[NZ; 2024] Day 2 | Waiheke Island \ Cornwall Park \ Mount Eden

May 08, 2025

[NZ; 2024] Day 2 | Waiheke Island \ Cornwall Park \ Mount Eden

Day 2

I decided to squeeze in most of my starred places on day 2 - knowing that I probably won't sleep well the night before (due to timezone differences), and I will want to just chill on day 3.

Waiheke Island

I pre-booked an activity on klook on the island, hence I took an early ferry over to the island. Walking over to the ferry terminal was longer than I expected... should have taken a bus to save some energy.

I pre-booked my ferry tickets, but I got the walk-up tickets, so I decided to go to the terminal early to queue to ensure I get on the ferry.

https://www.fullers.co.nz/
NZD $59

There was an option to get the tickets with island tourist bus ride - but I read somewhere that if you have the AT HOP card, you can just take the public bus which is much cheaper. I got an AT HOP card at the airport! Of course, the tourist bus ride will be helpful if you want to explore the wineries - which the public buses doesn't go.

The ferry ride was freezing cold for me - maybe because I was there in spring time. But the guy sitting next to me said it was alright for him. Then maybe it was just me.

I thought I was on time for the activity, but I was the last person to arrive - I think many people took one slot earlier ferry to be safe. So the activity I booked was ziplining! I wanted to try this when I was in Perth back then.

Waiheke Island Zipline and Native Forest 3-Hour Tour
https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/12705-waiheke-island-zipline-and-forest-tour-from-auckland/

The whole activity was very safe and guided with many staff. If you're traveling alone it is fine too - there were a few traveling alone, so I ended up partnering with an air stewardess.

There were 3 ziplines, and I liked the first zipline the best - maybe because it was the first time so the excitement was there. Scary? Nah~

So after zipping through the forest, you will need to hike up the forest back to the base. A lot of exercise after the fun.

3 hours went past really fast! Tip: bring your own phone lanyard (those that can go over your neck) so that you can take videos and photos while zipping down the line. And a small water bottle for the hike.

Lunch?

I thought it was lunch - but it ended not. Anyway, the activity will send you back to the ferry terminal, but you can request a drop off if the location is on the way back to the terminal.

I requested to stop by a gin distillery as they served lunch.

The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery
https://maps.app.goo.gl/u1a8DdEtFtd9v4wQ6

It was quite pretty place to chill and enjoy the day.

They didn't have kitchen that afternoon, which means no lunch service...

I could only have biscuits and gin for lunch.

While I was munching on my biscuits, I saw a familiar face - the guy that sat next to me on the ferry. We had a small chat while he had a glass of gin and waited for his bus. It was rather disappointing that when he asked for the bill and the staff asked if we are paying together, he directly told them that we were strangers. I mean - yes we were strangers but still there are better way to explain. (I was actually planning to pay for his drinks, but ok - I saved some money)

Exploring Waiheke Island - Onetangi Beach

Actually I wasn't planning to explore the island as I felt I have seen enough of it from the ziplining. But decided to just go for one beach nearby to just unwind:

There was a bus stop right infront of the distillery:

The bus timings on google map were very accurate, so something to trust! Take 50A!

It was just a short ride to the beach, like 10-15 mins, and it was the last stop for the service.

It was prettier in person than on photos, I enjoyed the 10-15 mins me time walking on the sands while waiting for the next bus to go back to the ferry terminal.

Bus 50A and 50B goes back to the terminal.

Cornwall Park

After the ferry ride back, decided to go to a park I found on google map. It is a little further away from the CBD - I have to take a metro and change a bus and walk quite a distance. But I was sure it is worthwhile!

Cornwall Park - Sheep Viewing Point
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HNEukjTCa9UG3Uzb6

This park is right behind a local residential area, so the sheep were roaming around their backyard. You can get to see them very very close, and it is free!

There were a few aww moments when the mama sheep was calling for her baby, and her baby will run across the field and cuddle together:

I spent a very good amount of time over here. And decided I need to move to my next destination if not I will be late. While walking towards the bus stop, I was surprised by the cherry blossom trees in the park!

Cornwall Park - Cherry blossom
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGaUfgc1FZLCPKqR7

They were so pretty! I never been to Japan during cherry blossom period, but I think I was in Japan at that moment.

Mount Eden

Last stop of the day - hiking up Mount Eden for sunset! I was greeted by another few cherry blossoms before the hike up.

I think I was lucky that google map asked me to take this side entrance:

Even though it was a long flight of stairs, but it helped to reduce the route by 50%. Otherwise I need to walk quite a long distance upwards in circles.

Glenfell Place Entrance
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTvECkBDh9G6kRQy6

This is the proper road up to Mount Eden:

The summit!

Maungawhau / Mount Eden
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1UCEiDMSn7LGFHSg9

The volcano crater! Based on AI: The crater is about 50 meters deep. The volcano is a result of past eruptions, specifically a scoria mound with a central crater formed from three overlapping cones. A significant lava flow extended from the base of the mound, and in some places, the lava is more than 60 meters thick.