Weinparadies - Waiheke Island II

Having developed a taste for it, we planned another extensive hike on the north side of the island the next day. Well-rested and after a balanced breakfast, we started our tour. First, we went to a small beach section. With blue skies, the sun was already shining very strongly in the morning hours. This spring day already felt like summer. Completely free and without any time pressure, we enjoyed the small moments. Just sitting in the sand, dreaming and letting the surroundings take effect with all our senses.

After Caro had applied the second layer of sunscreen, we continued. Small trails led through the bush, past willows and colonial-style settlements, until we saw the blue ocean again after the next hill. Particularly striking on this island was the colorful bird life, which we enjoyed observing in detail.

It was already lunchtime and there were even two open restaurants in the next larger town. We refueled with energy. Despite the off-season, there was already a lot of activity in this place. Especially in the summer months, thousands of tourists flock here, many of them Kiwis who own a holiday home here. On the hiking route, there was no sign yet of the increasing number of visitors.

We chose a different way back and had the next break at a small winery called Obsidian. At first glance, it seemed inconspicuous here, the property was slightly hidden in a hollow. With the setting sun, we were the only guests and treated ourselves to a private presentation by a young winemaker. All the wines were excellent, but we were particularly impressed by the Pinot Gris, which was unusually clear and at 14% alcohol content, dry, fruity, and super refreshing - an absolute recommendation. Fortunately, we couldn't transport wine on the rest of the hike because it would have been heavy on the wallet. Slightly tipsy, we enjoyed the hilly way back at sunset on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf.