Waiheke Island: Food & Wine Tour with Oysters & Lunch

Summary

Wine tasting on waiheke island with oysters and olive oil lunch

You’ll taste Waiheke Island’s best wines at two vineyards and sample fresh olive oil straight from the grove. If oysters are available you’ll try those too; otherwise expect local honey or other treats. Lunch is shared around a big table with strangers who don’t feel like strangers by dessert. You might leave thinking about sunlight on your face or that first sip of wine — it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped off the ferry at Waiheke Island and right away I could smell salt in the air — kind of briny but clean. Our guide, Tania, waved us over to her van (she’s lived here forever, it seems), and before I knew it we were winding through green hills. First stop was an olive grove. I’d never tasted olive oil straight from a spoon before — it’s peppery, almost grassy, nothing like the supermarket stuff. Tania explained how each tree variety changes the flavor. She handed me a piece of bread to dip and I probably used too much oil, but honestly, who cares?

The next vineyard looked like something out of Spain, all mosaic tiles and bright colors. We tried three wines — one white that tasted like summer stone fruit, and a red that made my cheeks warm up. There were little plates of food to go with each glass; I remember these tiny salty fish bites that I kept reaching for when nobody was looking. Lunch was served family-style at a long table where everyone just talked about whatever — favorite beaches, bad travel stories, the usual. It felt easy.

We stopped by Te Matuku Bay for oysters if they’re in season (they weren’t this time because of rain — nature’s rules). Tania told us how sometimes locals just eat them right off the rocks. Instead we had honey from the island, which sounds random but actually went so well with cheese I almost forgot about the oysters for a second.

The last place was The Heke — more relaxed than the others. Some folks tried craft whisky (I stuck to wine) and there was this low hum of conversation mixed with birds outside. By then I felt full in every way: food, sun, maybe a bit of wine too. On the drive back through Waiheke’s hills, someone started singing quietly in the back seat and nobody minded at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit vineyards and taste local products

• Visit olive oil production site
• Taste different olive oils
• Visit Spanish-influenced vineyard
• Enjoy tapas-style lunch
• Visit The Heke for tasting
• Choose whisky or local wine tasting

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Waiheke Island food & wine tour?

No hotel pickup on Auckland mainland; tour starts after ferry arrival on Waiheke Island.

Are oysters always included on this day trip?

Oysters are seasonal and may be unavailable after heavy rain; substitutes like local honey are offered.

How many vineyards do we visit during this tour?

You’ll visit two vineyards for wine tastings plus an olive grove for oil tasting.

Is lunch provided on this Waiheke Island tour?

Yes, lunch is included and served family-style at one of the vineyards.

Can vegetarians join this gourmet food & wine tour?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

What is the group size for this Waiheke Island day trip?

The group size ranges from 2 to 15 people maximum.

Are whisky or beer tastings included?

You can choose between a small-batch whisky or beer tasting or enjoy another glass of local wine at The Heke.

Is public transportation available to reach Waiheke Island?

Yes, public transport options are available to reach the ferry terminal for Waiheke Island.

What’s included

Your day includes guided transport around Waiheke Island after ferry arrival, olive oil tasting at an island grove, wine tastings at two different vineyards paired with snacks (like oysters if in season), a relaxed family-style lunch with local flavors, plus either craft whisky or another glass of wine at The Heke before heading back toward the ferry dock.