The Wine Affair — Wine Tour + Lunch at Award-Winning Restaurant Ki Māha ($290pp)

Escape the city and discover a more relaxed side of Waiheke Island on this premium afternoon wine experience. Hosted by a passionate local guide, enjoy boutique wine tastings at three handpicked vineyards, breathtaking coastal scenery, and insider stories that bring the island to life. Indulge in a delicious lunch at Ki Maha, crafted with fresh local ingredients and paired with a glass of wine overlooking Onetangi Beach. Perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers seeking an authentic, elevated Waiheke experience at a leisurely pace, with exceptional hospitality and unforgettable island moments you’ll treasure long after returning home with smiles.


Your Experience

Let your senses guide you on a journey through Waiheke’s most celebrated wineries and landscapes.

  • Premium wine tastings at three of Waiheke’s finest vineyards

  • 🍴 Gourmet lunch at Ki Māha, the island’s award-winning beachfront restaurant overlooking Onetangi Beach

  • 🌄 Spectacular 360° island views from Waiheke’s highest vineyard

  • 🗣️ Expert local guides sharing stories of Waiheke’s winemaking, culture, and community


The Journey

Your afternoon begins at Ki Māha Restaurant, an elegant modern dining space nestled along the pristine Onetangi Beach. The name Ki Māha means “towards perfection” in te reo Māori — a fitting reflection of this tranquil seaside experience. Here, you’ll savour a gourmet lunch paired with a complimentary beverage while enjoying panoramic ocean views and the soothing sound of the waves. Ki Māha has been honoured with both the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Award (2022) and the Cuisine Good Food Award (2022), making it the perfect start to your wine adventure.

Next, we’ll journey upward to Batch Winery, perched 240 metres above sea level — the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping 360-degree views across the Hauraki Gulf, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the lush island landscape. Their handcrafted, small-lot wines perfectly capture Waiheke’s elevated terroir and maritime climate.

From here, we head into the heart of Onetangi Valley to visit Postage Stamp Wines, a boutique vineyard known for its artisanal, small-parcel wines crafted from unique varietals. Each bottle reflects the individuality of the land and the creativity of the winemakers. Enjoy an intimate tasting that celebrates Waiheke’s diversity and innovation in winemaking.

Your journey concludes at Mudbrick Vineyard, one of the island’s most iconic and picturesque wineries. Established in 1992, Mudbrick’s hillside setting overlooks the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf with stunning views back to Auckland’s skyline. Here, you’ll enjoy your final tasting of the day in a setting that perfectly captures the romance and magic of Waiheke.


Sample Itinerary

Time Activity
11:00 AM Depart Auckland on the ferry to Waiheke Island (ferry tickets not included)
11:45 AM Meet your local guide at Matiatia Wharf
12:00 PM Gourmet lunch at Ki Māha, overlooking Onetangi Beach
1:45 PM Wine tasting at Batch Winery, Waiheke’s highest vineyard
2:45 PM Boutique tasting at Soho Estate or Postage Stamp Wines
4:00 PM Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf
5:00 PM Tour concludes — return ferry or enjoy free time in Oneroa Village

(Ferries depart every 30–60 minutes during summer months.)


What’s Included 

  • Private transport on Waiheke Island

  • Premium wine tastings at three top vineyards

  • Gourmet seaside lunch at Ki Māha (with one beverage)

  • Expert local driver/guide commentary

  • Option to be dropped in Oneroa Village after the tour

💰 $290 per person


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is lunch included in the Afternoon Wine Affair?

Yes.

Your experience includes a gourmet lunch at Ki Māha, one of Waiheke Island’s most celebrated beachfront restaurants overlooking beautiful Onetangi Beach. Recently recognised in the MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026, Ki Māha is renowned for showcasing the very best local produce in an elegant coastal setting.

Your lunch includes:

  • Freshly baked bread and dips to share
  • One main course
  • One complimentary beverage (wine, beer or non-alcoholic option)

It’s the perfect way to begin an unforgettable afternoon exploring Waiheke’s world-class wineries.

  • Are ferry tickets included?

No.

Ferry tickets are not included in the tour price and should be purchased separately.

We recommend travelling with Island Direct, our preferred ferry partner, for guaranteed seating and a seamless journey between Auckland and Waiheke Island.

Alternatively, guests may travel with Fullers360.

  • Which ferry should I catch from Auckland?

We recommend travelling on the Island Direct Ferry, our preferred ferry partner, which currently departs Auckland at 11:15am. Ferry timetables may change throughout the year, so please refer to the latest departure times on our website before travelling.

Guests may also travel with Fullers360 using the equivalent morning sailing from Downtown Auckland (11:00am).

Your local guide will be waiting to welcome you at Matiatia Wharf upon arrival.

  • Where do I meet my guide?

Your friendly Waiheke Wine Tours guide will be waiting for you at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, wearing company uniform and holding a welcome sign with your booking name.

If you’re already staying on Waiheke Island, please let us know before your tour. We’ll do our best to arrange a convenient pickup point along our route where possible.

  • Which wineries will we visit?

This premium afternoon experience includes tastings at three carefully selected Waiheke wineries.

Your itinerary typically includes:

  • Batch Winery – Waiheke Island’s highest vineyard, offering spectacular 360-degree views across the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula.
  • Soho Family Vineyards or Postage Stamp Wines – boutique wineries producing handcrafted, small-batch wines that showcase the unique character of Waiheke Island.
  • Mudbrick Vineyard – one of New Zealand’s most iconic vineyards, where you’ll enjoy your final tasting overlooking Auckland’s skyline. Mudbrick’s restaurant was awarded One MICHELIN Star in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026, cementing its place among the country’s finest dining destinations.

Should one of our featured vineyards be unavailable, we’ll substitute it with another premium Waiheke winery of equal quality to ensure you enjoy the same exceptional experience.

  • Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re completely new to wine or already have a passion for it, the Afternoon Wine Affair has been designed to be enjoyable for everyone.

Our knowledgeable local guides and welcoming cellar door hosts create a relaxed atmosphere where you’ll learn about Waiheke Island’s unique wine region, its history and its people—without any pressure or intimidating wine jargon.

  • Why is Batch Winery one of Waiheke’s most popular vineyards?

Batch Winery sits approximately 240 metres above sea level, making it the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island.

Guests love Batch for its breathtaking panoramic views across Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula, along with its handcrafted boutique wines produced in small quantities.

It’s consistently one of the highlights of the Afternoon Wine Affair.

  • What happens if one of the wineries is unavailable?

Occasionally, vineyards may be unavailable due to private events, seasonal closures or operational reasons.

If this happens, we’ll simply replace it with another carefully selected premium winery that offers a similar standard of wine, hospitality, and scenery.

Our goal is always to ensure you enjoy an outstanding afternoon featuring three exceptional wine tastings.

  • Is the Afternoon Wine Affair suitable for solo travellers?

Definitely.

Many of our guests join the Afternoon Wine Affair on their own and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of our small-group tours.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow travellers while discovering Waiheke Island with an experienced local guide.

  • Is this tour suitable for couples?

Absolutely.

The Afternoon Wine Affair is one of our most popular experiences for couples looking to enjoy a relaxed afternoon together.

From an award-winning seaside lunch at Ki Māha to boutique vineyard tastings and spectacular island views, it’s the perfect combination of food, wine, scenery and genuine Waiheke hospitality.

  • Can I purchase wine during the tour?

Yes.

All of the wineries we visit have cellar doors where guests can purchase wines to enjoy at home or have shipped where available.

Many of these wines are produced in limited quantities and are only available on Waiheke Island, making them the perfect souvenir from your visit. International shipping can be arranged directly to your home from our winery partners.

  • Can I stay in Oneroa after the tour?

Yes.

Rather than returning directly to the ferry terminal, you can choose to finish your tour in Oneroa Village.

Spend some extra time browsing boutique shops, visiting local art galleries, enjoying a drink by the beach or treating yourself to an ice cream before catching one of the regular ferries back to Auckland.

 

 

 

 

How to get to Waiheke:

An alternative to waiting in line is to book a ferry in advance. You can make a reservation herewww.islanddirect.co.nz