If you’re looking for a beautiful wine region that’s close to a major hub in New Zealand, there’s nowhere like Waiheke Island. The hillside olive groves and vineyards remind me of the Mediterranean, but the island has a quintessentially Kiwi vibe. Its unpretentious residents, many who showcase their creative talents like painting or sculpting, live an enviously laid-back lifestyle. Waiheke Island exudes a sense of being away from it all and its relaxed pace is a magnet for locals and tourists alike.