Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting, Scenic Drive & Beach Lunch

Wine tasting on waiheke island with lunch and beach views

You’ll taste Waiheke Island wines with locals who know their stuff, enjoy a relaxed platter lunch with sea views, and walk Onetangi’s long beach under old pohutukawa trees. There’s time for art galleries or coffee in Oneroa village before your easy return to Auckland—a day that lingers in small ways.

What’s included

Your day includes guided transport around Waiheke Island with stops at two vineyards for wine tastings (all tasting fees covered), plus a relaxed platter lunch with a glass of local wine. Afterward there’s free time at Onetangi Beach and Oneroa village before an easy return to Auckland by ferry when you’re ready.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waiheke Island wine tasting and sightseeing

• Drive scenic northern route
• Wine tasting at first vineyard
• Wine tasting and lunch at second vineyard
• Visit Onetangi Beach
• Stop at Oneroa village
• Return to Waiheke Wharf

The Experience

The first thing that hit me was the salt in the air as we rolled down the windows driving up Waiheke’s northern road. Our guide, Simon, pointed out the Hauraki Gulf stretching blue and wide—he said you could see all the way to Coromandel on clear days. Not sure if it was just the light or the wine talking later, but I believed him. The vines at Mudbrick looked almost too green against the grey stone buildings. We tried three wines there—one of them had this weirdly peppery finish I can’t stop thinking about. Simon told us how volcanic soil changes everything about the taste, which somehow made each sip feel more interesting.

Lunch happened at Stonyridge (or maybe it was another spot—they switch sometimes), and honestly, I didn’t expect to get so full from a platter. There was smoked fish, olives that tasted like actual sunshine, bread that was still warm. Someone at our table tried to pronounce “Onetangi” right; Li (she works at the vineyard) laughed and gave us a lesson—my attempt was apparently hilarious. After lunch we wandered down to Onetangi Beach. The sand felt cool even though it was sunny; you could hear tui birds somewhere in the pohutukawa trees, but mostly it was just quiet except for waves and someone’s dog barking way off.

We had time to poke around Oneroa village before heading back—tiny art galleries, a shop selling honey from local hives (I bought some). There’s this slow pace on Waiheke that makes you forget Auckland is only a ferry ride away. I kept thinking I’d want to stay longer next time, maybe just sit in a café watching people come and go instead of rushing for the 5pm ferry. Still think about that view from Mudbrick sometimes—you know?

Top questions

How do I get to Waiheke Island for this wine tour?

You’ll need to catch the 12pm Fullers Ferry from Downtown Auckland; ferry tickets aren’t included in the tour price.

Is lunch included on this Waiheke wine tour?

Yes, a platter lunch with cold meats, cheese, seafood, vegetables, and breads is included at one of the vineyards.

Do I need to arrange my own transport back after the tour?

You can make your own way back or your guide will return you to Waiheke Wharf in time for the 5pm ferry.

Are dietary requirements catered for during lunch?

Yes—just let them know your dietary needs in advance so they can prepare accordingly.

How many vineyards are visited on this Waiheke Island wine tasting tour?

You’ll visit two vineyards for tastings before heading to Onetangi Beach and Oneroa village.

Is hotel pickup included in this Waiheke wine tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Matiatia Wharf if already on Waiheke or after arriving by ferry from Auckland.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour according to their policy.

Is this wine tasting day trip suitable for pregnant travelers?

No—it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.