Waiheke Island.

The ferry ride alone is worth the cost of the trip with its gorgeous views of Auckland City and Rangitoto.

Waiheke Island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.  It's been called the "Hawaii" of New Zealand, for it's pristine beaches during the summer and it's reputation for food and art.  There is so much to do on the island, but one of the most common is wine tasting.  We hired out a private tour bus to take us to three different vineyards around the island.