Some places are paradise; pure and simple.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is one of these rare spots. Perched on a hill overlooking rolling green hills, vineyards and water off into the distance, this cellar door and restaurant is set in the middle of a formal garden and a French-style terrace, complete with cream-coloured sun umbrellas, wooden love seats, wine barrels as bar tables and potted trees overflowing with perennials and herbs at the base.

On a sunny day, it’s couple central. The Spark and I, after completing a paid tasting flight at the bench inside ($20pp for the premium of wines), sat on the terrace, ordered the mixed platter and a couple of glasses Disney Princess-pink rose, and settled in for an afternoon of gazing tipsily at each other and the view.

The afternoon light was the colour of aged Chardonnay, the breeze was crisp like a chilled Sauvignon Blanc and the sentiment, well, it was all Sticky; heady and sweet and decadent.

Waiheke Island is accessible via Fullers ferry from Auckland. The trip takes about 45 mins. Tickets are NZD$36 return and then you can catch a cab up to Mudbrick for about $10.