Waiheke wine tour: Vineyards, tastings, small group

A local guide shares island stories while you taste at three vineyards in one afternoon.

A small-group wine tour on Waiheke Island with a local guide, visiting three boutique vineyards for 10–15 wine tastings across the day. All tastings and lunch reservations are pre-booked, so no queuing or disappointment when vineyards are fully booked for walk-ins. The tour runs 5.5 hours and includes scenic drive time, air-conditioned transport, and plenty of stops for photos.

The experience

How do you taste three vineyards without spending half the day in a queue? The operator pre-books every tasting and lunch reservation, which means the vineyards know you're coming and have your spot ready. You arrive in a small group of no more than eleven people, which also lets the driver drop you right at each vineyard entrance instead of parking you down the road. The tour opens with a scenic drive across the island. Your local guide points out galleries, shops, restaurants, beaches and the vines themselves, and shares the quirky stories locals know: the celebrities who've made Waiheke their home, the migratory godwits who stop here on their way across the Pacific, how the soil and climate shaped the wine.

At each of the three boutique vineyards, you taste 10–15 wines across the stops. The guide walks you through what you're tasting instead of leaving you to figure it out alone, and the pre-booked reservation means you're not standing outside waiting for a table to open. Lunch happens at one of the vineyards or at a beachside restaurant. You choose the spot, though the cost of food is separate from the tour price. The whole day runs 5.5 hours, with the scenic drive and photo stops built in, so you're not rushing between tastings.

Transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide speaks English. Pickup is included. If you're using public transport to get to the meeting point, options are available nearby. The tour works for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport.
• live commentary from a local guide sharing island stories and wine knowledge.
• wine tastings at three boutique vineyards (10–15 wines across the stops).
• scenic drive with photo stops.
• pre-booked tastings and lunch reservations so no queuing.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:40

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 64

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by The Wine Tasting Company

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small group, no more than eleven people, so the driver can drop you at each vineyard entrance and the guide can share stories without shouting over a crowd. The pre-booked reservations mean you taste and move without waiting, which matters when vineyards are fully booked for walk-ins.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

90 verified traveler reviews

5 ★88

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. You pay separately for food at the vineyard or beachside restaurant where you stop. The operator pre-books your lunch reservation so you have a table waiting, but the meal cost is yours to cover.

How many people will be on the tour with me?

The tour is capped at 11 guests maximum, which is small enough that the driver can drop you right at each vineyard entrance instead of parking elsewhere and walking you in.

What happens if I arrive late or need to be picked up from my hotel?

Pickup is included in the tour price. If you're staying on the island, the operator can arrange to collect you. If you're using public transport to reach the meeting point, options are available nearby.

How long does the tour take from start to finish?

The tour runs 5.5 hours total, including the scenic drive, three vineyard tastings, and time for photos along the way.

Do I need to be 18 to join this tour?

Yes, the minimum age is 18 to participate in the wine tastings.