Waiheke Island: Small Group Off-Grid Wine Tour & Lunch

Summary

Waiheke wine tour with local stories boutique stops and off grid roads

You’ll join a small group for a relaxed day on Waiheke Island — tasting boutique wines at family-run vineyards, sharing laughs with your local guide Grant, enjoying a proper lunch (with options), and soaking up island stories along quiet backroads. Expect genuine moments and flavors that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Grant met us right off the ferry on Waiheke Island — he waved before we even spotted him, which somehow set the tone for the whole day. He’s lived here ages, knows every twist of these back roads, and just started chatting like we’d known each other longer than five minutes. First stop was Oneroa Village for coffee (the roast smelled nutty, almost chocolatey — I wish I could find it back home). There was a slow start to the morning, a kind of easy quiet in the air that made me feel like I’d already left city life behind. I didn’t expect to relax so fast.

Driving along those forested roads, with glimpses of blue water through tangled trees, Grant pointed out old baches and told stories about Waiheke’s “eccentric” locals — his word, not mine. The first winery was so small we nearly missed the driveway. Inside, someone’s dog wandered between tables and the winemaker poured us something crisp and white while explaining how their family still hand-picks every grape. I’m no expert but you could taste how fresh it was. We tried about fifteen different wines by the end of it (not all at once — don’t worry), each place felt different: one had wildflowers everywhere, another had this big old wooden table that creaked when you leaned on it.

Lunch was at Passage Rock — or maybe Three Seven Two? Honestly can’t remember because we let Grant decide based on his mood and what suited us best (he asked about food allergies too). The food was simple but really good; I still think about that olive oil they served with bread. At one point Li from our group tried ordering in Mandarin and everyone laughed — including the chef who came out to say hi. It felt less like a tour and more like hanging out with friends who just happen to know everyone on the island.

I left Waiheke feeling lighter than when I arrived. Maybe it was all that fresh air or maybe just hearing people talk about their craft without any pretense. If you’re after something polished or corporate, this isn’t it — but if you want a real taste of Waiheke Island wine tours with actual locals and some good stories thrown in, well… you’ll probably be glad you booked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waiheke Island boutique wine tour

• Meet guide Grant on Waiheke Island
• Drive to Oneroa Village
• Stop for locally roasted coffee
• Drive along forested back roads
• Visit first boutique winery
• Taste wines from sustainable vineyards
• Explore old school wineries off main routes
• Enjoy relaxed tour atmosphere

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Waiheke wine tour?

You’ll visit several boutique wineries (usually three), tasting around 15 different Waiheke Island wines throughout the day.

Is lunch included in this Waiheke wine tour?

Yes, there’s a lunch stop included at either Passage Rock or Three Seven Two depending on group preference and timing.

How big are the groups for this Waiheke wine tour?

The groups are small — up to 9 people — making it more personal and flexible than larger tours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; Grant meets guests as they arrive on Waiheke Island by ferry.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available and specific dietary needs can be advised at booking.

What makes this Waiheke wine tour different from others?

The focus is on off-grid routes, visiting family-owned wineries away from commercial crowds with a local guide who knows everyone personally.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near where you meet your guide on Waiheke Island.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide Grant as soon as you step onto Waiheke Island, all taxes and fees covered, tastings of around 15 boutique wines at unique family-owned vineyards (with a small food pairing at Awaroa Winery or similar), plus a relaxed lunch stop chosen to suit your group’s vibe before heading back in time for your ferry home.