Waiheke Island: Ziplining, Wine Tasting & Vineyard Lunch

Summary

Zipline above Waiheke’s forests then linger over wine and lunch

You’ll start your Waiheke Island day trip flying through native forest on a zipline (with a local guide), then taste fresh olive oil before sitting down to a vineyard lunch overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Sample local wines in sunlit gardens and share stories with fellow travelers—the kind of day that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the hill when our guide, Matt, grinned and asked if anyone had zipped before. I hadn’t—my hands were clammy just from the harness. The trees on Waiheke Island are taller than they look from the ferry, and the air smelled like wet leaves and salt. When it was my turn, I almost chickened out but Matt cracked a joke about “flying kiwis” and suddenly I was off—wind in my face, heart pounding louder than the cable whirring overhead. The landing platform felt like solid ground after that rush.

Afterwards we walked a bit through the native forest—someone pointed out a tui bird singing somewhere above us (I’m still not sure what it looks like). Then we hopped into a van for the next part of this Waiheke Island day trip: food. Our first stop was an olive grove where we dipped bread into peppery oil—tastes way greener than supermarket stuff. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “koroneiki”—probably butchered it. Lunch at Batch Winery came next; two courses with views across the Hauraki Gulf that made me forget to check my phone for ages.

The afternoon drifted by with more wine tastings at Cable Bay Vineyards—white tablecloths outside, glasses catching sunlight, Auckland hazy in the distance. Someone’s dog wandered through the garden while our host explained how Waiheke’s soil changes the flavor of their Syrah. I didn’t expect to care about dirt but here I am thinking about it days later. We ended up swapping stories with another couple from Wellington until it was time for the ferry back—not quite ready to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ziplining and wine tasting tour

• Zipline and native forest walk
• Olive oil tasting at All Press Olive Grove
• Two-course lunch at Batch Winery
• Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards
• Wine tasting in ornate gardens

Top questions

How do you get to Waiheke Island from Auckland?

The tour includes a round-trip ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island.

Is lunch included on this Waiheke wine tour?

Yes, a two-course lunch at Batch Winery is included.

Are wine tastings part of this day trip?

Yes, you’ll enjoy wine tastings at two premier vineyards on Waiheke Island.

Do I need to arrange transport on Waiheke?

No, pickup and drop-off at the Waiheke Ferry Terminal are included.

Is there an age or weight limit for ziplining?

The minimum age is 18 years; weight must be between 66lbs (30kg) and 275lbs (125kg).

What should I wear for ziplining?

You should wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

Does this tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions unless unsafe; dress accordingly.

Are dietary allergies accommodated during lunch?

Please advise any specific dietary allergies when booking so they can be accommodated.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets from Auckland, pickup and drop-off at Waiheke Ferry Terminal, guided ziplining through native forest, an olive oil tasting at All Press Olive Grove, a two-course seasonal lunch at Batch Winery with sweeping views of Hauraki Gulf islands, plus premium wine tastings at two renowned vineyards before heading back in the evening.