, land gracefully on the water and glide up to the beach. Surely James Bond did this in some movie- coolly stepped out of the seaplane and walked up the beach, occasionally nodding to the sunbathers. I am in a James Bond moment. I have my sunglasses on and I am the coolest I’m ever going to be.
