Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour with Vineyard Lunch

Summary

Wine tasting across waiheke’s sunlit vineyards with sea views

You’ll wander through Waiheke Island’s most scenic vineyards, tasting boutique wines with a local guide who brings the island’s stories alive. Enjoy lunch at a hilltop winery overlooking Auckland and Rangitoto, then finish your day sipping wine above sparkling harbors. It’s relaxed, full of small surprises, and lingers in your memory long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a glass before I’ve even caught my breath from the ferry — that’s how the Waiheke Island wine tour starts. The air smells faintly salty, mixed with something green and sweet from the vines. Our guide, Tom (he grew up here — you can tell by the way he waves at every other car), grins as he tells us we’re about to “taste the island.” I’m not sure what that means until we’re standing in Stonyridge Vineyard, olive trees shimmering on one side and rows of vines stretching out like they’ve been here forever. The first sip is bold and earthy; I try to describe it but just end up smiling at the woman next to me instead.

Lunch happens up at Batch Winery — apparently the highest spot on Waiheke. It’s sunny enough that everyone squints, but nobody wants to sit inside. You can see all the way to Auckland and Rangitoto Volcano from here; honestly, it feels like you could just lean back and float over the Hauraki Gulf if you tried hard enough. The food’s not included but worth it (I got something with local cheese — still thinking about it). Tom points out little details about the island between courses, like why some hillsides are covered in wildflowers or how locals sneak down to certain beaches after work.

Mudbrick Vineyard is our last stop. By then everyone’s a bit looser — laughing more, swapping stories about where they’re from. The sea glimmers below us while we taste another round (I lost track of which blend was which). Someone tries to pronounce “Waiheke” properly; Tom laughs and gives us a quick lesson — I definitely didn’t nail it. There’s this moment where everything goes quiet except for birdsong and glasses clinking. I didn’t expect that part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waiheke Island wine tastings and lunch

• Catch 10am ferry to Waiheke Island
• Meet at Matiatia Wharf at 10:40am
• Wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard
• Lunch at Batch Winery (own cost)
• Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards
• Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard
• Return to ferry terminal for drop-off

Top questions

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

You take the 10am ferry from Auckland to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island; pickup is at 10:40am at the wharf.

Are wine tastings included in the Waiheke Island wine tour?

Yes, tastings at three different vineyards are included in your tour price.

Is lunch included on this Waiheke wine tasting tour?

No, lunch is not included; you order à la carte at Batch Winery and pay separately.

Does this Waiheke Island wine tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is available for accommodation along the main route on Waiheke Island; confirm in advance with your operator.

Which vineyards are visited during the day trip?

The usual itinerary includes Stonyridge Vineyard, Batch Winery for lunch, and Mudbrick Vineyard; substitutions may occur if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

No, participants must be 18 or older; children are not allowed on this tour.

What should I wear for a Waiheke Island vineyard tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress comfortably and bring layers for changing weather.

How long does the Waiheke wine tasting day trip last?

The guided portion begins around 11am after ferry arrival and ends with drop-off back at Matiatia Wharf in time for return ferries.

What’s included

Your day includes three boutique wine tastings across renowned Waiheke vineyards, comfortable transport with commentary from a local guide, GST taxes and fuel surcharge already covered, plus pickup from Matiatia Wharf or select island accommodations if arranged ahead of time. Lunch is enjoyed à la carte at Batch Winery—just pay as you go—before heading back to Auckland by ferry in the afternoon.