Abstract’s guide to wining and dining on Waiheke

Seek out the sunshine-yellow stripes and take stairs up to The Oyster Inn, where the indoor dining room and covered verandah offer diners a mint view over the rooftops of Oneroa to yachts moored in the bay. Celebrated chef Josh Emett is behind this island institution, bringing his signature comfort-meets-elegance approach to cuisine. Start with Te Matuku oysters – farmed on the island, plump and briny – and do not skip ordering a side of mac and cheese.

The Oyster Inn, 124 Ocean View Rd, Oneroa

A pioneer on the island’s cuisine scene, eternally popular vineyard restaurant Mudbrick channels the romance of Provence with its lavender-scented potager gardens, olive trees, rustic mudbrick architecture and cosy cellar door. It now has a Michelin star to its name too. Perched on a hilltop, Mudbrick’s view back across Hauraki Gulf to Auckland’s city skyline is unbeatable. One for all the lovers, and lovers of life.

Mudbrick, 126 Church Bay Rd, Oneroa

The setting is pure charm: an architecturally designed cafe on a pontoon floating above the sparkling water of Pūtiki Bay, overlooked by the twisting branches of pōhutukawa trees which, come summer, burst into riotous red blossom. Floating Cafe Koko is run by a Japanese couple whose morning baking ritual, using rice flour in place of wheat, sets up the day’s offering. Everything served here is gluten-free: bagels with inventive toppings; sando stuffed with katsu chicken or confit fish; towering pillowy caramel chiffon cake; dainty madeleines and more. Nab a table on the deck and you might just spot the resident seal, James, climbing up the ladder with his flippers to say hello! Dolphins, penguins and schools of snapper also call the marina home.

Floating Cafe Koko, 143 Donald Bruce Rd, Surfdale

A brewery, cellar door and restaurant with a newly minted Michelin star make up Tantalus Estate, an island idyll at the heart of Onetangi’s famous winegrowing pocket. Downstairs at Alibi Brewery, the cave-like, cosy interior opens onto a terrace overlooking a wildflower garden – pull up and order a tasting paddle and small plates. Upstairs at the restaurant the atmosphere shifts to easy-breezy elegance, and the tasting menu with wine matches from the vineyard provides memories you’ll long cherish.

Tantalus Estate, 70-72 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi

There’s something for everyone at The Heke: it’s a multi-faceted destination within a destination. On sunny lawns dotted with olive and citrus trees are a brewery and whisky distillery with tasting room, breezy indoor-outdoor restaurant – plus a kids’ play area cleverly placed at the right distance to keep the sprogs in sight but out of earshot. Waiheke Whisky made on-site has won awards internationally and features all-New Zealand ingredients, including peat from Southland which gives unique flavour profiles.

The Heke, 64 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi

A floor-to-ceiling glazed frontage of Ki Māha frames a view of white sand, turquoise water and sky; coupled with a stunning dining room, a thoroughly ‘pinch me’ dining experience is born. On the plate, premium produce – including sustainably sourced seafood – are used in creative ways with many nods to Kiwi classics. Clear the camera roll, you’ll need the space.

Ki Māha, 1 Fourth Ave, Onetangi

Ask Waiheke locals where they love to dine and Three Seven Two comes up time and time again. Parked up on Onetangi Beach with its squeaky sand and crystal water, the restaurant is tucked behind a breezeblock wall and a handsome pair of pōhutukawa trees. Its sunny front terrace yields beach views, while the back courtyard has an inviting Palm Springs desert garden vibe. Chef Bronwen Laight has a particular knack for making seemingly humble vegetables the star of the show, but you must also never leave without ordering the frybread with creamed paua and pork belly – a pure picture of Aotearoa on a plate.

Three Seven Two, 21 The Strand, Onetangi

Nestled between vineyard and olive grove, a timeless pavilion-like space houses the main dining room while Gaudí-esque mosaics draw visitors out to al fresco dining spots at this Spanish-accented haven of good food and wine. At Casita Miro, an aperitif of Madame Rouge and a dish of honey-roasted kalamata olives is the best way to commence, before moving into a la carte picks or opting for the Fiesta menu, a 3-course affair that changes with the seasons.

Casita Miro, 3 Brown Rd, Onetangi

Cross to the eastern side of the island to reach a slice of Italy in the tranquil inlet of Awaawaroa Bay. If time is on your side, opting for the Italian Long Lunch (offered Thursday to Monday, booking is essential) at Poderi Crisci is one of the best decisions you can make; the afternoon will glide by in a dreamlike sequence of far too much food, wine and la dolce vita. A second space, La Locanda, offers wine tastings, flights, platters and light lunches.

Poderi Crisci, 205 Awaawaroa Rd, Awaawaroa Bay

Follow the aroma of roasting beans down a gravel driveway in Ostend’s small cluster of retail to find the best cup of Joe on the island. There’s a constant but quick-moving line out the door at Island Coffee, tempting sweet and savoury goodies by local Little Tart Bakery filling the cabinet, and a few tables to plonk yourself down at.

Island Coffee, 21b Belgium St, Ostend

Corner store and deli The Island Grocer sits at the top end of Oneroa village and is bursting with fresh produce, organics, free-from goods and artisan foods, including plenty made by local island businesses. Look for Waiheke Herb Spread, Jenny’s Kitchen Tamarind Chutney, Allpress olive oil and more. Breads and pastries are fresh from island bakery Miga’s oven, and a cabinet is chocka with ready-to-eat goodness – save room for the Basque cheesecake.

The Island Grocer, 110 Ocean View Rd, Oneroa

The name Allpress has become globally famous for espresso, and in more recent years, founder Michael Allpress has entered his Waiheke era, expanding into olive oil production, boutique accommodation and this stellar bistro and tasting room offering. Set in the middle of one of the island’s oldest olive groves, Bistro Allpress is open for lunch and dinner with a menu and setting that epitomises the laidback hospitality New Zealand is famous for. Call into the adjoining tasting room to do a guided tasting through the oils and buy supplies.

Bistro Allpress, 1 Gordons Rd

Before the yachts and mansions, Waiheke was a bohemian enclave, and that spirit lives on today – you just need to know where to look. Detour off the tourist trail to Ōmiha / Rocky Bay for a glimpse at the island of yesteryear. For refreshments, call into The Rocky Bay Cafe at Ōmiha Memorial Hall, where coffee and tea, cheese scones, hot soup, toasties and sweet slices are served up Saturdays and Sundays from 9am till 1pm.

Omiha Memorial Hall, 2 Glen Brook Rd, Rocky Bay

A true hidden gem in a world where the term is overused, the cellar door at Goldie Estate expands its offering in the warmer months to become the island’s hippest little wine bar. Kick back with pours and small plates on the island’s oldest vineyard. Insider tip: wander up the hill, glass in hand, to where the big pōhutukawa tree stands; the views are magic.

Wine Bar 78 at Goldie Estate, 18 Causeway Rd, Surfdale

It’s a fair old drive from Matiatia to Man O’ War Bay at the northeastern end of the island, but the journey is scenic and the destination is worthwhile. You’ll end up at the tasting room and eatery of one of the island’s most prestigious wineries, Man O’ War, resting betwixt a shelly beach with gently lapping water and a crop of native bush. In summer you can also book a ferry direct to Man O’ War on Explore (travel time around 90 minutes). Pick away at starters, flatbreads, pizzas and mains, and if you’re wanting more insight into the wine, book a guided tasting in advance. The winery’s syrah and Bordeaux blends are particularly sought-after, but the iconic match for the setting on a summer’s day has to be the Pinque Rosé.

Man O’ War, 725 Man O War Bay Rd

Sink into a Cape Cod chair on the emerald lawn, drink in the incredible view along with a delightfully refreshing tonic spruiked with a range of gins crafted on-site at Waiheke Distilling Co.

Waiheke Distilling Co., 258 Cowes Bay Rd

Every Saturday from 8am till 1pm, rain or shine, the long-standing Waiheke Ostend Market brings together the community, and along with crafts, crystals, clothing and books there is plenty of good food to fuel your mooching. Superbly stuffed pita with fluffy falafel and a rainbow of salads, lacy crepes, artisan sausage rolls, decadent alfajors (the island is home to a sizable Argentinian community) and an oyster cart shucking to order are among the tasty finds. Plus you can pick up local honey, organic greens, German baking and other supplies to take away.

Waiheke Ostend Market, 76 Ostend Rd, Ostend