Over the hill, or a short drive back around, is Passage Rock – Waiheke’s most awarded winery, at 438 Orapiu Road. Down the driveway into this fabulous setting, past the vines on your right and surrounded by nature – a marine sanctuary ahead of you and protected bush-clad hills behind you.
When owners David and Veronika Evans-Gander arrived back in New Zealand from Switzerland in 1993, they found this plot within a week of landing – going on from their initial ideas of a ‘lifestyle block with some vines’ to the immaculate Estate that now exists. The Restaurant serves classic kiwi-style bistro food and I can definitely recommend their Gourmet Platter, the mussels, and the pizzas – it’s all great! Open Fridays and weekends, but the Tasting Room is usually open on Weds and Thurs as well for informal tasting flights.