We have just returned from an amazing family holiday to New Zealand. Having not seen any of Joe's side of the family since the wedding in 2013 it was a great time to visit, especially since Heather and Chris welcomed their babies into the world last October.
Sit and enjoy the stunning sea views or relax in the picturesque picnic area in the Olive Grove. It is the perfect setting to sample our award-winning Organic wines, extra virgin olive oil and Kennedy Point honey."
We specialise in the cuisine of Spain and the wider Mediterranean Rim and take enormous pleasure in sharing our love for fine food, wine and sherry. Casita Miro is all about shared dining and our ‘tapas’ and ‘raciones’ (large plates) are perfect for a fun, relaxed and social dining experience.
Casita Miro has been winner or runner up for the last three years in the ‘Best Rural Restaurant’ category of Metro Magazine’s Top 50 Auckland Restaurants."
Our first vineyard was planted on Waiheke Island in 1998 with Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris. Now we grow more than 10 varietals including Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Our very first Chardonnay produced in 2002 won the gold medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London, in a competition involving more than 40,000 bottles of wine from around the world."
We started our trip with a four day stay in Auckland. Just enough time to catch up with the family and our friends there. I had been so excited to meet the new twins since they were born, so this trip was all about quality time with these guys, as who knows when we will see them all again.
The last time I was in New Zealand, we attended a wedding on Waiheke Island, and I have wanted to return there to do a wine tasting tour. Natasha, Joe's sister joined us, and we spent the day touring Waiheke, thanks to Enjoi Waiheke Wine Tours.
I can highly recommend Enjoi. We had a great day visiting Kennedy Point, Casita Miro, Stonyridge and Cable Bay Vineyards. Just the three of us. With great weather and a great tour guide we had a fantastic day on Waiheke.
KENNEDY POINT
"Kennedy Point Organic Winery is tucked among thePohutukawa Trees overlooking Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Bay.
Sit and enjoy the stunning sea views or relax in the picturesque picnic area in the Olive Grove. It is the perfect setting to sample our award-winning Organic wines, extra virgin olive oil and Kennedy Point honey."
CASITO MIRO
"Casita Miro Restaurant on beautiful Waiheke Island is renowned for its ambiance, fine food and wines
We specialise in the cuisine of Spain and the wider Mediterranean Rim and take enormous pleasure in sharing our love for fine food, wine and sherry. Casita Miro is all about shared dining and our ‘tapas’ and ‘raciones’ (large plates) are perfect for a fun, relaxed and social dining experience.
Casita Miro has been winner or runner up for the last three years in the ‘Best Rural Restaurant’ category of Metro Magazine’s Top 50 Auckland Restaurants."
STONYRIDGE
"Stonyridge Vineyard is a world-renowned Cabernet-blend winegrower, located on the beautiful island of Waiheke, near Auckland, New Zealand.We are dedicated to producing the finest Cabernet blends in the world (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot)using traditional winemaking."
CABLE BAY
"Cable Bay Vineyards is renowned for crafting exquisite, award-winning wines from Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Central Otago. At Cable Bay you can enjoy wine tasting in the Cellar Door, drinks and small plates in the breathtaking outdoor Veranda or fine food in The Dining Room. With stunning views over the inner Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City, Cable Bay Vineyards is a must-see during your visit to Waiheke Island.
Our first vineyard was planted on Waiheke Island in 1998 with Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris. Now we grow more than 10 varietals including Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Our very first Chardonnay produced in 2002 won the gold medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London, in a competition involving more than 40,000 bottles of wine from around the world."
After our first four days in Auckland were over, we drove North to Whangerai where we stayed in a really quaint Bed & Breakfast for one night. It was the prefect location to explore Whangerai Heads.
Just down the road from where we staying was an incredible "pub", The Parua Bay Tavern. The perfect place for a great feed!
When we arrived at the Bay of Islands I was blown away. We had booked a villa which was perched right at the top of a hill overlooking the bay.
As we won't be seeing Joe's friends for his 40th Birthday this year, they threw him some surprise drinks at Ponsonby Workingmans Club to celebrate a few months early, which was really thoughtful of them.
Our last day was spent with the family, getting as many cuddles as we could from the twins and Leyton, and spending quality time with Joe's mum, dad and sisters. I was extremely sad to say goodbye, as we don't have any plans (as yet) to visit New Zealand again. It may very well be a few years before we see the family there, but we sure did make the most of our time this time round. Thank you to everyone who made our trip such a great one! See you all again soon!
