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4 Totara Road,
Onetangi, 1081
Waiheke Island
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve booked a tour with Waiheke Wine Tours, chances are you’ve already spoken to me.
I’m Sharon Killen, founder and owner of Waiheke Wine Tours Ltd, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past few years. What started with one vehicle and a vision has grown into one of New Zealand’s most Google-reviewed wine tour companies, welcoming thousands of guests from around the world to experience the magic of Waiheke Island.
For me, this has never just been about wine.
It’s about creating unforgettable experiences, introducing visitors to extraordinary people, sharing the stories behind our vineyards, and helping guests discover why Waiheke Island is one of New Zealand’s most remarkable destinations.
Tourism has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Growing up in a family with a long history in passenger transport, I developed an appreciation for hospitality, customer service and looking after people from an early age. Those values still shape everything we do today.
When I founded Waiheke Wine Tours, I wanted to create something very different from a standard sightseeing tour. Rather than simply transporting people from one winery to another, I wanted every guest to feel like they were spending the day with knowledgeable local friends.
That philosophy remains at the heart of every experience we deliver.
Like many tourism businesses, our journey hasn’t always been easy.
Launching shortly before the global pandemic meant adapting quickly, thinking creatively and constantly finding new ways to support both our customers and our local tourism community.
Instead of standing still, we invested in improving our systems, strengthening our relationships with Waiheke’s vineyards and restaurants, and creating experiences that reflected the island’s authentic character.
Those years reinforced something I strongly believe:
People don’t simply remember where they went—they remember how you made them feel.
There are few places in the world quite like Waiheke Island.
Only a short ferry ride from Auckland, it offers award-winning vineyards, world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches, olive groves, artists’ studios and spectacular coastal scenery, all within a relaxed island community.
One of the greatest pleasures of my job is introducing visitors to the people behind these experiences—the winemakers, chefs, distillers, artists and local characters who make Waiheke such a special place.
Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best the island has to offer.
Today, Waiheke Wine Tours offers far more than traditional wine tastings.
Our experiences include:
Whether we’re welcoming a couple celebrating an anniversary or coordinating transport for more than 200 guests, our goal is always the same—to exceed expectations.
As a locally owned business, we’re passionate about supporting the Waiheke community.
We work closely with vineyards, restaurants, breweries, olive groves, artists and local suppliers because we believe authentic local partnerships create better experiences for our guests while supporting the island’s economy.
When you travel with us, you’re also supporting dozens of small Waiheke businesses.
We’re committed to providing experiences that are:
Our guides are locals who genuinely love Waiheke Island and enjoy sharing its stories, history and hidden gems.
We never want our tours to feel rushed or scripted. Instead, we want every guest to leave feeling they’ve experienced the real Waiheke.
Tourism is constantly evolving, and so are we.
We’re continually developing new experiences, investing in our people and expanding our partnerships to ensure every guest enjoys something truly memorable.
Whether you’re visiting Waiheke for the first time or returning to discover something new, my team and I would be delighted to welcome you.
We look forward to sharing our beautiful island with you.
Sharon Killen
Founder & Managing Director
Waiheke Wine Tours Ltd
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. Outside work Karen has vintage cars where her and her partner go for lovely drives. We’re lucky to have her bright energy on board!
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.
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.
Kevin is one of the coolest and kindest guides you’ll meet on Waiheke. With years of experience in the island’s wine and hospitality scene, he knows all the best spots and stories. He’s a natural entertainer who loves making sure everyone has an unforgettable time—especially on a fun hen’s day! Known for his great dance moves and infectious energy, Kevin truly is the soul of the party.
Meet Bonnie & Billy the Waiheke Wine Dogs
No visit to Waiheke Wine Tours’ offices is complete without meeting Bonnie and Billy! Our two Border Collies are the heart of the office and love greeting guests with wagging tails, plenty of affection and the warmest Waiheke welcome. They firmly believe every great day should start with a cuddle!
Please fill out the form below to get in touch with any questions you may have.
4 Totara Road,
Onetangi, 1081
Waiheke Island
View Map
Phone: 09 372 7342
Mobile: 027 800 0298
Email: waihekewinetours@gmail.com
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