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Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by sydabroad
Looking for the best Waiheke wine tours? Then keep reading!
There are so many amazing Waiheke Island wineries and it can certainly be overwhelming to plan your own day of wine tasting. That’s why I love the guided Waiheke wine tours. There are various options to choose from and I’m sharing the best wine tours with you in this guide.
I love booking guided tours through GetYourGuide and Viator when I’m traveling and there is no shortage of Waiheke wine tours available. I’ve narrowed down a curated list of the best tour options including a summary of the tour, what’s included, the price, duration, etc. I’ve also answered many commonly asked questions when it comes to wine tours on Waiheke.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the info you need to book the right tour for your trip! Alright, let’s get into the best Waiheke wine tours!
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Keep reading to discover the best Waiheke wine tours!
A Complete Guide to The Best Waiheke Wine Tours
Short on time? Here is everything you need to plan your trip to Waiheke
🏠Book accommodation in Waiheke via Booking.com and Hostelworld
✈️Book flights to Waiheke on Skyscanner
🏔️Find activities and tours for Waiheke via Get Your Guide and Viator
👩🏽💻Get travel insurance for your trip to Waiheke through SafetyWing
🚌Find trains and buses for your trip to Waiheke with Omio and Trainline
📱Access the internet anywhere in Waiheke with Airalo
💭Find more travel recommendations for Waiheke on the Out Of Office app
🚘Rent a car in Waiheke with Rentalcars.com
🌎Looking to join a group trip? Search tours with EF Ultimate Break
FAQs About Waiheke Wine Tours
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.
How much are wine tastings on Waiheke?
Wine tastings on Waiheke Island typically range from $20 to $70 per tasting. They will include anywhere from 2 to 6 wines, it just depends on the vineyard you are visiting. Most wineries will offer premium tastings with their higher-quality wines.
You can check out my guide here about the best Waiheke wineries to visit, this is where you’ll find pricing for most of the vineyard tastings.
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 days do you need on Waiheke Island?
Although Waiheke is a popular day trip from Auckland, I recommend spending at least a night if not two or three here. It’s a beautiful island with many wineries and beaches to explore. A weekend on Waiheke Island would be perfect.
Where 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. Check rates here.
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. Check rates here.
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. Check rates here.
Are visiting Australia too? Check out my guide about the best things to do in Byron Bay!
The Top Waiheke Wine Tours
Alright, now that we’ve covered the many questions about Waiheke wine tours, let’s jump into the best tours to book! See below for a curated list of all of the best wine tours on Waiheke Island.
I’ve included a summary of each tour, the cost, duration, how to book, and some other important things to know. This will help you make the right decision on which Waiheke wine tour to book.
1 | The Most Affordable Waiheke Wine Tour
Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke
Price: $91.99
Duration: 5 hours
Rating: 4.7 stars
On this tour you’ll get to visit 3 Waiheke Island vineyards and sample a wide range of wines. You’ll also learn a lot about the island of Waiheke from your local guide. For under $100, this is a great bang for your buck.
The tour includes pick up and drop off from the ferry terminal on Waiheke Island. You’ll need to get a round-trip ticket from Auckland to Waiheke. This guide here tells you all you’ll need to know about the ferry from Waiheke Island ferry from Auckland.
It includes transportation around Waiheke Island, a visit to 3 wineries, and tastings at each. This tour does not include lunch so you will need to purchase food and any additional drinks you’d like.
2 | The Best Premium Vineyard Wine Tour
Waiheke Island: Premium Vineyard, Wine Tasting and Bush Walk
Price: $249.27
Duration: 5 hours
Rating: 5 stars
This small group, premium winery tour includes a visit to two of Waiheke’s famous wineries and the opportunity to spot native wildlife. If you’d like to see more of Waiheke Island outside of the wineries, this is a great option.
The tour includes a nature walk where you’ll learn about conservation efforts on the island. You’ll also get to enjoy two wine tastings, any additional tastings or food will need to be purchased. You will need to catch the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island to meet this tour.
3 | Waiheke Wine Tour with Lunch
Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch
Price: $148.37
Duration: 5 hours
Rating: 4.8 stars
If you are looking for a great Waiheke wine tour with lunch included, on this tour you’ll visit 3 wineries and have lunch at a restaurant located on Onetangi Beach. It includes transportation on Waiheke Island, lunch at 372 Restaurant, 1 glass of wine with lunch, and 3 tastings at the vineyards.
The tour does not include ferry transportation from Auckland. You will need to purchase round trip ferry tickets to Waiheke island.
Book a Waiheke Island ferry ticket here!
4 | A Small Group Waiheke Wine Tour Off The Beaten Path
The Original Small Group Off Beat Waiheke Wine Tasting Tour 2015
Price: $139.01
Duration: 5 hours
Rating: 5 stars
For those that don’t want to be in a large group, this is a great option for you. With a limit of 9 travelers, you’ll get a more intimate setting and learn a lot more from your local guide about the island.
The tour meets at Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island and includes up to 15 wines at 3 wineries and small food pairings when available. This tour does not include lunch and the Waiheke Island ferry from Auckland.
I like this tour because it focuses on the small old-school wineries rather than the bigger commercial wineries. Every winemaker has a unique approach and you’ll get to learn all about their estates and wine-making process on this tour.
5 | A Waiheke Wine Tour with a Flight! (yes, a plane)
Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine and Food Tasting with Flights
Price: $355.51
Duration: 1 day
Rating: 4.4 stars
This tour does in fact include an actual flight. For those looking for a unique Waiheke wine experience, this is for you. Guests will board their plane in Auckland and take in the lovely scenery as they head to Waiheke Island.
Once you arrive, you’ll visit Batch Winery and enjoy a 3-course meal and premium wine tasting. You’ll get to learn all about the island and the vineyard as you enjoy your meal and the stunning views.
As for transportation, this tour includes a one-way flight to Waiheke from Auckland and a ferry ticket from Waiheke to Auckland. After your meal, your guide will take you to the Waiheke Ferry Terminal where you will board your boat back to Auckland.
If you are looking for another way to tour the Waiheke vineyards, check out this Waiheke hop-on-hop-off bus pass that stops at 16 destinations around the island.
6 | The Best Private Luxury Wine Tour
Waiheke Island Private Luxury Experience
Price: $455.26
Duration: 1 day (8 hours)
Rating: 5 stars
For those looking for a luxurious day with your personal group, consider booking this Waiheke wine tour. The tour includes hotel pick up, a round trip ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, wine tastings, and lunch.
On the tour, you’ll learn about the winemaking process in each of the vineyards and other unique things about the island from your local guide. You’ll get to visit vineyards such as Batch and Stonyridge. Some of the best wineries on the island!
7 | The Best Waiheke Wine Tour for Cruise Ship Travelers
2.5 Hour Wine Tour in Waiheke Island for Cruise Ship Travelers
Price: $145.68
Duration: 2.5 hours
Rating: 5 stars
This tour was created specifically for cruise ship travelers. You’ll visit 2 vineyards in just 2.5 hours – Postage Stamp Wines and Mudbrick Vineyard. Pick up and drop off will be at Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island. This tour does not include lunch so any additional drinks and food will need to be purchased.
8 | Full-Day Private Waiheke Wine Tour
Full Day Private Waiheke Island Wine Tour Including Lunch
Price: $424.91 (varies depending on group size)
Duration: 1 day
Rating: 5 stars
This full day private tour includes round trip transportation from Auckland to Waiheke, a local guide who will drive you around Waiheke and teach you all there is to know about this lovely wine region. This is a great tour, because since it’s private, you’ll be able to customize the tour where possible.
You’ll get a personalized private tour for 2 to 6 people that includes Premium or Reserve wine tastings at three wineries on the island. Guests will also enjoy sightseeing and a two-course lunch at a delicious restaurant on the island.
Note: I recommend checking the current price on GetYourGuide or Viator’s websites in case they are running any promotions.
Travel Insurance
Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.
And that’s a wrap on the best Waiheke wine tours! I hope you found this guide helpful and if you have any questions about planning your trip to New Zealand, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram!
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