It’s a beautiful summer day when I take the short ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. I’m here for a day trip but I would be happy to stay for longer because the quiet island, which has often been rated among the best islands in the world, is truly beautiful.

A friend of mine in California, who has never been to New Zealand, messaged me in the morning to tell me he was envious I was here. “New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world,” he said. It’s a reputation that the country is known for, and while I am sure there are some ugly places here, I think it would be harder to find them than it would be to find somewhere beautiful.

If you have a bucket list a trip to New Zealand should be on it, and if you find your way to Auckland, then a trip to Waiheke Island should be on your itinerary for sure.

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Stand at Oneroa Beach looking over (to the left) where I took todays picture. Also, check out 360 degree view of this area.