We are staying in Auckland for two days and we thought we would like to take the ferry over to Waiheke Island and take the wine tours. Does anyone have suggestions about where to stay on the mainland that is close to the ferry or where to stay on the island. Cost is an issue. Thanks Lynne

Hi Lynne
How much in $ NZ are you prepared to pay per night/ per person ? I can advise - but it all boils down to the mighty $.

Why not just do a day trip to save money.
We spent a day there last October and visited a lot of wineries. Unfortunately it was at the weekend so we had trouble finding a place for lunch.Go through the week!
There are some very cheap Auckland hotels -The Copthorne with harbour views is old and a bit shabby, but is very clean and cheap. Look on the copthornes own website(.nz)

lynnejean,

When in Auckland I stay at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. It has modern clean cabins with bathroom and kitchenette AND magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf for $95NZ per night. From there you could bus to Auckland city or to Devonport and catch the ferry to Waiheke. I've paid a lot more in boring locations like the downtown area and been disappointed. Good luck.

We would like to pay about 140 nz/per couple or cheaper with a two bedroom. We want to take a ferry to Waipaia Island and spend the day wine tasting. Then return back to Auckland or stay on the island. Lynne

I did a day-trip to Waiheke in December. Wherever you stay in Auckland isn't so far from the ferry terminal. The ferry ran often. I think it was an hour on the water to Waiheke. On the island, I took the local bus which dropped me off at a spot where there were 3 wineries all clustered together. I did tastings and had lunch at one of them too, underneath the olive trees.

Then I got on the bus going back into town and walked down to the ferry. It was a great day trip.

Waiheke also has a lovely beach, where I picked up some pretty shells.

The boat trip to Waiheke takes 35 minutes. there are a few motel style places and some B & B's, they tend to be on the more expensive side but for a couple of days will be worth it as it is a beautiful island with many beaches and walks. The main village is Oneroa, this is where the shops are and a few nice cafes and restaurants. Some of the vineyards also have restaurants. The bus picks up from the ferry and transports you to various beaches and goes through Oneroa. It is likely that your hosts would meet you at the ferry.
Look up www.waiheke.co.nz for all the info you need.
For staying in town, downtown is closest to the ferry building or Devonport, if there you come across to the city side in 12 minutes and the Waiheke ferry leaves from the pier next to the Devonport ferry.

If we stay in Auckland and want to go to a winery on the Island. how do we get to the winery after disembarking in Waiheke? Is there transport from the ferry dock to any wineries?

I just found a card with the details of the very amusing and informative tour guide who took us around Waiheke Island.He runs Waiheke Shuttles Limited
His name is Max Walker and he can be contacted at: [email protected]
I think the website is gotowaiheke.co.nz/waiheketours
Max is guy with lots of local stories to tell and is amusing without being a pain!