I’ve got my work schedule for the next few weeks, and the great news is that I have a couple of days off during Chris’ university’s mid-semester break. Soooooo… I decided to plan a mini-vacation! It’s time we did a bit more exploring in our new country, don’t you think? I do!
So, where are we going? Waiheke Island!
A few weeks back, one of the coupon websites I subscribe to had a deal where you could get a round-trip ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke for $10. Not bad, huh? So we snagged two and decided to make a visit once our schedules were a bit clearer. We’ll take the ferry to Waiheke and stay 1 or 2 nights, get a rental car, and drive around to several vineyards. Waiheke is famous for their vineyards and produce, and I’m looking forward to going to a couple of different tastings as well as seeing the island.
I’ve been researching accommodations and narrowed it down to three that strike my fancy, each of which is “self-contained”, or comes with kitchen facilities. One has an all-inclusive package: rental car, rental kayak, 2 nights’ stay, 2 three-course breakfasts, a basket of Waiheke Island produce, and vouchers to one of the vineyard restaurants for a total cost of $560. It also got great reviews on TripAdvisor.com.
Another place has amazing views and great accommodations, but might be a bit more expensive: $390 for 2 nights, plus an additional $100 for a rental car {every rental company on the island charges $50/day} with no meals included.
And then there’s this one with free wine-tastings and another fabulous view…
Decisions, decisions!
Right now, I’m really leaning towards the last option. It’s $345 for Thursday and Friday night, plus an additional $100 for a rental car and includes breakfast, wine, and appetizers, as well. All of these accommodations require a minimum 2-night stay, which is fairly typical across the entire island.
I’m excited to explore our new country a little bit more :-) I can’t wait!
Comments 12
This looks like the perfect mini vacation! On an island…visiting wineries…ahhhh! Hope you two enjoy yourselves
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 at 11:50 pm ¶Looks fabulous! What could be better than island scenery and vineyards?!
Enjoy it!
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 12:14 am ¶Pretty sure I’d be good staying at any of those! Hope you have a great time on your mini-break.
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 1:47 am ¶Sounds amazing!!!!
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 3:46 am ¶You poor dear! ;)
Have a great time!!!
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 4:52 am ¶Wow! That sounds like the perfect mid-semester get away! I’m hoping to steal away and spend a night or two either directly in napa or at the coast sometime in the next semester too… little getaways are necessary to maintain one’s sanity!
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 6:10 am ¶Um, how much do you charge for freelance travel planning? Maybe we could do a professional trade? :)
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 9:04 am ¶Sounds like a great mini vacation and those pictures are so gorgeous! Can’t wait to hear about all the fun you have!
Oh and I just saw your comment on my blog today and laughed. SO typical of me – oh there’s no armoires on this site, but while I’m here, how about more jewelry? But I forced myself to only browse this time haha.
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 at 12:50 pm ¶Oh man, heck yes!
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Posted 25 Jul 2010 at 2:44 am ¶it looks AMAZING
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Posted 26 Jul 2010 at 11:47 am ¶Mmm, that looks so divine! We spent a wonderful week up in Auckland back in June (we’re from Wellington). We didn’t make it Waiheke Island, but it’s definitely a place I’d love to visit… one day – though we have 3 children to consider in our planning ;)
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Posted 26 Jul 2010 at 11:59 am ¶Anyone of those choices looks amazing! I’m glad you’re getting out and exploring everything around you. I’m sure it makes moving that much easier..
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Posted 27 Jul 2010 at 2:28 pm ¶Post a Comment