Taste Waiheke: 4.5‑Hour Private Scenic Wine Tour with Up to 12 Tastings
Board the ferry at Matiatia and trade the city skyline for panoramic vineyard views, three cellar‑door tastings and a private guide who knows Waiheke’s best stories. This 4.5‑hour tour pairs up to 12 pours with coastal drives, coffee in Oneroa and optional lunch at a scenic estate.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pace the pours
With up to 12 tastings across three vineyards, sip slowly and use water between samples to stay steady.
Bring a light layer
Winds off the Hauraki Gulf can cool sunny afternoons—pack a windbreaker even on warm days.
Book ferry times
Allow buffer time returning to Auckland; ferries have fixed schedules and you don’t want to miss the last sailing.
Buy a bottle on site
Cellar‑door purchases support small producers and you’ll get wines not stocked on the mainland.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Little Oneroa Beach for a quick shoreline walk after coffee
- •Piritahi Marae lookout for cultural history and quiet coastal views
Wildlife
- •Tui (songbird) frequenting vineyards
- •Occasional dolphin pods offshore in the Hauraki Gulf
Conservation Note
Waiheke’s fragile coastal environment benefits from low‑impact tourism—buy local, avoid single‑use plastics, and keep to marked paths.
Waiheke has long been a seasonally occupied Maori area; European viticulture on the island expanded in the late 20th century when growers recognised its warm, sheltered slopes.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mudbrick terraces overlooking the Hauraki Gulf
- • Ocean View Road lookout north of Little Oneroa
- • Oneroa beachfront for coastal village shots
What to Bring
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated between tastings keeps you sharp and comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Estates can have uneven gravel paths and short slopes to viewpoints.
Light windproof jacketEssential
Sea breezes and changing weather arrive quickly on coastal routes.
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)Essential
Exposed terraces and lookouts offer little shade during peak sun.
Common Questions
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup is at Matiatia ferry terminal; the tour returns there unless you request a different on‑island drop‑off.
How many wines are included?
Up to 12 wine tastings are included across three vineyards—typically 3–4 pours per stop.
Are lunches included?
Lunch is optional and not included; some vineyards offer food for purchase or pre‑booked platters.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Some venues have accessible areas but accessibility varies—contact the operator before booking to confirm arrangements.
Can we bring children?
Minors may join but tastings are restricted to those 18 and older; infants must sit on laps.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Oneroa, Auckland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and standing during tastings
Topics
Ready to Explore Oneroa?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now