I get plenty of requests for advice on traveling to NZ. While I plan to post a mini-guide sometime soon here’s  a terrific article for today’s NYTimes on Waiheke Island. (Password required… sigh!)

Waiheke is a short ferry trip from downtown Auckland. If you stay at the Hilton on the wharf it’s a short stroll to the ferry. Aside from the bonus of seeing Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf the Island is home to some of New Zealand’s best vineyards. I can’t recommend Te Whau – covered in the article – enough. Fantastic food and a great collection of NZ wines. Te Whau Vineyard shouldn’t be confused with Te Whau Lodge up the road (which is a great place to stay). Rent a car where the Ferry lands.

Get going! Air NZ flies direct.