Waiheke Island

This morning after a bit of a sleep in, we walked down to the wharf and caught a ferry across to the picturesque Waiheke Island. We hired a car and circumnavigated the entire island stopping for photo opportunities and an odd sheep. The views are incredibly beautiful (photos simply don't do them justice) and the names of each little inlet.....very hard to pronounce. We visited Man O' War Bay where Captain James Cook sought shelter and water in 1769. The whole Man O' War area is now owned by a corporation who farm sheep and cattle and grow grapes. The hills are lined with vines and the cellar door and restaurant overlook the bay. We stopped for a bite to eat at Charlie Farley's which overlooks the gorgeous Onepinga beach. We sat in the sun, with an uninterrupted view out over the water and enjoyed our dips and chips. As you drive around the island you notice all these wooden seats. Each seat has been carefully placed to maximise the view. We stopped at several to take photos and take in the scenery.

For dinner tonight we went to a small and authentic French restaurant in the lane way just round the corner from our hotel. The food was delicious. Stephen enjoyed gnocchi with beef cheek and gorgonzola and my pork with pear, apple and walnuts was to die for. For dessert we both chose creme brûlée. Wow! It was one of the best we have ever eaten.