Out of Town Delights

Waiheke Island, Martinborough and North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, each a short drive from a main centre, are all worth exploring for “epicurious travellers” from across the Tasman. Residents of Auckland would doubtless prefer that Waiheke Island remained their little secret. Sorry folks. The word is out. The myriad attractions here include a dozen or so wineries, several with top-notch cellar-door restaurants that lie dotted among the island’s fruit farms, olive groves, cafes, art studios and galleries. The superb views and much slower lifestyle are also drawcards. One of the highlights of Martinborough is that several of the best cellar doors are within walking distance of each other. The area prides itself on locally grown produce that is used by the cafes, pubs and restaurants and can be sampled at the Village Cafe, Providore or Riverview Cafe at Murdoch James. A visit to the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Celebration, which is held on the last Sunday in March in the Glenmark Church grounds, is also recommended.