Waiheke Island Wine Tour with Lunch & Local Guide

Summary

Private Waiheke Vineyard Tastings & Island Stories

Step onto Waiheke Island and taste your way through three local vineyards with a friendly guide who knows everyone by name. Sample premium wines (or swap for olive oil or gin), hear island stories over lunch with a view, and relax as all transport is taken care of — it’s that feeling of belonging somewhere new you’ll remember long after the ferry ride back.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never remember the names,” our guide grinned as we pulled up to the first vineyard — and he was right, but I do remember the smell of crushed thyme in the air and how the sun felt sharp on my arms even though it was barely noon. Waiheke Island is close to Auckland but feels like its own little world; you get off the ferry and suddenly there are olive trees, winding roads, and these rolling hills stitched with vines. Our guide, Matt, grew up here — he waved at nearly every passing car, which made me laugh (and also a bit jealous of that kind of small-island friendliness).

The first stop was Stonyridge Vineyard. I tried their Syrah — it tasted almost peppery, which surprised me. The woman pouring told us about the Dunleavy family planting their first vines back in ‘89; she had this way of talking that made you want to listen, even if you’re not usually into wine history. There was a dog sleeping under one of the tables and someone’s kid running around barefoot. It didn’t feel fancy or stiff at all — more like being invited to someone’s backyard for a drink.

After two more tastings (I swapped one for an olive oil flight — no regrets), we sat down for lunch overlooking rows of grapevines tangled in late summer light. The food was simple but good: fresh fish, roasted veggies, bread still warm from the oven. I’m not sure if it was the wine or just being away from city noise for a while, but everything felt slower out there. Matt told us stories about Waiheke’s early days between bites; apparently there used to be wild goats everywhere? I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waiheke Wine Tour and Lunch

• Travel to Waiheke Island
• Visit three top vineyards
• Wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard
• Wine tasting at Te Motu Vineyard
• Two-course lunch with wine

Top questions

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

You visit up to three top vineyards on Waiheke Island during the private tour.

Is lunch included in the Waiheke wine tour?

Yes, a two-course vineyard lunch with a glass of wine is included in your day trip.

Can I swap wine tasting for something else?

You can choose to swap one wine tasting for whisky, beer, gin, or olive oil tasting if you prefer.

Does this Waiheke Island tour include pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Waiheke accommodation are included.

Are children allowed on this private wine tour?

Children can join if accompanied by two paying adults; only those 18+ can participate in tastings.

How do I get to Waiheke Island for this tour?

You can purchase ferry tickets at Fullers Ferry Terminal at 99 Quay St in Auckland before heading to Waiheke.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and allows prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation on Waiheke Island, premium tastings at up to three local vineyards (with options to swap for gin or olive oil), live commentary from your local guide throughout scenic drives, plus a two-course vineyard lunch with a glass of wine before heading back relaxed and full.