Girls' Weekend in Europe on Waiheke

Passport Optional. Prosecco Recommended.

Perfect for: Friends' getaways, birthdays, wine lovers

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Getting Around: Local buses, taxis or private transfers

Stay: Oneroa, Matiatia or Onetangi

Budget: $$$

Best Time: Year-round

Gather your favourite travel companions and escape to Europe without leaving Waiheke Island. This two-day itinerary takes you on a journey through Italy, Spain, France and the Mediterranean, combining vineyard lunches, tapas dinners, boutique shopping, wine tastings and island hospitality. Enjoy a long lunch at Poderi Crisci, Spanish-inspired dining at Casita Miro, breakfast at Fenice, Mediterranean flavours at Cable Bay Vineyards and French-inspired wines at Mudbrick. Along the way, discover local galleries, world wines and some of Waiheke's most spectacular coastal views.

Day One: Italy, France & A Taste of Europe

9:15am or 10:00am – Ferry to Waiheke

Start your European escape with a scenic ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf.

Island Direct

• Departs Downtown Auckland: 9:15am - check out their ferry timetable HERE

Fullers360

• Departs Downtown Auckland: 10:00am - check out their ferry timetable HERE.

Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during weekends and school holidays during summer months.

10:00am - 10.45 – Arrive at Matiatia & Travel to Oneroa

When you arrive at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, head outside and catch any Auckland Transport bus heading towards Oneroa.

All local buses stop directly outside the ferry terminal and travel through Oneroa to bus stop 1155 at the corner of Ocean View Road and Tui Street. You can check out the Waiheke Bus Timetable HERE.

You can pay by:

• Contactless credit card

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• Samsung Pay

• AT HOP Card

Remember to tap on and tap off using the same card or device.

Allow around 10 minutes to reach Oneroa Village.

10:30am – Explore Oneroa Village

Spend the morning wandering through Waiheke's main village.

Browse boutique shops, local galleries and artisan stores before enjoying a European-inspired wine tasting.

Allow approximately 1.5 hours.

11:00am – World Wine Tasting

Choose between:

Vino Vino
Sample wines from around the world while overlooking Oneroa Bay.

The Waiheke Wine Centre
Discover international wine styles and learn how they compare with Waiheke's world-class wines.

Allow approximately 45 minutes.

12:00pm – Taxi to Poderi Crisci

Poderi Crisci is located on the eastern side of Waiheke amongst rolling vineyards.

Recommended Taxi Services

Easy Transport
022 612 6760

Plugg Taxi E Tours
021 506 284

Allow approximately 25 minutes travel time.

Taxi costs are typically between $50–$80 per vehicle depending on pickup location and group size.

Tip: Book your taxi in advance to avoid delay.

12:30pm – Long Lunch at Poderi Crisci (Italy)

Enjoy one of Waiheke's most authentic Italian dining experiences.

Set amongst olive trees and vines, Poderi Crisci is renowned for long lunches, estate-grown wines and warm Italian hospitality.

Opening Hours
12:30pm – 4:30pm

Last Seating
1:30pm

Booking Essential

Allow approximately 2 hours.

3:00pm – Taxi to Your Accommodation

After lunch at Poderi Crisci, arrange a taxi back to your accommodation.

As public transport does not service Poderi Crisci directly, a taxi is the easiest and most convenient option.

Recommended Taxi Services

Easy Transport – 022 612 6760

Plugg Taxi E Tours – 021 506 284

Allow approximately 25 minutes travel time.

Taxi costs are typically between $50–$80 per vehicle depending on group size and destination.

3:30pm – Check In at Cable Bay Views

For this itinerary, we recommend booking an overnight stay at Cable Bay Views, conveniently located close to Oneroa Village, Cable Bay Vineyards, Mudbrick and Matiatia Ferry Terminal.

One-night stays are available, making it an ideal base for a weekend escape.

Check-in is available from 2.00pm.

Spend the afternoon relaxing in your apartment before you head out for the evening.

5:30pm – A Taste of France at Mudbrick

Take the short 3-minute walk from Cable Bay Views to Mudbrick Vineyard and transport yourself to South-East France.

Wander through the Provençal-inspired lavender gardens while enjoying a glass of rosé, before venturing north to the Rhône Valley through a tasting of Mudbrick's acclaimed Syrahs.

With sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf and one of Waiheke's most iconic vineyard settings, this is the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon.

Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours.

7:00pm – Dinner at Cable Bay Vineyards (Greece)

From Mudbrick, it's just a short walk to Cable Bay Vineyards for dinner.

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, award-winning wines and spectacular evening views across the harbour.

Booking is highly recommended.

Allow approximately 2 hours for dinner before returning to your accommodation.

Day Two: Spain, Art & Island Living

9:00am – Breakfast at Fenice (Italy)

Start your day with Italian-inspired breakfast, great coffee and views across Oneroa Bay.

Located in the heart of Oneroa Village, Fenice offers a relaxed European atmosphere and is the perfect way to ease into your second day on Waiheke.

Allow approximately 1 hour.

10:30am – Choose Your Morning Experience

After breakfast, choose one of two uniquely Waiheke experiences.

Option One – Timmy Smith Tea Blending

Create your own bespoke tea blend and learn about the art of tea making in a relaxed and intimate setting.

Option Two – Waiheke Community Art Gallery

Browse exhibitions from local and national artists and discover Waiheke's vibrant creative scene.

Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours.

12:30pm – Long Lunch at Casita Miro (Spain)

Continue your European journey with a long lunch at Casita Miro.

Enjoy Spanish-inspired tapas, award-winning wines and Mediterranean flavours in one of Waiheke's most colourful vineyard settings.

Booking is highly recommended.

Allow approximately 2 hours.

A taxi service is recommended from Oneroa to Casita Miro.

2:30pm – Walk to Onetangi Beach

After lunch, take the scenic 26-minute walk from Casita Miro to Onetangi Beach.

Stretch your legs, enjoy the coastal views and spend the afternoon exploring Waiheke's longest and most beautiful beach.

Take a swim during the warmer months, enjoy a beach walk or simply relax and soak up the island atmosphere.

Allow approximately 1–2 hours.

4:50pm – Return to Matiatia Ferry Terminal

You have two options for returning to the ferry terminal:

Option One (Recommended)

Arrange a taxi directly to Matiatia Ferry Terminal.

Easy Transport – 022 612 6760

Plugg Taxi E Tours – 021 506 284

Option Two

Catch the Auckland Transport public bus from Onetangi Beach directly back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal.

Contactless credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and AT HOP cards are accepted.

6:15pm or 8:45pm – Island Direct Ferry

or

6:00pm, 7:00pm or 8:00pm – Fullers360 Ferry

Board your ferry back to Auckland after a weekend of European-inspired food, wine and island adventures.

Top Tip

Want even more freedom to explore?

Pick up an e-bike from eRide Waiheke in Matiatia and spend the weekend cycling between Oneroa, Casita Miro and Onetangi Beach.

It's a fun and sustainable way to discover the island at your own pace while enjoying some of Waiheke's most spectacular coastal and vineyard scenery.

Return Ferry Options

Island Direct

• 6:15pm

• 8:45pm

Fullers360

• 6:00pm

• 7:00pm

• 8:00pm

Local Tips

Book Poderi Crisci, Casita Miro, Cable Bay, Mudbrick, Timmy Smith in advance.

Share taxi costs between friends to keep transport affordable.

Bring comfortable walking shoes for Oneroa Village and the Cable Bay to Mudbrick walk.

Winter sunsets are spectacular from Mudbrick, so allow extra time to enjoy the view.

If travelling without a car, this itinerary can comfortably be completed using local buses, taxis and ferry services.