Here’s a list of the wonderful vineyards we visit during our waiheke island wine tours where you can enjoy many amazing wine tastings.
Founded in 1998, our vineyard is perched atop a hill, offering a stunning view of the Onetangi Valley. Spanning 3.5 hectares, it features a sharp north-facing incline and is primarily cultivated with Chardonnay vines, complemented by smaller sections of Syrah and Pinot Gris. The vineyard’s soil, a low-fertility, iron-rich clay, has evolved from weathered Jurassic bedrock. This unique terrain, combined with the maritime breezes carrying sea salt across the valley, contributes to producing wines that are rich in intensity, complexity, and distinctive umami flavors.
Our winery, founded in 2006, spans across two hectares and boasts mature crops of Syrah and Bordeaux grapes. Additionally, the vineyard features a sharply inclined northward-facing slope.
Website: batchwinery.com
Phone: +64 9 372 3223
Our vineyards, situated on both Waiheke Island and in Marlborough, rank among New Zealand’s prime wine-growing locations. We meticulously select our grapes, ensuring only the finest are used to craft wines that embody our specific vision.
In the western part of Waiheke Island, our vineyards are home to a diverse array of vines including Pinot Gris, Viognier, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. These vines thrive in a unique soil blend, rich in sandstone and mudstone from the Jurassic era, lying over a foundation of bedrock. This soil is a complex mix of weathered rock, clay, and mineral streaks, tinted with iron and manganese oxides. Our wines owe their distinctive minerality and texture to these ancient sediments, with the clay contributing to a notable palate weight.
The surrounding sea’s temperature significantly influences the local climate. The gentle sea breezes during the day and the insulating properties of the ocean at night create a unique environment with minimal temperature fluctuation between day and night. This stable climate allows for the cultivation of varieties typically suited to warmer regions, like those in the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux, which ordinarily wouldn’t prosper in this area. The maritime environment also imparts unique characteristics to our wines, setting them apart with exceptional individuality.
Website: cablebay.nz
Phone: 09 372 5889
Miro Vineyard, nestled in the Onetangi viticultural area, covers 4.2 hectares and includes the renowned Casita Miro Tapas restaurant. Positioned as the nearest vineyard to the popular Onetangi Beach, Miro offers breathtaking views that span across vineyards, the local village, and the ocean.
The area’s grapes thrive under the intense summer sun, developing a uniquely rich flavor. The soil’s mineral richness further enhances the taste of the grapes. While our primary focus is on red varieties like Syrah and Bordeaux, we also cultivate exquisite Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Albarino, and a limited quantity of Viognier, mainly used to blend with Syrah. We’re excited to share that our 2019 MIRO is now available by the glass! Stop by for a tasting if you’re on the Island, or visit our online store to grab these exquisite wines.
Website: casitamiro.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 7854
Kennedy Point Vineyard, established in 1996, holds the distinction of being Waiheke’s sole certified organic vineyard, located on the island’s southwestern side.
Surrounded by ancient 300-year-old pohutukawa trees, the vineyard offers a picturesque view over Kennedy Bay. Visitors to our cellar door can enjoy an enhanced wine tasting experience with a selection of local oysters, cheeses, and smoked salmon.
Our vineyard specializes in cultivating and producing fine Bordeaux and Syrah wines.
Cellar Door Experience: This is an ideal spot to savor our award-winning organic wines, along with extra virgin olive oil and Kennedy Point honey. Our carefully curated tasting plates are designed to complement and elevate the wine tasting experience.
The Cellar Door is open for visitors, with updated opening times available on our website. Here, you can taste our wines, along with olive, avocado oils, and honey.
Additionally, we offer personalized tours, exclusive long lunches, group wine tastings, and afternoon celebrations for groups up to 30 people during the summer season.
Website: kennedypointvineyard.com
Phone: 09 372 5600
Mudbrick stands out as one of the most renowned wineries on the island, featuring a charming Provence-style restaurant constructed from mudbrick. The vineyard is privileged with stunning 360-degree views encompassing the gulf and nearby islands.
This vineyard is known for producing a variety of grapes, including Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
They offer tours and tastings, with their cellar door open every day of the week. For tastings involving fewer than 10 guests, no prior booking is needed. Updated opening hours can be found on their website.
Website: mudbrick.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 9050
Obsidian Vineyard, nestled in Onetangi, spans 17 hectares and was first established in 1993.
Set in a unique amphitheater-like setting among the vines, Obsidian provides wine tastings in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The cellar door is conveniently located adjacent to a wetland and vine-covered area, with outdoor tastings often held beneath a pergola. For current opening hours, please check their website.
The vineyard’s signature wine, Obsidian, is a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Named “Weeping Sands,” which translates to “Onetangi,” this label represents the essence of the region. In 2007, Obsidian garnered acclaim by winning a trophy and gold medal at the Romeo Bragato National Wine Competition for its debut release of the Montepulciano variety.
Website: obsidian.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 6100
Peacock Sky Vineyard, situated at the heart of Waiheke Island, offers scenic views stretching across the Hauraki Gulf towards Auckland.
This vineyard is known for its quaint, rustic charm, offering wine tastings starting from $3, and an array of main dishes priced between $25 to $32. They also serve shared platters, ranging from $32 to $45, featuring a blend of local and international flavors.
Peacock Sky provides various wine tasting options to suit different interests, budgets, and time constraints. Their multilingual staff are ready to assist guests in English, French, Swedish, Spanish, or Portuguese, ensuring a memorable and personalized experience.
Website: peacocksky.co.nz
Phone: 09 950 4386
Poderi Crisci Vineyard spans 7.7 hectares, situated on a north-facing slope within a natural amphitheater, alongside a unique rocky area believed to be 30 million years older than the rest of the island.
Tucked away at the end of a rural lane, Poderi Crisci is a family-run vineyard and restaurant that exudes Italian charm and is dedicated to traditional winemaking practices.
The planting of the first Merlot vines in 2000 marked the beginning of their journey. The success of these initial vines inspired the cultivation of additional grape varieties and the establishment of vegetable gardens. Poderi Crisci was officially founded in 2008, with its restaurant opening its doors in 2010.
Antonio, the visionary behind this vineyard, has transformed this Waiheke Island location into a destination where visitors come to enjoy wine, dine, and immerse themselves in a multitude of experiences.
Website: podericrisci.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 21448
Established in 1981, Stonyridge Vineyard, nestled in the picturesque Onetangi Valley, is renowned for its exquisite Bordeaux-style red wines.
The vineyard’s journey began in 1982, when the inaugural Bordeaux vines and olive trees were lovingly planted by a group of friends and family. This initiative marked Stonyridge as New Zealand’s pioneer in commercial olive cultivation. The planting of Cabernet Franc and Malbec in 1983 heralded the creation of New Zealand’s initial Bordeaux four-varietal blend.
The year 1987 was a milestone for Stonyridge with the creation of the exceptional Larose wine. This vintage catapulted the vineyard into the limelight, both nationally and internationally, earning the reputation of producing New Zealand’s finest red wine. The 2010 Stonyridge Larose, with a remarkable score of 97 points, outshone its competitors in 2013, even surpassing Australia’s renowned Cabernet Merlots.
Presently, Stonyridge stands out as a world-class winery, hailed by the Guardian UK as “One of the Top Ten Wineries to Visit Globally.” It recently earned acclaim for having the best Cabernet Merlot in The Age/ Sydney Morning Herald Good Wine Guide 2013.
Famous for its globally acclaimed red wines, Waiheke’s Stonyridge Vineyard also boasts a charming cafe and hosts vibrant dance events. Guests are invited to savor a fine bottle of wine alongside a generous deli platter, while relaxing in the serene garden cabanas.
Website: stonyridge.com
Phone: 09 372 8822
Nestled in the fertile Onetangi Valley, Tantalus Estate spans eight hectares of sandy, free-draining soil atop a foundation of weathered clay and stone, a prime location in Waiheke’s esteemed wine country. Their focus is crafting rich, layered Bordeaux and Rhone-style red wines designed to mature gracefully over time.
The estate encompasses 5.3 hectares of vineyards, along with a winery, a boutique craft brewery, and a spacious, naturally lit restaurant. The restaurant’s menu celebrates seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Strategically positioned amidst other distinguished wineries, all within a leisurely walking distance, the valley becomes an ideal spot for a day-long exploration.
The estate’s dining spaces, both indoors and outdoors, seamlessly connect to the Cellar Door, offering a variety of welcoming atmospheres for visitors. Guests can indulge in curated wine and beer tastings while overlooking the modern brewery and the sprawling vineyards.
For the latest information on the Cellar Door’s operating hours, visitors are encouraged to check the estate’s official website.
Website: tantalus.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 2625
The journey of Te Motu Vineyard began in 1988 when the Dunleavy family acquired a 30-acre tract in a fertile valley, destined to become a top-tier wine-producing area.
As early adopters in the Waiheke wine scene, the Dunleavys had a distinct goal: to excel in crafting ‘Bordeaux’ style wines, primarily using Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
The planting of the vineyard commenced in 1989, leading to the debut vintage of Te Motu in 1993.
Positioned in the Onetangi Valley at the heart of Waiheke Island, Te Motu Vineyard flourishes in a unique ecosystem, with ancient Waipapa Group soil providing a distinctive terroir.
Their onsite restaurant is a culinary gem, skillfully utilizing local Waiheke produce along with fresh ingredients from their own gardens to create dishes that are both authentic and contemporary.
For those interested in experiencing their exquisite aged red wines, Te Motu’s Cellar Door is a must-visit. To plan your visit, check their website for the latest opening hours.
Website: temotu.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 6846
Wild on Waiheke is a unique destination, encompassing the Wild Estate Vineyard & Restaurant, the Waiheke Island Brewery, and a vast, casual outdoor beer garden.
This spot is an oasis of calm, nestled amidst vineyards and the undulating landscape, offering a serene escape.
The site is shadowed by the verdant Te Putiki O Kahu Hill, an ancient Maori fortress inhabited over 700 years ago, creating a sense of seclusion and luxury amidst the vineyards.
The venue caters to a wide array of interests, offering activities like archery, laser clay bird shooting, pétanque, along with a children’s sandpit and a life-sized chessboard, making it an ideal location for families, corporate gatherings, and island visitors.
Their Taste Waiheke room is a pioneering concept on the island. Visitors can taste and buy locally sourced delicacies, including olive oils, preserves, and artisanal crafts, alongside the estate’s own wines and beers, all crafted on-site.
Website: wildonwaiheke.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 4225
The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes.
The ferry leaves from downtown Auckland city and arrives at Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island.
You can catch the ferry from Auckland city ferry terminal (Fullers Ferry)
To get on the ferry just follow signs that say Waiheke, buy a ticket and jump into the queue.
It is highly advised that you book your Waiheke ferry in advance then make sure to arrive about 30 minutes early so you can board the ferry at 10:00am to ensure you start your tour on time. The ferry is a first in first served deal so having your ticket ready and arriving early is ideal.
We will pick you up at 10:40am from the Matiatia ferry terminal or your island accommodation if you are already staying on the Waiheke.
All of the wine tastings are included in your wine tour package unless otherwise stated.
You are allowed up to 5 wine tastings at each of the wineries visited during your Waiheke Wine Tour.
You can visit other wineries after your tour ends, just make sure you have enough time to grab the ferry back to Auckland if you are not staying in accommodation on the island.
Waiheke Island offers many bus routes that will take you to the most frequently visited locations. These buses typically leave from Matiatia Wharf, where the Auckland ferries drop off passengers.
Waiheke island’s known all over the world for it’s jaw dropping vistas, relaxed atmosphere, award winning vineyards, amazing beaches, and wine tasting tours. If you are looking to have an amazing day trip with a lot of fun, great wines, food and a local guide then book yourself a tour today.
Due to the nature of our tours, please be advised our tours are R18+. We adhere to NZ liquor licensing laws and as such you may be asked for ID at any one of the vineyards we visit, especially if you appear to look under 25. Please ensure you have photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license with you during the tour. If your teenagers attend your tour with you, they cannot consume alcohol unless they are 18, and this is at our discretion not yours. No raunchy behaviour will be tolerated. None of the Waiheke Wine Tours include ferry transport to or from Waiheke Island, unless it is specified. Please make arrangements for your ferry crossing online, or if you would like us to do this on your behalf, please specify this request at the time of booking. Please note, ferries to and from Waiheke Island can become very popular and busy, especially during peak times. Bookings do not guarantee a seat – you must queue for the ferry and hope you are early enough to get the ferry you want. We advise you to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
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