From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour With Lunch

The Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour from Auckland offers a captivating 6-hour journey through the region’s renowned vineyards. Priced at NZD 3,556 per person, this small-group tour whisks visitors by scenic ferry to three boutique wineries, where they’ll enjoy tastings and a shared platter-style lunch with a glass of wine. Along the way, knowledgeable local guides regale guests with engaging stories about the island’s unique wine and culinary scene, including award-winning olive oil tastings. It’s a perfect opportunity to take in Waiheke’s vibrant flavors and uncover the secrets that make this destination so alluring.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Auckland.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Auckland and includes a scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island, where you will visit three boutique vineyards for wine tastings and a shared lunch.

• The tour provides a comprehensive wine-tasting experience, with opportunities to learn about the local olive oil production and hear stories from knowledgeable guides.

• The small group size of up to 11 participants ensures a personalized and exclusive experience, with opportunities for direct engagement with the guides.

• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or children under 18 years, and participants must be 18 or older and provide photo ID.

• The tour has received positive reviews, with highlights including the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and engaging storytelling, though suggestions for improvement include enhancing gluten-free options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour departs from Auckland and costs NZD 3,556 per person, with a duration of 6 hours and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will take the Fullers ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, where they’ll visit three boutique vineyards for wine tastings and food pairings. A shared platter-style lunch with a glass of wine is included at Stonyridge vineyard.

The tour highlights include an award-winning olive oil tasting and local vineyard stories from the guides, all in a small group setting of up to 11 people.

A reserve now and pay later option is available for this comprehensive Waiheke Island wine experience.

Itinerary and Experience

Upon arrival at the Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island, participants embark on their wine tasting journey, beginning with a scenic ferry ride from Auckland.

The tour includes visits to three boutique vineyards: Mudbrick, Batch, and Casita Miro, each offering wine tastings and food pairings. Guests then enjoy a shared platter-style lunch with a glass of wine at the renowned Stonyridge vineyard.

The tour highlights include an award-winning olive oil tasting, engaging stories from the local guides, and a small group experience (maximum 11 people).

Throughout the day, participants are transported around the island with live commentary, seeing the beauty and flavors of Waiheke.

Inclusions and Transportation

The Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour includes pickup and drop-off from the Matiatia Wharf, shared lunch and a glass of wine, wine tastings at three vineyards with tasting fees, and transport around the island with a local guide providing live commentary.

The ferry tickets from Auckland to Waiheke Island are also included in the tour.

Guests will experience award-winning olive oil tasting and learn about the local vineyard stories from the knowledgeable guides.

The tour offers a small group experience with a maximum of 11 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate exploration of Waiheke Island’s renowned wine region.

Important Information

Travelers should note that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and children under 18 years. Participants must be 18 or older and provide photo ID.

Dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking to ensure accommodations. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and have breakfast before the tour, as the day involves extensive walking and wine tastings.

The tour highlights may not be accessible to everyone, so it’s essential to review the tour details carefully to ensure it aligns with individual needs and abilities. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this Waiheke Island wine tasting tour, rating it an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 35 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable food and wine pairings. One notable guide, Heidi, was singled out for her engaging storytelling about the island and winemaking.

While the overall experience was highly regarded, some suggestions for improvement included the order of vineyard visits and requests for gluten-free options for food pairings.

The tour’s small group size, averaging 11 people, also contributed to its popularity, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of Waiheke Island’s renowned vineyards.

Award-winning Olive Oil Tasting

One highlight of the Waiheke Island wine tasting tour is the award-winning olive oil tasting, providing visitors with the opportunity to sample the island’s acclaimed artisanal olive oils.

Produced by local growers, these premium olive oils are renowned for their exceptional quality and flavor.

During the tour, guests can learn about the intricate process of olive oil production, from harvesting the olives to the careful extraction methods that bring out the oils’ complex notes.

The tasting allows participants to appreciate the subtle nuances between different varieties, with expert guides on hand to share their insights.

This unique experience complements the wine tastings, offering a well-rounded exploration of Waiheke Island’s acclaimed food and beverage scene.

Local Vineyard Stories From Guides

The guided tours on Waiheke Island provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the captivating narratives behind the local vineyards, as knowledgeable guides share their insights and personal anecdotes.

From the rich history of the family-owned Mudbrick Vineyard to the innovative spirit of Batch Winery, the guides weave together stories that bring the island’s winemaking legacy to life.

Guests are captivated as they learn about the challenges, triumphs, and passions that have shaped each estate.

The guides’ engaging storytelling not only enhances the wine-tasting experience but also offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication behind Waiheke’s renowned vintages.

Small Group Experience

Along With the captivating narratives shared by the knowledgeable guides, the Waiheke Island wine tasting tour offers a small group experience, with a maximum of 11 participants. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention and a more immersive exploration of the island’s vineyards.

Benefits of Small Group Experience
Enhanced Interaction	Personalized Attention	Exclusive Access
Participants can engage directly with the guides, asking questions and sharing their own insights.	The small group size ensures each guest receives dedicated care and guidance throughout the tour.	The small group format provides exclusive access to certain vineyards and experiences not available to larger crowds.

The small group dynamic creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and connection, elevating the overall wine tasting adventure.

Recap

The Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour from Auckland is a must-try experience for wine enthusiasts.

With a small group size, scenic ferry transport, and visits to three boutique vineyards, it offers an intimate exploration of the island’s unique wine and culinary offerings.

Complemented by award-winning olive oil tastings and engaging stories from knowledgeable local guides, this tour promises an unforgettable day on Waiheke Island.

You can check if your dates are available here: