Taking your bike to Waiheke Island

[klingon]

In case you didn't know, sealink runs a service to Waiheke Island on Friday, Saturday & Sunday:

http://www.sealink.co.nz/tt_whi.html

It departs from Wynyard Wharf in Jellicoe Street and costs $45 return for the bike. We used it last summer to take the Volty over and had a great day riding 2-up around the island.

[sunhuntin]

sounds fun. is that a one day trip, or two? like, can the island be ridden in a day?

[Big Dave]

can the island be ridden in a day?

An hour. Two with Coffee.

[klingon]

An hour. Two with Coffee.

Four with wine.

[sunhuntin]

might have to do that one day then... if i ever get the balls to attempt a ride in auckland traffic!

[xwhatsit]

Very highly recommended. An absolute ball to ride those roads -- lots of slow twisty things, not meant to be taken knee-down, as the surface is usually pretty shit, but lots of fun to pootle up and down the hills at leisurely speeds. Took girlfriend over on the back, first time she'd been properly on a motorcycle, and she really enjoyed it. Not scary because there's little traffic and it's all moving slowly.

Get out on the gravel roads towards the east (I think) of the island. Good learning experience for riders of road bikes who haven't done this sort of thing before. Forgiving terrain, nothing to pack your pants about, but an absolute laugh and gorgeous scenery to boot.

If you're worried about your bike falling over in bad weather on the ferry, don't be. We came home at night in a screaming storm, ferry pitching all over the place; every few minutes I was downstairs making sure the bike was still upright, but on the side-stand in first gear it was fine.

More than worth the ticket price, especially so for frustrated Auckland commuters/cage dodgers.

[klingon]

Yep, Waiheke is a great summer getaway. You can hire scooters over there, but it costs about the same as taking your own bike, so you might as well have your own.

There are some excellent cafes, vineyards and restaurants, and often on summer weekends there will be a band or other entertainment.

http://www.waiheke.co.nz/

[Swoop]

might have to do that one day then... if i ever get the balls to attempt a ride in auckland traffic!
Just ride during the very peak of "rush hour"... nothing is moving then!:rofl:

Waiheke has a market day at Ostend. Saturday morning (iirc!) and well worth a visit.

Punga lodge (http://www.gotowaiheke.co.nz/pungalodge.htm)is located close to the big smoke or Oneroa. Good folks!

[2Cycle]

I did this a few years back 2 up on the rg. Went on the ferry from Half Moon Bay though.

Went out to Stoney Batter and did the tunnel walk. Then carried on right around to Orapiu. Took bloody ages! Allow plenty of time, like an hour, just to do the gravel loop (unless you are on a dirt bike). Some of the corners are barely wide enough for two bikes let alone cars so take it easy. But everyone tends to take it easy over there it's a nice relaxed place. :)

[tri boy]

I can highly recommend "Mud Brick" restaurant and wines. Also "Shepards Point" and Gold Water for a tasty drop.
1/2 Moon Bay has Waiheke Freight, and Subitskiy's operating out of it. Generally no need to book a bike spot, as they can squeeze in anywhere, however, over xmas/new year it might pay to.
I plan to get over there during the week 27/12-new year. It will be pretty crowded, but I know of a few nice hideaway's.:cool:

[Finn]

Four with wine.

Overnight with a root.

[Big Dave]

Overnight with a root.

You took the wrong route.

[Katman]

Overnight with a root.

Or a month, in your case.