Waiheke boasts a couple of little villages (replete with gourmet eateries, as is the norm throughout New Zealand, however humble the location), Oneroa and Onetangi. The main beach is Onetangi, and this is the best for watersports, but there are little coves everywhere. A good thing to do is to go sea kayaking or, if you want to zoom round the island, hire a motorboat. For a more leisurely approach, follow the paths for an island walk.

Waiheke is a good place to check out modern New Zealand architecture. Its batches range from the most simple, basic hut-like buildings (as they were originally intended) to really quite smart pieces of modern architecture. So close to Auckland, the island is a popular place for rich Aucklanders to make their escape, and many have built gorgeous glass and steel homes right near the water - or cliff - edges, clearly visible on a meander round the island or from a boat.

The other thing to do in Waiheke is drink wine - the island boasts 27 wineries, and New Zealand wine gets better and better with each year. Relax over a romantic bottle, or in one of Onetangi's restaurants, at the end of an active day.