A family Road-trip to Idyllic Waiheke Island with Alfa Romeo Tonale
I’ve always wondered what the best word would be to describe Waiheke: charming, idyllic, majestic, blissed out. Maybe there’s more than one word. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of art, food, and wine, all just a short ferry ride from the heart of Auckland city. The island is gorgeous, like stepping straight into a postcard. But beyond its natural beauty, it’s the laid-back vibe that beckons me to the island now and again—time moves just a little bit slower here.
My first encounter with Alfa Romeo Tonale was when the car was kindly dropped off at my office. Dressed in a fiery shade of red, the beautiful compact SUV (we had the Tonale Veloce; the sportier model with the striking 19-inch diamond cut alloys) exudes sophistication and style. Sleek and sculpted. Not boxy. It looks the part.
Step inside and it’s equally impressive—and practical. The good people at Alfa Romeo had packed a cute branded chilly bin for us, with the most delicious Italian treats. But let’s also talk about the marvellous job the designers have done with the cabin. The leatherette seats with embroidered Alfa Romeo logo, exquisite craftsmanship, ergonomic design, and state-of-the-art technology—it’s both elegant and comfortable. Our two young kids in tow seemed happy at the back, even during our relatively longer drives. With ample boot space to accommodate our family’s needs for a five-day getaway and a battery that packs in a lot of power, the Tonale Veloce is more than just a chic car; it’s safe, comfortable, and a practical companion for city cruising and beyond. Substance matches the style here. It’s the perfect mum car, tailored to meet the needs of modern families.
Setting off from Auckland, the hybrid engine purred silently as we made our way to the ferry terminal. A warm and sunny morning enveloped us. There was almost a sense of excitement for the weekend away and an appreciation for the eco-conscious choice we’d made. Our first stop, after disembarking at Waiheke, was Heke for lunch. Surrounded by four acres of beautiful gardens, it’s perched overlooking Onetangi Road. It’s the perfect kid-friendly restaurant, with an inflatable jumping pillow, a fleet of Tonka trucks, the giant sand river, a mud kitchen with pots and pans to ‘cook’ with, lawn games, and more to keep the little ones occupied. And, of course, it’s also perfect for adults—home to craft brewery and distillery and a big sharing menu. After devouring our meals, we were back in the car and set off to our home for the next five days.
Cruising the sometimes hilly and windy roads of Waiheke was easy in the Tonale Veloce. You can ease back on the throttle (both literally and figuratively) and simply follow the road. The hybrid technology seamlessly transitioned between electric and petrol modes, offering both power and efficiency as we embarked on our island adventure. Behind the wheel, there’s a sense of refined power as the hybrid engine propels you forward, whether you’re navigating Auckland city roads or cruising along Waiheke. And its 5-star safety rating gives that extra peace of mind when you’re on the road.
The ensuing days were a dream—sundown dinners at Mudbrick and Tantalus, picnic lunches with the kids at Casita Mira, drinks and nibbles at Nomad, and we even squeezed in late(ish)-night indulgences at Oyster Inn (those Choux buns are delish).
The island is popping with food trucks, and it’s a full-blown burst of multicultural favours—heartful meals that can easily be wrapped up and taken to the beach or park, perfect with kids. We were at Oneroa Village every single day. The Island Frenchie, an outdoor café, does everything right. We parked up for coffee, croissants, and apricot thingy (yes, that’s what it’s actually called), and they also do fantastic tacos. If you love crepes (who doesn’t?), there’s a charming little food truck beside The Island Frenchie. I can vouch for their cinnamon sugar and the classic lemon and sugar (it was a win with the kids, too!). No trip to the island would be complete without a mandatory stop (or multiple stops) at the Island Grocer. This iconic family-run deli/grocery store has hands-down the best artisanal bread, French cheese, homemade jams, and a lot more. It’s also a great place to discover locally made goods. And they serve good coffee—what more could we possibly ask?
Every Saturday, Waiheke puts on one of its best markets on Ostend Road. Rows and rows of stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, arts, crafts, local delicacies, gifts, skincare products, healing balms, essential oils, vintage jewellery, preloved clothing, and collectables—it’s like one big shopping mall but without the ugly concrete walls. If the weather is good, and it almost always is, you can spend an entire morning here browsing through the many, many offerings and leave with a bootload of goodies.
And speaking of a bootload of goodies, the cute little vintage shops and galleries are worth checking out. We stopped at the Upcycle ReDesign Store Waiheke, a one-of-a-kind gift and clothing shop with all sorts of items handmade and upcycled; The Waiheke Room, brimming with local products; Shambhala Sacred Shop: candles, incense, crystals, Himalayan salt lamps, a good place to stock up on sage and palo santo; and Veranda Waiheke for home décor.
Throughout our trip, the Alfa Romeo hybrid proved to be a trusty travel companion. In the five glorious days we were there, we didn’t fuel up—not once. The vehicle is versatile, effortlessly navigating Waiheke’s varied terrain and transitioning between electric and hybrid modes to match our driving needs.
Everyone loves an Alfa Romeo. It’s spacious, with tasteful finishes, and has a touch of class. This was more so evident during our weekend escape where we had people waving at us when they spotted an Alfa Romeo on the road. The car made our life on the road a breeze. As for the charming island that we reluctantly left behind, Waiheke stays with you, long after you’ve packed your bags and headed home.
Words : Zeenat Wilkinson
Images : Supplied by Zeenat Wilkinson
