Waiheke is the most populous island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, and while its traditional population of creative types is being infiltrated by richer newcomers building flash clifftop houses, it’s still a unique haven worth at least a day of your time. Parts of the formerly sleepy island are now almost suburbs of Auckland, but the 35 minute ferry ride ensures that even the most stressed of commuters switch off well before docking at Waiheke’s Matiatia Wharf. Traditionally Aucklanders flocked to the rolling landscape of Waiheke to swim in its picturesque coves, hike through the island’s forests or along its ragged coastline. Now the appeal is more leisurely. More than 30 wineries dot the island, many complete with excellent restaurants. Every February the island’s energy levels are revved up with the Waiheke Wine Festival (www.waiheke wine.co.nz), and a couple of months later the Easter Jazz Festival (www.waiheke jazz.co.nz) draws performers from around the world, and visitors from around New Zealand. Among the best accommodation is the Boatshed.

To keep an eye on what’s happening on the island, visit www.touris mwaiheke.co.nz.