The Best Waiheke Island Wineries

(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by sydabroad

A trip to Auckland isn’t complete without a visit to the charming Waiheke Island wineries. If you are looking for the best vineyards in Waiheke, this guide is for you! 

With over 30 vineyards, Waiheke Island is a wine connoisseur’s dream. Waiheke is a lovely island located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, just about a 40-minute ferry ride away from Auckland. Waiheke is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant arts scene, and of course its world-class wines. 

You can’t miss a visit to Waiheke Island during your trip to New Zealand. It makes for a wonderful day trip from Auckland or even a little weekend getaway. 

I took the Waiheke Island ferry from Auckland for the day to enjoy a few of the amazing wineries on Waiheke. If you have more time, I highly suggest spending at least a couple of days in Waiheke, it’s an amazing place with so much to enjoy. 

Nonetheless, you’ll find this guide helpful no matter how long you’re spending in Waiheke. I’m giving you a rundown on the best Waiheke Island wineries in this article along with some FAQs near the end of the guide. 

I’ve included a map with all of the vineyards mentioned and a summary of each winery including details about their tastings, food available, and must-try wines. Alright, let’s get into it! 

Keep reading to discover the best Waiheke Island wineries!

Looking for more New Zealand guides?

• 8 Best Waiheke Wine Tours
• How to Get From Auckland to Waiheke
• The Best New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Map of The Waiheke Island Wineries 

The Best Wineries on Waiheke Island

Stonyridge Vineyard 

Tasting cost | $20 for a standard tasting and $35 for a premium tasting

Food Available | Stonyridge’s Restaurant 

Wine to Try | Larose

Stonyridge Vineyards is well known for its Bordeaux-style red blends. This was my favorite Waiheke Island winery! You’ll get picturesque views of the surrounding landscape while seated in the most beautiful Mediterranean-style courtyard. 

This winery has a gorgeous outdoor deck and lawns, a restaurant with a great selection of dishes, and of course wine tastings. They have a range of tasting options everything from simple flight tastings to private tastings. Tastings inside the restaurant require a booking and walk-ins are welcome on their outdoor deck. 

Wild Estate Vineyard 

Tasting cost | 4 Waiheke wines for $25, or 4 Waiheke craft beers for $20

Food Available | Wild Estate Restaurant

Wine to Try | ‘The W’ 2019, ‘The W’ 2020

If you are looking for a variety of drinks and activities, head to Wild Estate Vineyard. Not only is this a vineyard, but is also home to Wild on Waiheke Activities and Waiheke Island Brewery. 

Waiheke Island Brewery is a craft brewery that’s been open since 1998. Here you can taste Kiwi classics and try a wide range of dishes. Guests can enjoy tastings of their local wines and craft beers at their restaurant on quiet days or at the Cellar Door Tasting Room through the peak of summer. 

Tantalus Estate

Tasting cost | The Estate Tasting for $20, the Reserve Tasting for $30, or the Exclusive Tasting for $50

Food Available | The Estate Restaurant

Wine to Try | Estate Merlot Cabernet Franc, Écluse, Évoque 

Tantalus Estate is an upscale family-owned vineyard situated in the heart of Onetangi Valley. They specialize in premium estate boutique wines and delicious cuisine. If you’d like to visit their onsite restaurant, you must make a booking ahead of time. 

All wines are created from grapes grown on this Waiheke Estate. Wine tastings are available at the Cellar Door every day from 11 AM to 5 PM, reservations for tastings are recommended but not required. You can easily reach Tantalus Estate by taking the public bus route. 

Tantalus Estate is within walking distance of many vineyards. It’s very close to both Te Motu and Stonyridge, making it easy to hit all three in one afternoon. 

Te Motu Vineyard 

Tasting cost | Classic tasting flight for $30  

Food Available | The Shed Restaurant 

Wine to Try | The Te Motu flagship wine; a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. 

Te Motu is another producer of Bordeaux-style reds and is also known for being a zero-waste kitchen. They commit to sustainable and organic practices. All wines produced here at Te Motu come from estate-grown grapes.

Not only does Te Motu have lovely wines, but they also have their restaurant, The Shed. The Shed is an award-winning restaurant that uses produce and herbs from the surrounding gardens on the property. I suggest making a reservation on their website if you’d like to dine here. 

As for tastings, the Cellar Door is a wonderful place to sample their aged Bordeaux-style red wines. Tastings are available 7 days a week from 12 PM to 5 PM. 

 Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant 

Tasting cost | $45 for the Flagship tasting, (6 wines!), $24 for the Limited release tasting (3 wines), and $20 for the South Island tasting (4 wines)

Food Available | Mudbrick Restaurant

Wine to Try | Velvet 2022 Waiheke Island

If you are looking for a spot to enjoy fine wine paired with a leisurely lunch, Mudbrick has a wonderful restaurant offering views of the Hauraki Gulf. This is certainly one of the most beautiful vineyards on Waiheke Island. 

Mudbrick is relatively close to Oneroa, about a 30 to 40-minute walk from town. This is a wonderful spot to end your evening of wine tasting because this is one of the best wineries to watch the sunset at. 

They offer a variety of different blends including, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinot Gris, and more. Not only is this an exquisite winery and restaurant but you can also stay here. Mudbrick Cottages is one of the best unique places to stay in Waiheke. 

Their wine tastings are available 7 days a week at their Cellar Door and Tasting Room all year round. They offer three unique tastings, a flagship tasting, a limited release tasting, and a South Island Tasting. Visitors can also book private vineyard tours. 

Looking for a guided wine tour? Check out the BEST Waiheke Island wine tours here!

Goldie Estate

Food Available | Light bites

Wine to Try | Reserve Syrah 2019

Goldie Estate is Waiheke’s oldest winery established in 1978 by the Goldwaters. Here, guests can enjoy handcrafted wines and a homey, rustic atmosphere. Their Cellar Door is open from Wednesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM. 

Walk-ins are welcome, however, if you have a large group, it’s best to call ahead. You’ll get to enjoy a range of premium estate wines and light bites. 

Passage Rock Winery 

Food Available | Bistro with small plates 

Wine to Try | The Passage Rock Syrahs

The Passage Rock Winery is on the east side of the island about a 30-minute drive from Oneroa, a bit off the beaten path compared to other Waiheke Island wineries. They are known for their Syrah however, their Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc are wonderful as well. 

They have a Bistro on the property for light snacks and small plates. Passage Rock Winery is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. No reservation is required but their largest group size is 8 people. 

Man O’War 

Tasting cost | Flagship tastings from $32 and Kulta tastings are $75

Food Available | Starters and sharing plates 

Wine to Try | 2019 Gravestone Sauvignon Semillion

Man O’War is located on the eastern side of the island and is the only beachfront winery. Here you’ll find a diverse range of wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. 

You’ll need a car (or a boat), to get here. There’s also the option of catching the Man O’ War Coach from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal or the Explore Ferry from Viaduct Harbour. Book transportation here. 

Awaroa Organic Vineyard 

Food Available | Grazing platters

Wine to Try | 2021 Awaroa Reserve “Melba Peach” 

Awaroa vineyard is a gem on Waiheke Island. They are known for their lovely organic wines that visitors can enjoy with stunning views of the rolling hills and forests surrounding the tasting room. 

Awaroa offers a wide selection of wines and grazing platters. They are open Friday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Tastings are available, just not listed on their site. Try Awaroa’s award-winning Syrahs and the Waiheke Road pinot gris.  

This Waiheke Island Hop-On-Hop-Off Explorer bus is a great way to get around Waiheke Island!

Casita Miro 

Tasting cost | Five wines for $25

Food Available | Tapas menu and a 3-course Fiesta Menu

Wine to Try | Try their Syrahs and Bordeauxs

Casita Miro is one of Waiheke’s hidden gems – a laid-back Spanish-inspired venue overlooking the gorgeous vineyards. They serve delicious tapas-style dishes and a Fiesta del Dia. The Fiesta del Dia is a 3-course set menu for $79 per person that features a selection of their favorite dishes. 

It’s best to make a reservation if you’d like to eat. The Cellar Door is open every day (except Tuesday and Wednesday) from 11 AM to 3 PM. The gaudi-esque touches and Spanish and Mediterranean influences, make Casita Miro a lovely spot to visit in Waiheke. 

Kennedy Point Vineyard

Tasting cost | 3 wines for $20

Food Available | Grazing platters 

Wine to Try | Bordeaux varietals and Syrah. 

Kennedy Point Vineyard is a beautiful vineyard overlooking Kennedy Bay known for their organic vineyard, Waiheke’s oldest Pohutukawa trees, and their highland cattle. They specialize in Bordeaux varietals and Syrah. 

Kennedy Point Vineyard isn’t too hard to get to, the Hop On Hop Off Bus stops at this vineyard. Their tasting room is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. They offer grazing platters to enjoy along with your wines. 

Batch Winery

Tasting cost | Estate tasting for $15, Legacy tasting is $25 

Food Available | Batch Winery Restaurant

Wine to Try | Cellar Door exclusive collection

Located at the top of a hill overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and Onetangi Valley, is Batch Winery. This is the highest vineyard on the island – so you’ll obviously find some incredible views from here. The Waiheke Hop On Hop Off Bus stops goes right past Batch Winery so it’s easy to get to. 

They offer both the Estate and Legacy tastings, food pairings, and a full menu from their restaurant. Bookings are recommended but not required. They are open all week from 11 AM to 5 PM for lunch and tastings.  

Book a Waiheke Island wine tour here!

Poderi Crisci Vineyard and Restaurant

Food Available | Restaurant 

Wine to Try | Syrah wines

Poderi Crisci Vineyard is a family-owned winery off the beaten track on Waiheke. Because it’s farther than most vineyards, you’ll need your own vehicle or a taxi to get here. This winery grows Syrah and Merlot vines as well as olive trees and herbs. 

Poderi Crisci Vineyard is known for its classic Italian fare and famous long lunches. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer a 4 hours lunch that includes various courses. 

FAQs | Waiheke Island Wineries 

What wine is Waiheke famous for? 

Waiheke Island is famous for its Bordeaux-style red wines, specifically those made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The warm summers and mild winters on the island provide the perfect environment for growing these grape varieties. 

How many wineries are on Waiheke Island? 

There are around 30 boutique wineries scattered around Waiheke Island. Plenty to visit. You’ll likely visit around 3 in one day – you want to make sure to enjoy your time at each vineyard!  

How do you visit wineries on Waiheke Island?  

If you visit from Auckland, you’ll take the Waiheke Island ferry from Downtown Auckland. You can read my guide here all about taking the Waiheke Island ferry. 

There are various Waiheke Island wine tours you can book or you can visit on your own. The wine tours will include transportation and a visit to typically 2 to 4 vineyards depending on which tour you book. This is a great option for groups and for those who don’t want to do the planning and the coordinating. 

Alternatively, if you’d like to be on your own time, you can visit on your own. You’ll take the ferry to Waiheke and from there you can get a bus pass that will take you out to the vineyards. There are plenty of vineyards within walking distance from one another once you get to the vineyard bus stop. 

What is the oldest winery on Waiheke Island? 

The oldest winery on Waiheke Island is Goldie Estate. It was founded in 1978 by Kim and Jeanette Goldwater. This winery specializes in many red grape varieties as well as Chardonnay and Viognier. 

What is the dress code for Waiheke Wineries?

There is no particular dress code for Waiheke wineries. Smart casual is just fine. I wore a sundress and sandals and it was perfect. Make sure you dress comfy and protect yourself from the sun. 

Bring sunglasses, plenty of SPF, comfortable shoes, and a hat is a good idea! If you are visiting during the winter, bring a warm jacket. 

Do you need reservations for Waiheke Wineries?

If you are visiting during high season with a big group it’s best to book in advance with the vineyard. Especially, if you’d like to enjoy lunch along with a tasting. 

However, if you are just visiting for a quick tasting you should be fine to walk in. We visited three and didn’t book anything in advance. The vineyards we visited were Stonyridge, Te Motu, and Tantalus Estate for tastings. 

Where to stay in Waiheke? 

If you have the time, I suggest spending a weekend in Waiheke. This way you can enjoy more of the amazing wineries and beaches on Waiheke. Here are a few wonderful places to stay in Waiheke

Waiheke Island Guesthouse | This is a great budget option on Waiheke Island. You have free breakfast, wifi, and parking. The guesthouse is just a short walk from a bus stop

The Oyster Inn | The Oyster Inn is situated right in town just off Oneroa Bay. It’s a 3-minute walk to the beach and 2 km away from the Waiheke Ferry Terminal. 

Mudbrick Vineyard | Looking for an upscale stay? Consider staying at one of the best vineyards in Waiheke. You can go right from your wine tasting to your nice spacious hotel room. 

What else is there to do in Waiheke? 

Aside from the wineries, visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, nature trails, wonderful restaurant scene, and eclectic art galleries and studios. There’s something in Waiheke for everyone to enjoy! 

Additional Tips for Visiting Waiheke

• If you are visiting during the weekend and want to eat, it’s best to make a booking in advance. 

• Many Waiheke Island wineries close at 5 PM. Keep this in mind if you are visiting from Auckland for the day. 
• Many wineries are open from Thursday or Friday to Sunday. Check to make sure the vineyards you’d like to visit are open.  
• You can do a tasting in the Waiheke Island Wine Centre shop. They have a wonderful selection of Waiheke Island wines. 
• If you are hungry after your wine tour, head to get takeaway fish and chips at Little Oneroa Takeaways and watch the sunset on the beach. 

I hope you enjoyed this post all about the best Waiheke Island wineries! If you have any questions about visiting Waiheke Island, comment below or DM me on Instagram!

Recommended Tours in Waiheke

Like this post? Pin it to save for later!