To Cascading Waters

Waiheke Island, home to 8000 people and 30 vineyards, is a “true microcosm of Aotearoa” writes Boston Globe reporter Stephanie Stephens, who is “struck by the endearingly lower-stress pace of New Zealand life” coming upon a road sign warning, “Slow Down, You’re Here.” Stephens takes “the loop” and some scenic detours “noting that the geography is loosely defined by small, beautiful bodies of water”, including Putiki Bay, then Anzac Bay, along with Waikopou and Owhiti bays. At Cable Bay Vineyards “it’s a toss-up as to what’s most impressive: the pinnacle-top location and view to Auckland, the sleek architecture, or head chef Will Thorpe’s menu …”Why Waiheke? Why, oh why not?”