Ringing in the New Year on Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Our first stop in New Zealand after Tasmania was Waiheke Island, and what a place to celebrate the New Year. Fun fact: New Zealand is the first place on earth to welcome the New Year, which made ringing in 2026 here feel extra special — and honestly, pretty epic.

We stayed in Palm Beach, soaking in sweeping ocean views and getting our daily workout thanks to the butt-burning walk up and down the hill to the beach. It was one of those stays where the views alone made every step worth it.

Waiheke Island is famously known as a wine island, home to more than 50 wineries and vineyards. We made it our mission to try somewhere new every day, and by the end of our stay, it felt like we had explored nearly every nook and cranny of the island. What surprised us most was just how family-friendly everything was — from the wineries to the beaches to the restaurants.

Some of our favorite winery stops included Passage Winery, Wild Winery, Heke Distilling & Kitchen, and Man O’War. Man O’War was especially memorable — not just for the wine and food, but because Jamie and Evan took on the zip line, adding a full dose of adventure to the day and making it a highlight for everyone.

We also joined a wine tour and visited Casita Miro, Awaroa Organic Vineyard, and Poderi Crisci, each offering its own unique atmosphere, views, and flavors. No two places felt the same, which made the experience even more fun.

Of course, no trip to Waiheke would be complete without beach time. We explored Palm Beach, Oneroa Beach, and Onetangi Beach, each with its own charm — from calm waters and soft sand to lively cafés just steps from the shore.

Between the incredible food, exceptional wine, breathtaking scenery, and the ease of traveling with kids, Waiheke Island ended up being the perfect place to ring in the New Year. Truly, there is no better way to welcome 2026.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and epic 2026 — cheers to new adventures ahead 🥂✨