Waiheke Island: Wine Tour, Beachfront Lunch & Vineyard Tastings

Summary

Wine tasting on waiheke island with vineyard stops and a seaside lunch

You’ll sip Waiheke Island wines straight from three vineyards, share a beachfront lunch where you can hear waves hitting Onetangi’s sand, and travel with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way. Expect fresh flavors (and maybe a bit of laughter) as you explore villages and valleys—leaving with more than just wine on your mind.

What’s the experience like?

First thing you notice stepping onto Waiheke Island is the air — it’s got this salty-sweet mix, like sea spray tangled up with wildflowers. Our guide, Pete, was waiting at the ferry and waved us over like we were old friends. He drove us straight to Cable Bay Vineyard for our first tasting. I’m not usually a Chardonnay person but theirs had this crisp bite that somehow made me think of green apples and sunshine. Pete told us about how the grapes here get more wind than rain — “makes ‘em tough,” he said, grinning. I tried to swirl my glass properly but almost sloshed it onto my shoes (no one seemed to mind).

Driving through Oneroa Village felt like passing through someone’s daydream — little shops painted all kinds of blues and greens, people waving from porches. Lunch was at this spot right on Onetangi Beach, just a few steps from the sand. The set menu came with a glass of wine (I picked rosé because it matched the color of the sky). I didn’t expect the fish to taste so fresh — maybe it’s cliché to say you can taste the ocean, but honestly, I could. There was this moment when everyone at our table went quiet, just listening to the waves outside and clinking glasses. Felt good.

After lunch we headed into Onetangi Valley for more tastings — Stonyridge first, tucked between olive trees and rows of vines that looked almost too perfect. The Syrah there was spicy in a way that surprised me; one of the staff joked it’d “wake up your tongue.” We tried Mudbrick Vineyard next (or Te Motu if they’re full), which has these views back toward Auckland across the water. I kept catching myself staring out at the sea instead of paying attention to what our guide was saying about Bordeaux blends. Sorry Pete.

The drive between vineyards is half the fun — windows down, sun on your arms, Pete telling stories about island life or Maori legends he heard as a kid. Sometimes you catch these little details: someone hanging laundry in their garden, kids running barefoot after a dog. It’s not fancy or showy; it just feels real. By the time we got dropped off at the ferry terminal again, I wasn’t ready to leave yet. Still think about that rosé sometimes when I hear seagulls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waiheke Island wine tastings and lunch

• 11am: Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyard
• Drive through Oneroa and Surfdale villages
• Lunch at beachfront restaurant in Onetangi
• 1:45pm: Wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyards
• 3pm: Wine tasting at Mudbrick or Te Motu Vineyard
• Travel between venues with scenic commentary
• Return to ferry terminal for Auckland transfer

Top questions

How many vineyards do you visit on this Waiheke Island wine tour?

You visit three different vineyards for tastings during the tour.

Is lunch included in the Waiheke Island wine tour?

Yes, a set menu lunch with one glass of wine is included at a restaurant on Onetangi Beach.

Does this Waiheke wine tour include transportation?

Yes, transportation around Waiheke Island is included from pickup at the ferry terminal until drop-off.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

All wine tastings at three vineyards are included in your booking.

Can children join this Waiheke Island wine tour?

The tour is not recommended for children.

Is there a local guide during the Waiheke Island vineyard tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide/driver throughout your day.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with pickup at Waiheke Ferry Terminal and ends there as well for your return to Auckland.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

The set menu usually offers vegetarian choices; check directly with the restaurant or operator for specifics.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Waiheke Ferry Terminal, transportation between all venues on Waiheke Island with commentary from a local guide, three separate vineyard wine tastings (with varieties like Rosé, Chardonnay, Syrah), and a gourmet set menu lunch right on Onetangi Beach—including one glass of local wine—before being dropped off back at the ferry terminal for your trip home.