Frequently Asked Questions
What is your most popular tour?
Our Waiheke Epic Sundowner Tour is our most popular summer tour as you avoid the morning rush. You get to the Island early afternoon, and the sun goes down much later. So, you leave Auckland on 14 00 hours ferry and then you catch the ferry back to Aukland at 20 00 hours. Book an Epic Sundowner
This is an epic time of day to be on the island
Where is Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, about 18 kilometres east of central Auckland. It is easily accessed via a 40-minute passenger ferry ride
How big is Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island covers about 92 square kilometres. It has a permanent population of roughly 10,000 residents, which swells significantly during summer with holidaymakers and tourists.
What is so special about Waiheke Island?
How do get to Waiheke Island?
For a wine tour you need to catch a ferry from Downtown Auckland (Quay St Ferry Terminal) to Matiatia Warf on Waiheke.
Fullers 360 ferry service operates frequent walk-up service. (takes ~40 minutes). Standard adult return tickets cost $62.
Island Direct offers a bookable passenger service from Pier 13 at the downtown waterfront straight to Matiatia Wharf (takes ~40 minutes)
Where do we meet and where does the tour start?
The tour starts on Waiheke Island at the Matiatia Warf. Your guide will meet you as you disembark the ferry. Look out for a board with your name on it.
What are the tasting options on Waiheke Island other than wine?
Waiheke offers some amazing tasting experiences apart from wine. Including organic tea, craft beer, gin, whisky, honey, olive oil, and gourmet food tastings.
If you don’t drink alcohol a custom itinerary can be designed to suit.
Which Wineries Do You Visit on Waiheke Island?
One of the advantages of booking with Waiheke Wine Tours is our strong relationships with many of the island’s most respected vineyards.
Depending on your chosen experience, your itinerary may include:
Mudbrick Vineyard – internationally recognised for its elegant wines, beautiful gardens and award-winning restaurant.
Cable Bay Vineyards – famous for premium wines, spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf and contemporary dining.
Batch Winery – Waiheke’s highest vineyard, offering breathtaking 360-degree views and boutique wines.
Tantalus Estate – one of the island’s most exciting modern wineries, combining exceptional wines with outstanding cuisine.
Goldie Estate – home to New Zealand’s only island-based wine school and one of Waiheke’s oldest vineyards.
Stonyridge Vineyard – internationally acclaimed for its iconic Larose Bordeaux-style wine and beautiful Mediterranean setting.
Casita Miro – renowned for Spanish-inspired food and wine pairings in a colourful, intimate setting.
Soho Family Vineyards – boutique wines served with warm hospitality and a vibrant, rock ‘n’roll energy.
Passage Rock – a family-owned vineyard producing some of Waiheke’s most awarded wines.
Poderi Crisci – authentic Italian hospitality with exceptional food and handcrafted wines.
Man O’ War Vineyards – a unique beachfront wine experience at the eastern end of Waiheke Island
what are the best restaurants on Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island has become one of New Zealand’s leading food destinations, offering everything from relaxed beachfront dining to internationally recognised restaurants.
Some of our favourite restaurants include:
Mudbrick Vineyard – One Michelin Star
Awarded one Michelin Star in June 2026, Mudbrick is one of Waiheke Island’s most iconic dining destinations. Combining elegant cuisine, premium wines and spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf, it delivers a truly memorable vineyard experience.
Tantalus Estate Restaurant – One Michelin Star
Also awarded one Michelin Star in June 2026, Tantalus Estate is renowned for its innovative seasonal menus, beautifully crafted wines and contemporary architecture. It’s one of the island’s finest destinations for guests seeking an elevated food and wine experience.
Ki Māha
Located opposite beautiful Onetangi Beach, Ki Māha offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with stunning ocean views. It’s one of our favourite lunch venues for private groups thanks to its exceptional service and relaxed atmosphere.
Casita Miro
A colourful Mediterranean-inspired restaurant famous for its Fiesta Menu, Spanish flavours and outstanding food and wine pairings.
Poderi Crisci
An authentic Italian vineyard where long lunches, handmade pasta and warm hospitality transport you straight to Tuscany.
Oyster Inn
We’re an award-winning beachside bistro. The Inn’s perfectly located in the heart of Oneroa village, with gorgeous views across the bay.
Stonyridge Vineyard
Home of the internationally acclaimed Larose wine, Stonyridge offers relaxed vineyard dining in a beautiful Mediterranean-style setting.
What do we need to bring?
Waiheke is an island in the Hauraki Gulf, so the weather is changeable. Smart casual look is fine. In summer bring sunblock and a hat/cap. Temperatures can change quickly so a windproof jacket and maybe an extra layer is a good idea. Winter you will need warm waterproof jacket. Most important is bring a sunny disposition.
Can I bring a child or pet?
Sorry no pets and we can’t take children on the Wine Tour. Minimum age is 18 years and most venues are not pet friendly.
Can we pay on the day?
As we have a limited number of seats for our tours, to secure we require payment in advance
We do, however, except part payment on the day with our custom tours. We request a deposit and then the balance on the day.
Should I book in advance?
Our tours are small groups and get booked up quickly in Summer so to avoid disappointment book as soon as you know your dates. Book now
Do you do private tours?
Check out our Waiheke Best Day Private Tour, this is a five-hour tour from 09 00 hours and ends at 14 00 hours. Book your best day
Can we have a private custom tour?
Waiheke Trips loves doing these tours, you need to correspond with us, so we have more detail. We need to confirm times, pick up points and agreed destinations. Obviously, we will advise you. Prices are usually based on the hour, the size of the group and the destinations. Design Your Own Trip
Will you pick us up from our accommodation?
Yes, however, it depends where your accommodation is so talk to us in advance