When we travel, even to a neighbouring town, we like to soak up the atmosphere and the sites the area has to offer. Because we don't get the opportunity to be away very often we like to pack as much as we can into our short trips.On a recent long weekend away with friends in Auckland, we travelled to a few spots that caught our eye either from the road or on Instagram. We love travelling like this and it always pays off!Here's an overview of our trip, based on travelling on a vibe. If you have a holiday coming up, keep reading for a sweet discount code on your next stay with booking.com

Dear Jervois

A good brunch spot is easily the most important start to a weekend in our view. When you're with friends it allows you to sit down, have a laugh, some good food and plan out your day.Dear Jervois is our new favourite in Auckland. Located in Herne Bay on Jervois Road’s most convenient corner, for parking and right beside the amazing Father Rabbit homewares store! We had a huge sense of home at this location, nestled among villas and funky stores. It's the sort of cafe your order a muffin before your brunch because there is so much atmosphere to soak up so you want to stay longer (yes I did this). Blacks, whites, rustic lighting and soooo many plants - just amazing!The menu offers a number of dietary requirements and the most amazing eggs bennie which is always a must at a good cafe. It's no wonder there was a 15-minute wait after arrival when you see what comes out - Instagram your hearts out folks, there are matcha waffles. We could easily live in this area and we spotted many villas that looked just like ours, Dear Jervois - you've won our hearts.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Fenice - Waiheke Island

While sitting in Dear Jervois we were discussing what we should do for our last day in Auckland. The answer was Waiheke Island, the best call we made all weekend.Boarding the boat we made a beeline for the bar and then got settled on the top platform of the fullers catamaran. The uber driver on the way there told me to keep an eye out for the beautiful pohutukawa in Devenport. I see what he was saying, what a photo opp location!When we arrived at Waiheke we went looking for bikes to hire but got there a tad late so just set off on foot up to Oneroa. We decided we would go check out the beach and then head to a winery for a wine tasting. When walking down the main road I could see Georgia was in love with the place and already looking at day spas and accommodation that her and her sisters can come back to. There is so much to soak up so we earmarked a few places for when we got back from the winery.On Instagram, we could see that Mudbrick vineyard had amazing views and have heard great things about their pinot gris, so caught a $12 cab out there. Wow - just wow was our first impression. Think Tuscany blended with untouched New Zealand, this is where we were. We decided to do a few wine tastings which were very affordable and gave us an opportunity to learn more about the local wine from their own vineyard. While sipping on bubbly we walked above the buildings, through a lavender garden and up to the heli-landing where we had 360 views of Waiheke. The story of how the owners set up what is there today is so humbling so do ask about when you are there too.Later on, we caught a cab back into the town centre and finished at Fenice. Fenice sits in the heart of Waiheke Island’s main village, Oneroa. An authentic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant reflecting the seasons. We sat down to enjoy a few cocktails, authentic polenta fries and cheeses to finish.Fenice was the perfect place finish our trip at it was so cosy with a warm and intimate atmosphere. It actually tied in nicely with the Mudbrick location with the stone walls and plants. For some reason Georgia and I always finish trips away with Italian, it could be the comfort of their food that draws us in.

Scarecrow

Scarecrow was spotted by all of us as it was not too far from where we stayed. It's an urban farmers market, contemporary kitchen and florist, who celebrate the very best of the Auckland artisans. Everything from their kitchen is prepared from scratch, including the stocks and sauces - you can always taste this in food so I loved this place!While we waited for our coffee we had a look at their farmers market style shelves, you can choose from things such as fresh fruit, oils and honey. They even have their own florist which caters from standard bouquets to event flowers. We love the concept of this store. It's humble and so refreshing for a cafe that is among the hustle and bustle of the Auckland CBD.If you're travelling soon and want to check out spaces like these. The brunch is on us... We've teamed up with Booking.com so you can save $40 off your next stay. Click here to book your next trip! https://www.booking.com/s/shayde35Disclaimer: Booking.com uses third party cookies to help provide personalised ads and analyse their traffic. This information may be shared with our advertisers, where it may be combined with other information you’ve given their website.

Traveling on a "vibe" - Auckland

Dear Jervois

Mudbrick Vineyard and Fenice - Waiheke Island

Scarecrow