Waiheke Island wine gin food tour: Five tastings lunch

A Waiheke couple's curated route to the island's best producers, not the usual stops.

A six-hour guided tour of Waiheke Island with five tastings (olive oil, wine at Jasper Ridge Estate, gin or vodka at Waiheke Distilling Co, and award-winning wines at a second winery) plus lunch with drinks at Three Seven Two restaurant on Onetangi Beach. Joe and Jen host groups of up to eleven in an air-conditioned vehicle, keeping the experience intimate and personal. Minimum age 18. All tastings, lunch, and drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waiheke Island wine and food tour

• Taste local extra-virgin olive oil
• Enjoy bespoke Waiheke pantry tasting
• Guided wine tasting at Jasper Ridge Estate
• Visit Waiheke Distilling Co for gin or vodka tasting
• Lunch at Three Seven Two restaurant with drinks
• Stroll on Onetangi beach
• Wine tasting at Awaroa Winery or Te Motu Estate

The experience

The tour starts with a tasting of local extra-virgin olive oil and a curated 'Waiheke pantry' selection before moving to Jasper Ridge Estate, where a guide walks you through their wine range and styles: their 2024 rosé was named the number one in New Zealand by Real Review. From there, a short drive takes you to Waiheke Distilling Co, perched on one of the island's most stunning viewpoints. You taste handcrafted gin or botanical vodka served tasting-board style with premium mixers, ice and garnishes in their garden bar and woolshed setting.

Lunch happens at Three Seven Two restaurant on Onetangi Beach, a multi-award-winning spot with a beachside view. You start with shared breads and olive oil, then choose a main course accompanied by complimentary wine, beer, cider or soft drink from their menu. After eating, there's time to walk the golden sands of Onetangi Beach and take in the South Pacific air. If available on the day, Te Matuku oysters can be added on.

Joe drives the air-conditioned vehicle and Jen co-hosts. Both are locals who have personally chosen each stop to show what Waiheke actually is to them. The group stays at eleven or fewer, which is why the pace feels unhurried and the conversation stays genuine. You'll also visit Awaroa Winery or Te Motu Estate for a fourth wine tasting surrounded by vines and views. The whole experience runs six hours and includes all tasting fees, lunch, drinks, and the shared gourmet food served at the distillery.

What’s included

• All tasting fees at each venue.
• lunch at Three Seven Two with complimentary wine, beer, cider or soft drink.
• shared gourmet food served at Waiheke Distilling Co.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport across the island.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the six hours.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

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

GroupUp to 11

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by WOW Tours NZ - Waiheke Island

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small group (maximum eleven) and a tour shaped by locals who live on the island, not a standard itinerary. Joe and Jen have chosen each stop personally, so the route skips the usual tourist circuit and moves at a pace that lets you linger and talk.

Traveler reviews

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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.

How do I get to Waiheke Island from Auckland?

Waiheke Island is reached by ferry from downtown Auckland. Island Direct (the locals' choice) departs from Pier 13 and takes about 40 minutes. Book the 9:15am departure to meet the tour. Fullers Ferry also runs the route. If you use Fullers, aim for the 9:00am departure and arrive at least 60 minutes early, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Both ferry companies have online booking and ticketing machines at the terminal.

What exactly do we taste on this tour?

You taste local extra-virgin olive oil and a curated 'Waiheke pantry' selection at the start, then move through wine tastings at Jasper Ridge Estate and either Awaroa Winery or Te Motu Estate, handcrafted gin or botanical vodka at Waiheke Distilling Co served with premium mixers and garnishes, and award-winning wines at a second venue. All tasting fees are included.

What's included in the lunch at Three Seven Two?

Lunch at Three Seven Two includes shared breads and olive oil to start, a main course of your choice, and complimentary wine, beer, cider or soft drink from their menu. Te Matuku oysters can be added on if available that day, at an extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for someone who doesn't drink alcohol?

The tour is built around tastings of wine, gin and vodka, so it's designed for guests who drink. Soft drinks are available at lunch, but the core experience centers on alcoholic beverages. You may want to contact the hosts directly to discuss whether the tour fits your preferences.

What's the group size like on this tour?

Groups are capped at eleven guests, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for genuine conversation. You travel together in an air-conditioned vehicle with Joe as your driver and Jen as co-host.