Waiheke Island Sundowner Wine Tour: Small Group, Premium Tastings

The island looks different in late afternoon light, and the small group gets to the viewpoints the big buses miss.

A five-hour wine tour on Waiheke Island departing at 2:50pm from the ferry terminal, with two premium tastings at boutique vineyards, scenic drives to vantage points, and dinner at a handpicked restaurant. The small group size, up to 10 people, lets the guide access quieter spots and avoid the morning rush. Dinner is an additional cost. Return ferry tickets to and from Waiheke are also separate.

The experience

The tour picks you up at Matiatia Ferry terminal at 2:50pm and starts with a scenic drive to your first tasting at either Mudbrick or Cable Bay, depending on the day's availability. You'll spend about an hour there before heading to a second vineyard (Batch Winery or Te Motu) for another hour of premium tastings. Along the way, the route detours to vantage points with views across the island and out to sea. These stops are the kind a small group can linger at without holding up a schedule.

At 5:30pm, you head to dinner at either Ki Maha Restaurant on Onetangi Beach or Mudbrick Bistro, depending on what works that day. The guide handles the route and the timing. You choose and pay for your meal separately. At 7:30pm, the van returns you to Matiatia Ferry terminal in time for the 8pm ferry back to Auckland. The whole day runs five hours on the island itself, with an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a live English-speaking guide included throughout.

What’s included

• Two premium wine tastings at boutique vineyards.
• scenic drives with stops at vantage points across the island.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 15:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 65

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Waiheke Wine Trips

Is this one for you?The five-hour window (pickup at 2:50pm, return at 7:30pm) fits neatly into an afternoon and evening on Waiheke without eating into a full day, and the small group size means you skip the morning crowds and reach quieter viewpoints.

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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.

What time does the tour start and finish on Waiheke Island?

Pickup is at 2:50pm from Matiatia Ferry terminal, and the tour returns you there at 7:30pm in time for the 8pm ferry back to Auckland. The five-hour tour spans late afternoon into early evening.

Which vineyards will I visit?

The tour includes tastings at two boutique vineyards chosen based on availability each day: either Mudbrick or Cable Bay for the first stop, then Batch Winery or Te Motu for the second. Both are premium venues, and the specific pairing depends on what works on your departure date.

Is dinner included in the tour price?

Dinner is not included and costs extra. You'll eat at either Ki Maha Restaurant on Onetangi Beach or Mudbrick Bistro, with a two-course meal ranging from NZ$85 to NZ$100. You choose the restaurant and menu when you book.

Do I need to book my own ferry tickets to and from Waiheke?

Yes, return ferry tickets are an additional cost at NZ$65 per person. You'll book and pay for these separately before the tour.

How many people travel on this tour?

It's a small group tour with a maximum of 10 guests per vehicle, which is why the guide can access quieter spots and vantage points that larger bus tours cannot reach.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes two premium wine tastings at boutique vineyards, a scenic drive with stops at vantage points, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a live English-speaking guide. Dinner and ferry tickets are separate costs.