Man 'O War Bay and East End Escape Tour

Private and indulgent

Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour

Discover Waiheke’s Wild East — Where Coastal Beauty Meets World-Class Wine 🍷

Escape to the untouched eastern coastline of Waiheke Island, where rolling vineyards meet the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. This exclusive journey blends breathtaking scenery, premium wine and gin tastings, and the relaxed sophistication that defines the island’s east end.

Explore award-winning vineyards, a boutique distillery perched above the sea, and experience the serene charm of Waiheke’s most remote and beautiful region.


The Journey

11:00 AM — Departure ⛴️
Begin your adventure departing from Auckland on the morning ferry, or enjoy a private pickup from your Waiheke accommodation. Your friendly guide will greet you with a smile and introduce you to the beauty and stories of the island as your day unfolds.

12:45 PM — Passage Rock Wines 🍇
Start your day at Passage Rock, Waiheke’s most awarded small vineyard. Enjoy a premium wine tasting and shared platter surrounded by peaceful countryside and rows of vines. Known for its acclaimed Reserve Syrah and welcoming atmosphere, Passage Rock captures the essence of Waiheke winemaking.

2:30 PM — Waiheke Distilling Co. 🍸
Next, visit Waiheke Distilling Co., perched high on a ridge overlooking Cowes Bay and the islands of Pakatoa, Rotoroa, and Ponui. Wander through the garden where the distillery’s botanicals grow, and sample a range of small-batch gins while learning about their unique flavours. The sweeping coastal views make this experience truly unforgettable.

3:30 PM — Man O’ War Vineyards 🍷
Your final stop is the iconic Man O’ War, the only beachfront tasting room on Waiheke and home to some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wines. Set among rolling coastal hills and golden bays, the estate offers an exceptional tasting experience featuring bold Syrahs, elegant Chardonnays, and other distinctive varietals. Feel the sea breeze as you sip and savour your final glass.

5:30 PM — Return 🚐
Your guide will return you to the ferry terminal for the 5:30 pm sailing back to Auckland, or drop you off at your accommodation if you’re staying on the island.


💰 Pricing

$750pp

📋 Tour Details

  • Private tour if you have more than 6 people, call us for a special group price

  • Operates Thursday to Sunday (subject to vineyard hours)

  • Includes: wine and gin tastings, shared platter lunch, and private transport

  • Excludes: ferry tickets, extra beverages, and personal purchases

  • Seasonal vineyard availability may affect the itinerary; equivalent-quality substitutions may be made


Why the East End

The eastern end of Waiheke Island offers a different rhythm — wilder, quieter, and deeply connected to the land and sea. 🌾
The road winds through rolling farmland, native forest, and dramatic coastal cliffs before opening out to serene bays like Man O’ War and Cowes Bay.

Here, the wines are shaped by sunshine and sea breezes, the gin is infused with homegrown botanicals, and every tasting tells the story of the land. From the intimate charm of Passage Rock to the craft spirit of Waiheke Distilling Co. and the grandeur of Man O’ War, this is the true heart of Waiheke’s east.


Journey to Waiheke’s wild east…taste the land, feel the sea, and discover where island beauty meets exceptional wine.

Got a Question? I have the answers!

What is the best way to visit Man O’ War on Waiheke Island?

The best way to visit Man O’ War Vineyard is on a guided private tour. Located on Waiheke Island’s beautiful eastern coastline, Man O’ War is around an hour from the main ferry terminal. Our Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour includes luxury transport, premium wine tastings at Passage Rock and Man O’ War, a gin tasting at Waiheke Distilling Co., a shared platter lunch, and an experienced local guide, allowing you to relax and enjoy one of the island’s most spectacular journeys.

Is Man O’ War worth visiting on Waiheke Island?

Absolutely. Man O’ War Vineyards is one of Waiheke Island’s most iconic wine estates and the only beachfront tasting room on the island. Famous for its award-winning Syrah, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style wines, the estate is surrounded by rolling hills, native bush and secluded bays, offering a truly unforgettable Waiheke experience.

What wineries are included on the Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour?

Your tour includes premium tastings at Passage Rock Wines, Waiheke Distilling Co., and Man O’ War Vineyards. Together they showcase three unique experiences, from boutique family-owned wines and handcrafted small-batch gin to one of New Zealand’s most celebrated coastal vineyards.

Does the Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour include lunch?

Yes. Your day includes a delicious shared platter lunch at Passage Rock Wines, one of Waiheke Island’s most awarded boutique vineyards. Enjoy fresh local produce while relaxing among the vines before continuing your journey to the island’s eastern coastline.

Can I visit Waiheke Distilling Co. on a guided tour?

Yes. Our East End Escape Tour includes a premium tasting at Waiheke Distilling Co., where you’ll sample handcrafted small-batch gins while overlooking the breathtaking waters of Cowes Bay. You’ll also discover the botanicals grown on-site and learn how their award-winning spirits are created.

Is this a private Waiheke wine tour?

Yes. The Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour is a premium private experience, perfect for couples, families, friends and corporate groups wanting to discover Waiheke’s quieter eastern coastline. Private group pricing is available for groups of more than six guests.

What makes Waiheke’s eastern end different from the western vineyards?

The eastern end of Waiheke Island offers a completely different experience. While the western vineyards are close to the ferry terminal, the east is wilder, quieter and surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, rolling farmland, native forest and secluded beaches. It’s the perfect choice for visitors looking to experience the authentic, untouched side of Waiheke.

How long is the Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour?

This is a full-day private experience. Guests travelling from Auckland depart on the morning ferry and return on the 5:30 pm sailing, while those staying on Waiheke Island can enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off from their accommodation.

What is included in the Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour?

Your tour includes luxury transport, premium wine tasting at Passage Rock Wines, a shared gourmet platter lunch, premium gin tasting at Waiheke Distilling Co., wine tasting at Man O’ War Vineyards, and a knowledgeable local guide. Ferry tickets, additional beverages and personal purchases are not included.

Why book the Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour with Waiheke Wine Tours?

What a good question! As one of Waiheke Island’s leading locally owned tour operators, Waiheke Wine Tours has been creating unforgettable island experiences for thousands of guests. Our Man O’ War Bay & East End Escape Tour showcases a part of Waiheke that many visitors never discover, combining award-winning wines, premium gin, breathtaking coastal scenery and genuine local hospitality. It’s the perfect choice for travellers wanting to explore beyond the ordinary and experience the true beauty of Waiheke Island.

Is Man O’ War difficult to get to without a tour?

Yes. Man O’ War is located on Waiheke Island’s remote eastern coastline, approximately an hour’s drive from Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Public transport options are limited, and taxi fares can be expensive due to the distance. A guided tour is the easiest and most enjoyable way to experience Man O’ War, allowing you to relax, enjoy the tastings and take in the spectacular scenery without worrying about driving.

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    Onetangi, 1081
    Waiheke Island
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