Waiheke Island Wine Tour: Private Guide & 12 Tastings

Three vineyards, a private guide, and the Hauraki Gulf in one afternoon

A 4.5-hour private wine tour of Waiheke Island with a guide who knows the island's history and hidden corners, stopping at three top vineyards for up to 12 tastings total. You choose your pickup point (ferry terminal or hotel), and the tour includes scenic coastal drives past Ocean View Road and Little Oneroa Beach, plus 20 minutes to explore Oneroa's boutique shops and heritage sites. Lunch at the second vineyard is optional and separate from the tour price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waiheke Island Wine Tour and Tastings

• Pick up from Matiatia Ferry or custom location
• Explore Oneroa streets and boutique shops
• Enjoy coffee and views at Oneroa beach
• Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard
• Scenic drive along east coast and Ocean View Road
• Second vineyard wine tasting and optional lunch
• Third vineyard wine tasting
• Drive back via Blackpool and Piritahi Marae
• Drop off at ferry terminal or other location

The experience

How do you fit three quality vineyards into one afternoon without feeling rushed? A private guide and a fixed route through Waiheke's wine country. You start from Matiatia ferry terminal or your hotel, then head to Oneroa, the island's main settlement, where you have 20 minutes to walk the local shops and take in the coastal views before a coffee stop. From there, the day splits into tastings and drives: Mudbrick Vineyard comes first, with 40 minutes to sample wines while a vineyard expert walks you through each one, sharing how the wines are made. The setting matters here: Mudbrick sits surrounded by vineyards and looks out over the Hauraki Gulf.

Between tastings, you drive the east coast route, which is where the tour earns its "scenic" label. Ocean View Road and the stretch past Little Oneroa Beach deliver views of the gulf and plenty of photo stops. Your second vineyard (Batch, Casito Miro, Stoneyridge or Kennedy Point, depending on availability) includes three wines and another expert tasting, plus the option to order lunch on your own. The third and final stop (at Batch, Stoneyridge, Kennedy Point or Postage Stamp) adds three more wines and the same expert commentary. After that, you drive back through Blackpool and past Piritahi Marae, a Maori village, before heading to the ferry terminal or another drop-off point if you want to keep exploring the island.

The private guide is the difference here. You're not moving through stops on a set schedule with a dozen other people. The guide knows local history and can point out the hidden corners of the island as you go. The pace stays unhurried. You spend real time at each vineyard, not just the time it takes to pour and drink. Minimum drinking age is 18, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the tour.
• up to 12 wine tastings across three top vineyards on Waiheke Island.
• a private guide with knowledge of local history and hidden gems.
• scenic coastal drives along Ocean View Road and past Little Oneroa Beach.
• 20 minutes to explore Oneroa's boutique shops and heritage sites.
• pickup from Matiatia ferry terminal or your custom location on the island.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English10:40

Guide in English10:40

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:40

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (19 and older) · Child (5 to 18 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We pick you up from Ferry at Matiatia Look out for your Tour Guide and the Kiwi Connect Van We can also pick you up from your accommodation on Waiheke Island”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kiwi Connect - Auckland & Waiheke Island Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a private guide's full attention across three vineyards: the guide adjusts pace and timing to your interests rather than moving with a fixed group schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

61 verified traveler reviews

5 ★59

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 18 years); Infant (under 5).

What's included in the wine tastings at each vineyard?

Mudbrick includes a full tasting experience with a range of award-winning wines and vineyard expert guidance. The second and third vineyards each include three wines to taste with expert commentary on the winemaking and history behind them. All tastings are led by knowledgeable vineyard staff.

Can I eat lunch during the tour?

Lunch is optional and available at the second vineyard stop, but it's not included in the tour price. You order and pay separately if you want to eat there.

Where do I get picked up, and what if I'm staying outside Waiheke?

Pickup is from Matiatia ferry terminal or a custom location on Waiheke Island itself. If you're arriving by ferry from Auckland, the tour can collect you at the terminal. If you're staying at a hotel on the island, let the operator know and they'll arrange pickup there instead.

How much time do you actually spend at each vineyard?

Mudbrick gets 40 minutes for the tasting and to soak in the vineyard atmosphere. The second and third vineyards don't have a set duration listed, but tastings and expert commentary are included at each stop.

What happens if a vineyard isn't available on the day I book?

The second and third vineyards vary by availability: options include Batch, Casito Miro, Stoneyridge, Kennedy Point and Postage Stamp. The operator will confirm which venues are booked for your tour in advance, and venues are subject to availability.