Find Us
4 Totara Road,
Onetangi, 1081
Waiheke Island
View Map
Planning a visit to Waiheke Island? Whether you’re looking for the best wineries, a luxury private tour, or simply wondering how to get here from Auckland, we’ve answered the questions we hear most often.
As one of New Zealand’s most experienced wine tour operators, we’re here to help you discover the very best of Waiheke Island.
Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference to your Waiheke Island experience.
At Waiheke Wine Tours, we don’t simply drive guests from one vineyard to another—we create carefully curated experiences that showcase the very best of the island’s food, wine, scenery and local hospitality.
We’re proud to be Qualmark Gold Accredited, New Zealand’s official mark of sustainable tourism excellence, recognising businesses that consistently deliver exceptional visitor experiences while operating responsibly and sustainably.
With more than 2,900 five-star Google reviews, we’re also one of New Zealand’s highest-reviewed wine tour companies. Our local guides live and breathe Waiheke Island and love sharing its hidden gems, fascinating stories and breathtaking scenery with every guest.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, celebrating a special occasion, travelling with family, arriving on a cruise ship or organising a corporate event, we’ll tailor the perfect experience for you.
Our partnerships with Waiheke’s leading vineyards, restaurants and local businesses allow us to create experiences that simply can’t be replicated by larger operators.
There isn’t one single “best” wine tour; it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you’re looking to meet fellow travellers while visiting some of Waiheke’s most iconic vineyards, our small-group wine tours are a fantastic choice.
If you’d like something more personalised, our private tours allow you to customise your entire day. We can include boutique wineries, award-winning restaurants, olive oil tastings, whisky or gin experiences, art galleries, beaches, scenic lookouts or even helicopter transfers from Auckland.
For guests looking for something truly unforgettable, our Black Label Experiences offer exclusive access to premium wineries, private tastings, luxury dining and bespoke itineraries.
No matter which experience you choose, our focus remains the same: exceptional hospitality, incredible local food and wine, and a relaxed pace that allows you to truly enjoy Waiheke Island.
Whether ferry tickets are included depends on the tour you’ve booked. Please refer to your individual tour description or confirmation email.
If you’re travelling from Auckland, we recommend Island Direct, our preferred ferry partner, offering pre-booked seating, a comfortable crossing and the convenience of avoiding long queues at the ferry terminal.
Alternatively, guests may travel with Fullers360, departing regularly from the Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal.
If travelling with Fullers, we recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before departure, particularly during weekends, cruise ship days and the busy summer season.
Upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf, your Waiheke Wine Tours guide will be waiting in company uniform, holding a welcome sign with your booking name.
If you’re joining one of our private tours and staying on Waiheke Island, we’re also happy to collect you directly from your accommodation.
Yes!
For private tours, pickup can be arranged directly from your Waiheke Island accommodation. Contact our team to confirm your preferred pickup time.
For shared group tours, guests can be collected from one of the designated bus stops along the route to the Waiheke ferry terminal.
Please note:
We do not pick up from Auckland hotels or accommodation, as Waiheke Wine Tours is based solely on Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island is home to a vibrant, creative, and welcoming community.
Just a short 35-minute ferry from downtown Auckland, the island blends boutique vineyards, pristine beaches, and an artistic spirit that has flourished for decades.
Once a haven for artists and free thinkers, Waiheke has evolved into a diverse and thriving community of winemakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and families, all drawn to its relaxed island pace and natural beauty.
With its strong sense of sustainability, local food culture, art galleries, and weekly markets, Waiheke embodies the best of both worlds — village charm with a cosmopolitan twist.
No problem! Waiheke offers a range of alternative tasting experiences, including craft beer, gin, whisky, honey, olive oil, and gourmet food tastings.
Custom itineraries can be designed to suit every interest.
For non-drinkers, mocktails or soft drinks can be arranged so everyone can enjoy the day together.
Yes.
All tours are R18 due to New Zealand’s liquor licensing laws. Guests may be asked for ID if they look under 25 — please bring valid photo identification (passport or driver’s licence).
Teenagers may join private tours at the company’s discretion, but cannot consume alcohol if under 18.
Please note: Shared group tours are not suitable for children — families are encouraged to book private tours instead.
For shared group tours, full wheelchair accessibility cannot be guaranteed, as vehicles do not have ramps.
However, all vehicles are equipped with secure handrails, and a collapsible wheelchair can be stored if a companion is available to assist. For assistance, please call or text 027 800 0298.
Absolutely.
In fact, bespoke private tours are one of our specialities.
Every group is different, so rather than offering a fixed itinerary, we work with you to design a day that perfectly suits your interests, schedule and budget.
Some guests prefer spending the day discovering boutique vineyards and premium wine tastings, while others are more interested in gourmet dining, contemporary art galleries, whisky distilleries, olive oil producers or Waiheke’s spectacular coastal scenery.
We can also arrange luxury experiences including helicopter transfers from Auckland, private winemaker tastings, chauffeur-driven Mercedes vehicles, exclusive vineyard access and premium multi-course dining.
Private tours are ideal for couples, families, birthdays, hens parties, anniversaries, incentive groups, cruise ship guests and corporate events.
Simply tell us what you’d like to experience, and we’ll create a completely personalised itinerary showcasing the very best of Waiheke Island.
One of the advantages of booking with Waiheke Wine Tours is our strong relationships with many of the island’s most respected vineyards.
Depending on your chosen experience, your itinerary may include:
Because every private itinerary is customised, we carefully select the wineries based on your interests, group size, dining preferences and availability. This ensures every guest enjoys a balanced experience showcasing the diversity, quality and character that have made Waiheke Island one of New Zealand’s premier wine destinations.
Waiheke Island has become one of New Zealand’s leading food destinations, offering everything from relaxed beachfront dining to internationally recognised restaurants.
Some of our favourite restaurants include:
Mudbrick Vineyard – One Michelin Star
Awarded one Michelin Star in June 2026, Mudbrick is one of Waiheke Island’s most iconic dining destinations. Combining elegant cuisine, premium wines and spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf, it delivers a truly memorable vineyard experience.
Tantalus Estate Restaurant – One Michelin Star
Also awarded one Michelin Star in June 2026, Tantalus Estate is renowned for its innovative seasonal menus, beautifully crafted wines and contemporary architecture. It’s one of the island’s finest destinations for guests seeking an elevated food and wine experience.
Ki Māha
Located opposite beautiful Onetangi Beach, Ki Māha offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with stunning ocean views. It’s one of our favourite lunch venues for private groups thanks to its exceptional service and relaxed atmosphere.
Casita Miro
A colourful Mediterranean-inspired restaurant famous for its Fiesta Menu, Spanish flavours and outstanding food and wine pairings.
Poderi Crisci
An authentic Italian vineyard where long lunches, handmade pasta and warm hospitality transport you straight to Tuscany.
Cable Bay Vineyards
Offering modern cuisine, handcrafted wines and one of the island’s most spectacular outlooks across Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf.
Stonyridge Vineyard
Home of the internationally acclaimed Larose wine, Stonyridge offers relaxed vineyard dining in a beautiful Mediterranean-style setting.
Our team works closely with all of these venues and can recommend the perfect restaurant based on your group’s style, dietary requirements and budget.
Waiheke Island is home to two of New Zealand’s newest Michelin Star restaurants.
In June 2026, both Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant and Tantalus Estate Restaurant were awarded One Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand, recognising their outstanding cuisine and placing Waiheke Island firmly among the world’s great food and wine destinations.
Whether you’re planning a luxury day trip from Auckland or looking for an unforgettable vineyard lunch, our team can include one or both Michelin-starred restaurants as part of your bespoke Waiheke Island experience.
Absolutely.
For guests looking for something truly extraordinary, we offer our exclusive Black Label Collection, a portfolio of luxury experiences designed to showcase Waiheke Island at its very best.
These bespoke itineraries can include private chauffeur-driven Mercedes transport, helicopter transfers from Auckland, exclusive winemaker-hosted tastings, premium food and wine pairings, behind-the-scenes vineyard experiences and dining at some of New Zealand’s most celebrated restaurants.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients or simply looking for an unforgettable day, our team will create an itinerary tailored entirely to your interests.
Luxury experiences can also include art galleries, private yacht charters, olive oil tastings, whisky experiences and scenic coastal drives, allowing guests to discover Waiheke beyond the vineyards.
Yes.
For guests wanting to arrive in style, we work with trusted helicopter partners offering transfers between Auckland and Waiheke Island in as little as 15 minutes.
A helicopter flight transforms your day into a truly unforgettable experience, offering spectacular aerial views of the Hauraki Gulf before landing directly on Waiheke Island.
Many of our luxury guests choose a one-way helicopter flight combined with a return ferry, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Helicopter experiences can also be combined with private vineyard tastings, gourmet lunches, luxury accommodation and our exclusive Black Label itineraries.
Absolutely.
Corporate experiences are one of our specialities.
Every year we host conferences, executive retreats, incentive groups, team-building events and corporate celebrations for businesses from New Zealand and overseas.
Our experienced team can organise every aspect of your day, including:
Whether you’re planning an intimate executive retreat or an event for over 150 guests, we’ll create a seamless experience tailored to your objectives.
From romantic experiences for two through to large-scale corporate events, Waiheke Wine Tours has the experience and resources to accommodate groups of almost any size.
Our fleet and trusted local partnerships allow us to host:
Every itinerary is carefully planned to ensure excellent service, comfortable transport and a relaxed pace, regardless of group size.
Absolutely.
There’s no better place to celebrate than Waiheke Island.
Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, engagement, hens party, family reunion or simply a memorable day out with friends, we’ll create an experience that’s uniquely yours.
Depending on your celebration, we can organise:
Our goal is simple: to make your celebration effortless, memorable and completely personalised, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your special day with the people who matter most.
Without a doubt.
Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island feels like a completely different world. Famous for its award-winning vineyards, stunning beaches, boutique art galleries, exceptional restaurants and relaxed island lifestyle, it’s consistently recognised as one of New Zealand’s premier day-trip destinations.
Waiheke offers something for everyone. Wine lovers can discover more than 30 boutique vineyards, food enthusiasts can enjoy everything from casual beachfront dining to Michelin-starred restaurants, and nature lovers will find beautiful coastal walks, native bush, hidden bays and breathtaking viewpoints.
Many visitors tell us that Waiheke Island becomes one of the highlights of their New Zealand holiday.
Our local guides love sharing not only the famous attractions, but also the hidden gems that make the island so special.
One of the wonderful things about Waiheke Island is that there’s no bad time to visit.
Summer (December–February) is perfect for long lunches, beach visits and warm evenings overlooking the vineyards.
Autumn (March–May) is harvest season, making it one of the most exciting times to visit the wineries. The vineyards are alive with activity, temperatures are pleasant, and the island is slightly quieter than peak summer.
Winter (June–August) offers cosy cellar doors, roaring fireplaces, spectacular sunsets and exceptional dining. It’s also an ideal time to enjoy Waiheke’s renowned food scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants such as Mudbrick and Tantalus Estate, both awarded One Michelin Star in June 2026.
Spring (September–November) brings colourful vineyards, wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing, wine tasting and outdoor dining.
No matter the season, Waiheke Island offers unforgettable experiences all year round.
Qualmark Gold is New Zealand’s highest tourism accreditation, awarded to businesses that consistently deliver exceptional visitor experiences while operating sustainably and responsibly.
Administered by Tourism New Zealand, Qualmark assesses businesses across customer service, safety, environmental practices, professionalism and overall visitor experience.
Waiheke Wine Tours is proud to hold Qualmark Gold Accreditation, reflecting our commitment to delivering premium experiences while protecting the beautiful environment we call home.
When you choose a Qualmark Gold operator, you can travel with confidence knowing you’re booking with one of New Zealand’s leading tourism businesses.
Booking directly with Waiheke Wine Tours gives you access to the very best service from the moment you enquire.
Unlike third-party booking platforms, we can fully customise your itinerary, recommend the most suitable wineries and restaurants, accommodate dietary requirements and tailor experiences around your interests, budget and schedule.
You’ll also receive direct communication with our local team, who know Waiheke Island inside out and are always happy to share recommendations before your visit.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, luxury escape, corporate event or family celebration, booking directly allows us to create a much more personalised experience than any online booking platform can offer.
Anyone can visit a winery, but discovering the real Waiheke Island is something only a local can help you do.
Our guides don’t simply drive from one venue to the next. They share the stories behind the vineyards, introduce you to local winemakers, explain the island’s fascinating history, point out hidden beaches and scenic lookouts, recommend their favourite cafés and galleries, and help you experience Waiheke the way locals do.
Over the years, we’ve built trusted relationships with many of the island’s wineries, restaurants, artists and producers. This allows us to create authentic experiences that go beyond a typical wine tour.
Our goal is for you to leave not only with wonderful memories and great wine, but with a genuine connection to Waiheke Island and the people who make it such a special place.
Our friendly local team is always happy to help.
Info.waihekewinetours@gmail.com
To make your trip smooth and stress-free, please watch our short video tutorial on how to get to Waiheke and board your tour.
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
Send a message