Waiheke Island Wine Tour: Tastings & Gourmet Beachfront Lunch at Onetangi
Spend a sunlit day on Waiheke Island sampling award-winning wines, exploring Onetangi’s beaches and dining beachfront at Three Seven Two. This guided half-day pairs vineyard cellar-door tastings with a gourmet set lunch and coastal views.
The Experience
Before You Go
Catch the 10:00 ferry
Plan to be on the 10:00 Auckland→Matiatia ferry so you can meet the guide at Pier 2 by 10:40 a.m.
Hydrate between pours
Bring a reusable water bottle to sip between tastings—cellar doors pour concentrated wines and water helps reset your palate.
Sun protection matters
Onetangi’s beach is exposed; pack sunscreen and a hat even on overcast days to avoid a sunburned afternoon.
Buy and ship smart
If you want bottles, ask venues about shipping to Auckland to avoid lugging glass on the ferry.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stomping through Oneroa Village for a morning coffee and local bakeries before the tour departs
- •The small lookout above Cable Bay for a shot over vineyard rows toward Auckland’s skyline
Wildlife
- •Tūī (native songbird)
- •Common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf
Conservation Note
Many vineyards on Waiheke practice sustainable viticulture and water-conscious irrigation—visitors should stick to paths, avoid disturbing native vegetation, and minimize single-use plastics.
Waiheke has been inhabited by Māori for centuries; viticulture is a recent development (post-1970s) that leverages the island’s unique maritime soils and microclimates.
Photographer's Notes
- • Onetangi beachfront dining veranda at Three Seven Two
- • Mudbrick terraces overlooking the Waitemata Harbour
- • Cable Bay cellar door rows of vines
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Good shoes handle cellar-door gravel and short strolls between vineyard views.
Sunscreen & wide-brim hatEssential
Onetangi is exposed; protection keeps midday sun from ending the day early.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated between tastings improves comfort and focus.
Light rain jacket
A compact waterproof is handy if coastal showers appear in spring or changeable weather rolls in.
Common Questions
How do I get to the meeting point?
Take the 10:00 ferry from Auckland to Matiatia; the guide meets the group at Pier 2 by 10:40 a.m.—return drop-off is back at Matiatia around 3:45 p.m.
Is lunch included?
Yes—lunch is a set menu at Three Seven Two on Onetangi Beach and includes one glass of wine; notify the operator about dietary restrictions when booking.
Can I purchase wine at the vineyards?
Yes—most cellar doors sell bottles and offer shipping to Auckland; ask staff about freight or island pickup to avoid carrying heavy bottles on the ferry.
Is the tour child-friendly?
The operator notes the tour is not recommended for children; it’s best suited to adults given tasting focus and travel logistics.
Are tastings or transport included in the price?
Tastings at three vineyards, transportation around Waiheke, a knowledgeable guide/driver and lunch with one glass of wine are included as listed in the itinerary.
What happens if a vineyard is unavailable?
Venues may be substituted with equally reputable options (e.g., Te Motu, Postage Stamp); the guide will notify the group of any changes.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Oneroa, Auckland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—short walks on flat or gently sloping paved and gravel surfaces; suitable for most adults
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