Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour

Waiheke Island Scenic Tour with Wine Tastings

Exploring Waiheke – The Island of Wine

Step into the charm of Waiheke Island, a place where sun-soaked vineyards meet the sea. With Waiheke Wine Tours, you’ll uncover the island’s most celebrated cellar doors, taste exceptional wines, and soak in views that linger long after your glass is empty.

Our knowledgeable local guides bring the island’s spirit to life with stories, insights, and a touch of island humour, creating an experience that’s as enriching as it is delicious.

 The Experience

If you’re seeking a truly world-class Waiheke Island wine tour, look no further. We take you straight into the heart of Waiheke’s vibrant wine culture with guaranteed cellar door tastings at three of the island’s top vineyards. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic drives past beaches, olive groves, and rolling hills, all while learning about the island’s fascinating history, unique terroir, and local community. Enjoy a lunch stop at Batch Winery, Waiheke Island’s highest vineyard, surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Their seasonal à la carte menu features locally inspired dishes made with fresh New Zealand ingredients.
Please note: lunch is at your own cost and payable directly to the restaurant

Relax in comfort in one of our modern, air-conditioned vehicles, as your friendly local guide shares insider knowledge about the island’s wine scene, culture, and hidden gems.

 Tour Highlights

• Visit three of Waiheke Island’s world-renowned vineyards for premium tastings

• Sample a wide range of artisan wines, each with its own story and style

• Enjoy stunning island scenery and panoramic coastal views

• Learn about Waiheke’s unique growing conditions from your expert guide

• Relax and take in the relaxed pace of island life — one sip at a time

Your Wine-Tasting Itinerary

10:00 AM – Depart Auckland on the Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island (ferry tickets not included)
10:40 AM – Meet your tour guide at Matiatia Wharf, holding a Waiheke Wine Tours sign
11:00 AM – Begin your tastings at Cable Bay Vineyards, exploring elegant wines that capture both Waiheke and Marlborough’s distinctive character
12:00 PM – Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Batch Winery, Waiheke’s highest vineyard, with panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Choose your meal from the à la carte menu (lunch at own cost)
2:00 PM – Wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard, set in a picturesque valley surrounded by olive trees and vines — the aromas of the south of France right here on Waiheke
3:00 PM – Finish with a tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard, an iconic destination with breathtaking views across the Waitematā Harbour to Auckland City
4:00 PM – Return ferry to Auckland or stay and explore Oneroa Village at your leisure

(Please note: itineraries may vary slightly depending on seasonal vineyard availability.)

💰 Pricing

$ 170 per person – includes all tastings and transport on Waiheke Island.

Lunch and ferry tickets are not included.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Is a guided wine tour better than using the hop-on hop-off bus?

If your goal is to experience the very best of Waiheke’s wine scene, a guided tour offers a far more seamless experience. During summer, the island is incredibly busy, and many premium cellar doors are fully booked well in advance. With Waiheke Wine Tours, your tastings are arranged before the day begins, you’re driven directly to each vineyard entrance, and you never need to worry about missing out, walking long distances, or coordinating transport between wineries. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most beautiful wine regions.

Is lunch included in the Scenic Wine Tour?

No, lunch is not included in the Scenic Wine Tour.

However, we’ll stop at Batch Winery, Waiheke Island’s highest vineyard, where you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Batch offers a delicious seasonal menu, outstanding wines and breathtaking 360-degree views across the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Lunch and drinks are at your own expense.

Which ferry should I take to Waiheke Island?

You are welcome to travel with either Island Direct or Fullers360.

We recommend Island Direct, our preferred ferry partner, as you can pre-book your seat and enjoy a smoother boarding experience.

If you choose the walk-up service with Fullers360, please arrive at least 60 minutes before departure from the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, Auckland, as boarding operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to book your ferry, visit www.islanddirect.co.nz

Can you pick me up if I’m already staying on Waiheke Island?

Yes.

If you’re staying on Waiheke Island, we’re happy to collect you from a convenient bus stop along our main tour route. Your exact pickup location and time will be confirmed once your booking has been finalised.

Are children allowed on your shared wine tours?

Our shared group wine tours are designed for guests aged 18 years and over.

If you’re travelling with children or teenagers, we’d love to welcome you on one of our private tours, which can be tailored to suit families and include non-alcoholic options and family-friendly venues.

Can I book a shared tour for a group of six or more?

Groups of six guests or more are required to book a private Waiheke wine tour.

This allows us to provide a much more personalised experience while ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of all guests on our shared tours.

Our private tours can be fully customised to include premium wineries, gourmet lunches, art galleries, whisky or gin tastings, olive oil experiences and much more.

✨ Why Choose Us

With over 13 years of experience, a Gold Qualmark Certification, and a team of passionate, locally based guides, Waiheke Wine Tours creates unforgettable experiences that blend great wine, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery — all infused with the warmth and authenticity that defines Waiheke Island.

Got a question? I have the answer!

What is the best shared wine tour on Waiheke Island?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, shared but very boutique wine experience, our Exploring Waiheke – The Island of Wine tour is one of the best shared wine tours on Waiheke Island. You’ll visit three world-renowned vineyards, enjoy premium wine tastings, travel with a knowledgeable local guide, and experience the island’s spectacular scenery in a comfortable, small-group setting.

What vineyards are included on the Exploring Waiheke wine tour?

This shared boutique wine tour visits three of Waiheke Island’s most iconic vineyards: Cable Bay Vineyards, Batch Winery, Stonyridge Vineyard, and finishes with a premium tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard. These are the top vineyards on Waiheke, and this, to be totally honest, is the best of the best for an affordable price.

(Please note that vineyards may very occasionally change due to seasonal availability, with an equivalent premium vineyard substituted.)

Are the wine tastings included in the tour price?

Yes. Your tour includes premium wine tastings at three of Waiheke Island’s leading vineyards. You’ll sample a variety of handcrafted wines, including elegant Chardonnays, Rosés, Syrahs and Bordeaux-style blends, while learning about the island’s unique wine-growing conditions.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Waiheke Island?

Absolutely. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience the very best of Waiheke Island in one day. Along with premium wine tastings, you’ll enjoy scenic drives, spectacular coastal views, fascinating local history, and insider knowledge from one of our experienced local guides.

How many people are on the shared Waiheke wine tour?

Our shared boutique tours are designed to offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere without feeling crowded. Travelling in comfortable, modern, larger air-conditioned vehicles, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience while meeting fellow wine lovers from around the world.

Why is Waiheke Island famous for wine?

Waiheke Island is internationally recognised as one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Its warm climate, long sunshine hours, coastal breezes and unique volcanic soils create ideal conditions for producing world-class Syrah, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style wines. The island is home to many award-winning boutique vineyards, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

What makes Waiheke Wine Tours different from other wine tours?

As one of Waiheke Island’s leading locally owned wine tour companies, we focus on creating authentic, memorable experiences rather than simply transporting guests between vineyards. Our passionate local guides share the island’s stories, history and hidden gems while introducing you to some of Waiheke’s finest wines, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and connected to the island.

Can I stay on Waiheke Island after the tour finishes?

Yes. The tour officially concludes at 4:00 pm, when you’re free to catch the return ferry to Auckland or spend more time exploring Waiheke Island. Many guests choose to wander through the boutique shops, cafés and galleries in Oneroa Village, enjoy a drink overlooking the ocean, or have an early dinner before catching a later ferry home.