You know how there are key economic, financial, social, and environmental developmental indicators that demonstrate the stage of a country? Well surely the presence of kale chips and kombucha is the indicator that a nation has surpassed first world wealth status and is now so wealthy that they can focus on making cheap ingredients delicious and trendy. I love kale chips, kombucha and those crazy activated nuts and pleasingly Waiheke Fruit and Veg stocks them all, along with a great selection of fresh fruit and veggies, deli items, gourmet cheese and jars of locally made chutneys and preserves. This is a lovely store to stock on on produce for a picnic or packaged goodies to take home for gifts. It’s a little on the pricey side but hey, you can afford it right?
Liam W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
Whenever I hop over to Waiheke for a day or two, my first stop after getting off the ferry is usually Oneroa so I can visit this shop to stock up on everything I need for delicious organic meals I might want to prepare in whatever bach I’m renting. It’s a treat for those of us sick of the formulaic one-stop supermarket experience — you enter through chain curtain things, and the place just smells fresh. Here it’s all about the wonderful fresh baked bread, organic produce, fruit and nuts and other artisan goodies. A great first stop to get you to switch gears into Waiheke mode!
Trevor C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
If you are staying in Waiheke, this place is worth a visit if you are looking for some gourmet food and Countdown and the local Four Square don’t happen to have what you’re looking for. They do some lovely fresh bread which is nice if you want to have breakfast in your bach rather than one of the local cafes. Their fruit and veg are also very good and much of it is organic. They do a lot of artisan food and it’s like having the perks of being in downtown Auckland even though you are on a relaxing island miles away. I guess the only downside is the price — it’s a bit on the expensive side but you are paying for the quality of the ingredients and I guess the price of importing them to the island. It is a nice, clean and pleasant shop and if I was lucky enough to be staying in Waiheke again, I would definitely do a bit of shopping here.
Zoë M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
If you can get over the prices, Waiheke Fruit and Vege is a charming, old-fashioned shopping experience, except with very modern fruit, vege, and specialty ingredients. It’s a sort of corner shop with two entrances, with distinctive chain-link, fly-screen curtains at the doors(but it’s not as scary as it sounds!). The fruit and vege here are as good as you’d find at any market, and they specialise in organic produce too. There’s a huge selection alongside other bits and pieces like nuts, herbs and spices, and dairy products. They also sell some delicious artisan bread, including gluten free, although like the fruit and vege, it’s rather on the pricey side, so I wouldn’t recommend doing your whole shop here unless someone else is paying.
Jacqueline O.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
A visit to the island is never complete without a daily shop at Waiheke Fruit & Veg. I make sure I’m early enough to not miss out on the freshly baked French bread and they hardly ever run out of my favorite Helios loaf — organic sourdough. Famous for their fruit and veggies, much of it local like the grapes which are spray free and taste like a burst of nectar. I can’t wait for their local figs. This little landmark grocery store is a gourmet haven with its specialty cheeses, delicious hand made chocolates, plump olives, Island coffee and wine.