About Waiheke Wine Tours™

KIA ORA AND WELCOME TO WAIHEKE WINE TOURS LTD!

I’m Sharon Killen, and I’m excited to share a little about how our journey began and how we continue to deliver exceptional tours on beautiful Waiheke Island.

Our Story

Waiheke Wine Tours was launched at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, driven by a dream to create one of New Zealand’s best wine tour companies. The first few years brought many challenges, and there were moments when it felt like that dream might slip away. What kept it alive was a deep love for Waiheke Island and a commitment to showcasing everything that makes it special.

Our Philosophy

From the very beginning, our focus has always been on authenticity and connection — tūtakitanga. We proudly hire local guides who know Waiheke Island inside and out, and we work closely with the island’s vineyards, artisans, and small businesses. Every tour is designed to share the true spirit of Te Motu Arai Roa — Waiheke Island — through its landscapes, stories, wines, food, and people.

We believe a great tour goes beyond tasting wine. It’s about whakapapa (the deep connection between people and the land), understanding the stories that shape this place, and feeling the wairua (spirit) of the island.

Each journey with us reflects the essence of manaakitanga — the Māori value of caring for others with warmth and respect. We invite you to slow down, connect, and experience Waiheke not just as a visitor, but as part of its living story.

Our Waiheke Whānau

Our team of guides are knowledgeable, friendly and fully licensed to ensure your comfort and safety.

Your safety is always our first priority, and customer satisfaction is our goal. Waiheke Wine Tours proudly holds the Gold Qualmark Certification, New Zealand’s official mark of quality assurance.

With more than thirteen years of experience in local travel and hospitality, our passion is creating authentic experiences, lasting memories and truly unforgettable tours.

Comfort and Sustainability

Travel in comfort in our modern, air-conditioned vans, easily recognised by our distinctive Waiheke Wine Tours branding. Each vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, and for private tours, we even have a karaoke mic for guests who love to add some extra fun to their day.

We are also committed to sustainability. Partnering with EKOS, we offset our carbon footprint and encourage guests to join our eco-friendly efforts by bringing reusable water bottles. Refill stations are available, and we also offer stainless-steel Waiheke Wine Tours bottles for $20 each.

What’s New

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new venture Auckland Wine Tours Ltd, expanding our reach beyond Waiheke Island. We’re also preparing to introduce UNCORKED TOURS, New Zealand’s first cellar door on wheels, launching on December 20. Stay tuned for this exciting new experience.

A Legacy of Transport and Tourism

My background is deeply rooted in the transport and tourism industry. My father worked for New Zealand Rail and Newlands Coach Service, even driving the legendary Billy T. James on tour around the country. My family’s love for travel began generations ago, from horse-drawn trams in Glasgow to modern coach tours in New Zealand. Sharing stories and connecting with travellers is truly in our blood.

Our Team

At Waiheke Wine Tours, our team is passionate about sharing the stories, flavours, and spirit of Waiheke Island. Each of our guides brings a wealth of knowledge, local insight, and genuine warmth to every tour, ensuring you experience the island through the eyes of those who call it home.

Meet Sharon

Sharon Killen, the owner and operator of Waiheke Wine Tours Ltd and Auckland Wine Tours Ltd, has built her career on a lifelong passion for travel, people, and hospitality. With deep roots in the transport industry and years of experience in sales, Sharon has combined her skills to create one of New Zealand’s most trusted and enjoyable wine tour companies.

Her vision is simple — to deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of Waiheke’s wines, food, and culture, all while supporting local businesses and communities.

Outside of work, Sharon is a big rock music fan, bringing that same energy and enthusiasm into everything she does — from running her tours to creating experiences that truly rock!

Meet Gilda

Gilda is the glue that keeps everything running smoothly. As our Brand and Partnerships Manager, she’s the Italian butterfly of our team — always bringing warmth, creativity, and a touch of European flair. Originally from Italy, Gilda has an extensive background as a sommelier and in the wine and hospitality industries across Europe and Waiheke. Her deep appreciation for fine wine and authentic experiences helps us continue to build strong relationships with our vineyard partners and guests alike.

And of course, every great team needs a friendly face — or in our case, a wagging tail!
Bonnie, our official in-house greeter, is always ready with a smile (and lots of cuddles) to make your day even better.

Meet Paora, Our Cultural Māori Ambassador

We are proud to have Paora as part of our team as our Cultural Māori Ambassador. Having lived on Waiheke for more than 35 years, Paora is deeply connected to the land, sea, and community of the island.

Through his storytelling and wisdom, Paora offers guests a meaningful insight into te ao Māori, the Māori worldview, sharing the traditions, language, and values that shape life in Aotearoa. His presence adds a rich cultural layer to our tours and helps visitors feel a genuine connection to the beauty and heritage of Waiheke Island, one of the true jewels of the Hauraki Gulf.

Paora’s warmth, knowledge, and passion make every tour both memorable and deeply enriching, creating an experience that celebrates the land, the people, and the spirit of Waiheke.

Meet Debbie

Debbie is one of our wonderful long-time residents of Waiheke Island and a valued tour guide on our team. With her warm personality and deep connection to the island, she brings every tour to life through storytelling, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality.

Beyond guiding, Debbie has a passion for crafting Korowai — traditional Māori cloaks that represent strength, connection, and healing. Her creative work, Wairua te Rongoā, is a beautiful expression of Māori identity and wellbeing, born right here on the shores of Waiheke.

You can often find Debbie at the Waiheke Markets, sharing her stunning Korowai, her stories, and her aroha with everyone she meets.

Meet Clare

Clare is our financial guru and a long-time Waiheke local. With a strong background in corporate leadership and strategic consulting, she keeps our finances on track and our business running smoothly.

Known for her wicked sense of humour, Clare also loves meeting guests — you’ll often spot her at the Ferry Terminal greeting larger groups. And that’s Mable, her much-loved pup, always close by.

Meet Caleb

Caleb is one of the most highly rated tour guides on Waiheke, known for his friendly personality and extensive knowledge of the island. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him crafting beer and spirits, hitting the gym, or competing in local bowling tournaments.

Meet Nooroa

Originally from the Cook Islands and now a long-time Waiheke local, Nooroa is a tour guide who always goes the extra mile to make every experience unforgettable. Known for his incredible memory — he remembers every guest’s name — he adds a personal touch to every tour. He loves decorating the bus (and himself!) to match special themes, bringing extra joy and colour to the day. Outside of guiding, he’s a karaoke master and talented cartoonist. If there’s a theme, Nooroa’s your guy — keen as a bean and full of fun!

Meet Karen

Karen is warm, welcoming, and full of charm! Her gentle nature and quick sense of humour create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere on every tour. With years of experience in the tourism industry — including time with a major travel company — she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the team. As a long-time Waiheke local, Karen loves sharing insider tips and hidden gems that make the island so special. We’re lucky to have her bright energy on board!

Meet Silvia

Silvia is our vibrant Italian and Spanish-speaking guide who has called Waiheke home for many years. She delights guests with her deep knowledge of the island, sharing fascinating stories and hidden secrets along the way. With her warm, empathetic nature and passion for both yoga and fine wine, Silvia brings a calm, joyful energy to every tour — a true gem on our team.

Meet Shirley

We’re thrilled to welcome Shirley to our team! Fresh from selling her successful hospitality business in the city, she brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for great service. Shirley loves Waiheke and is excited to share her enthusiasm, laughter, and local knowledge with every guest. She’s delighted to call this beautiful island now her workplace and playground.