A full on trip so far, so a chill day was essential.

Had a lazy morning before heading into Auckland for an Easter Monday afternoon catching up with Siobhan (the gorgeous childhood pal of everyone’s fav, Katy Rashbrook) who moved over here in 2022 for pastures new.

I have been stealing Katy’s friends since 2007 and am yet to meet one who isn’t a complete and utter hun. Siobhan, of course, no exception! We had such a glorious afternoon of wandering Viaduct Harbour, exploring a new part of town and drinking all the Pinot Gris (not a kiwi abbreviation for Pinot Grigio…who knew!)

The slight fail of the day was that we neglected to remember we are now mid-30s and can not handle the good old days of day-drinking like we could 10 years ago! 3 bottles of wine, several cocktails, no food all day and hours of al fresco sunshine later….and i’m staring into the porcelain bowl of dreams praying for forgiveness!

Sincerest apologies to people who had to watch us drunkenly eat burgers at 10pm when we finally thought food might be a good shout… picture a reenactment of that David Hasslehoff shame video, but worse!

We nevertheless did a great job of putting the world to rights and discussed next stops, life plans, and how incredibly lucky we are to have a truly one of a kind friend like Katy. Thanks for the glorious company pal, look forward to being reunited for Rash’s big day come November.

Rolled in laaaate and stared into the abyss whilst contemplating life choices and survival tactics when I remembered my pre booked Waiheke Island Vineyard tour the next day. Oh my Christ! Alarm in 6 hours for an entire day of wine tasting and the thought of it, truly harrowing!

With no choice but hair of the dog, I made my way to the Waiheke ferry and sailed the 40 mins over the bay. Thankfully for my hungover head, this place is like heaven on earth! Pristine waters, blue skies, sundrenched vineyards at every turn (vom), and the nicest friendliest people around.

Onny was our vineyard tour guide, and much to my bonus delight, the spitting image of Dave Grohl.

He was a dream to show us around the island. He was born on Waiheke (a true Waihetian) and is raising his family here. Why you’d chose to do that literally anywhere else than here if you could, I have no idea. It’s beyond beautiful, and pics don’t do it justice.

We bonded over the 15yrs he spend in Dulwich and Brixton (of course he did!) And chatted about how he was one of the pioneering Kiwis to set up the infamous Volcano Coffee works on Ferndale Road and part of bringing the small-batch roasted coffee revolution to London in the early 2000s. Kind’ve a big deal in the coffee world and living his best life back here post covid.

The group was a lovely crew, two Aussie traveller girls, two 20 somethings from Lapland, and a married retired farming couple from Melbourne. Really enjoying 1 day tours and being able to meet people, share their company for the day but still have time and space to do my own thing assides. Was right to trust my judgement on that.

We visited 4 wineries. The first was Mudbrick Vinryard for amazing views and a breakfast tasting to get us under way (12 o’clock somewhere, eh!). The next stop was the super cute Postage Stamp Vineyard, initially one of the smallest, but after acquiring Obsidian vineyards a couple of years ago, expanded their empire massively.

Then it was onto Wild Vineyards for a 3-glass tasting and a lovely al fresco lunch. Plumped for Lamb (when in Rome…./Waiheke)

We finished the day at Batch for highest views across the island. Super picturesque. Met 2 girls from Romford on their gap year and bonded over jet lag and how gorgeous it is here.

Onny made time for us to stop at the beach. Blissful kms of sun sea sand and seashells for the shelf at home. So pristine and picturesque. Dipped my toes in the ocean as is tradition (and can never resist) – the perfect end to a really dreamy day.

Cheers to you, Onny. I’ll grab a double espresso in your honour next time i’m Brixton bound.

I took the optional chance to wander Waiheke town after and did a solo sunset stroll back to the ferry via Island Gelato – I am my fathers daughter – for ice cream of dreams and a potter in the cute boutique artisan shops of the island.

A quick ferry back to Auckland as darkness rolled in and time to think back on a lovely first leg in Nz. What a place this is! Early night before making the pilgrimage down to the South Island in the morning.

Next stop – Queenstown! New Zealand’s thrill seeking adventure capital, and I fear I feel some poor life choices coming on! x