Here’s a list of the wonderful vineyards we visit during our waiheke island wine tours where you can enjoy many amazing wine tastings.
Our vineyard was established in 1998 and sits on a hilltop overlooking the Onetangi Valley. It’s 3.5 hectares with a steep north-facing slope, and it’s planted with Chardonnay vines along with small parcels of Syrah and Pinot Gris. The soil is low fertility iron-rich clay produced from weathered ancient Jurassic bedrock. This diverse site creates wines that are intense and complex, with umami flavours imparted by the maritime salt-laden winds blowing across the valley.
Our vineyard, which was established in 2006 and has two hectares of land, contains mature plantings of Syrah and Bordeaux varieties. The vineyard also has a steep north-facing aspect.
Website: batchwinery.com
Phone: +64 9 372 3223
Our vineyards, located in both Waiheke Island and Marlborough, are some of the most ideal locations in New Zealand. We pick our grapes with precision to get only the best ones that will match perfectly with the wine type we desire to create.
Our Waiheke vineyards are located at the western end of the island and house Pinot Gris, Viognier, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec vines. The plants grow in soil rich with sandstone and mudstone from the Jurassic period atop bedrock. The strata are covered in soil composed of weathered rock and clay, with veins of minerals running through it. The soil is coloured by iron and manganese oxides. Our wines come from these sediments, which represent millions of years of earth’s history. They have beautiful minerality and texture as a result of the geology, and exceptional palate weight due to the clay soils.
The temperature of the sea surrounding the island has a significant impact on the climate. The cool sea breezes during daylight hours, combined with the insulating effect of the waves at night, result in milder conditions where there is little difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Therefore, throughout our growing season, average temperatures remain quite high; this allows us to grow varieties from warmer climates that would not usually thrive here – such as those found in Rhône Valley and Bordeaux regions. Additionally, you will find that maritime influence produces some remarkable characteristics affecting wine production here – making our wines wonderfully individual.
Website: cablebay.nz
Phone: 09 372 5889
Miro Vineyard is in the Onetangi wine-growing region and comprises a 4.2 hectare vineyard and the outstanding Tapas restaurant called Casita Miro. Miro is the closest vineyard to Onetangi Beach, a summer playground for holiday makers. Views from the vineyard are spectacular, looking out over the vines, the village and the sea.
Grapes in the region ripen to a rare succulent intensity in the hot summer sun. The mineral rich soil provides the vines with flavour-enhancing elements. Red grapes such as Syrah and Bordeaux varietals are our focus here but we also grow beautiful Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Albarino and a small amount of Viognier that is grown primarily to blend with the Syrah. We are delighted to announce that we are pouring our 2019 MIRO by the glass! Duck in for a tasting, if you are the Island, or head to our shop to purchase these lovelies!
Website: casitamiro.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 7854
Kennedy Point Vineyard is the only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke and can be found on the southwestern side and was established in 1996.
Set amongst 300-year-old pohutukawa trees overlooking Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Bay. At our cellar door you can complement your wine tasting experience with delicious local oysters, cheeses and smoked salmon.
It specializes in growing and producing Bordeauxand Syrah wines.
Cellar Door: The perfect setting to sample our award-winning organic wines, extra virgin olive oil and Kennedy Point honey. Our tasting plate selections are paired with the wines to enhance the entire experience.
Cellar Door open, view their Website for updated opening times, for wine, olive, avocado oil and honey tasting.
We offer customized tours, private long lunches, group wine tasting or afternoon celebrations for groups of up to 30 people during the summer season.
Website: kennedypointvineyard.com
Phone: 09 372 5600
Mudbrick is one of the island’s best-known wineries and has a Provence-style restaurant made of mudbrick. The vineyard enjoys fantastic 360-degree views of the gulf and surrounding islands.
The vineyard produces Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes.
Tours and tastings available, Cellar door open 7 days a week and for tastings less than 10 guests you do not require a booking. View their Website for update opening times.
Website: mudbrick.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 9050
Obsidian Vineyard in Onetangi is a 17-hectare property that was established in 1993.
Tucked away in an Amphitheatre setting amongst the vines, Obsidian offers tastings in a relaxed and friendly environment. The cellar door is situated next to a wetland area and vines. Al fresco tastings are often held under the pergola. View their Website for opening times.
Obsidian, its flagship wine, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Its label is “Weeping Sands” (the translation of “Onetangi”). In 2007 Obsidian won a trophy and gold medal at the Romeo Bragato National Wine Competition for its first release of the Montepulciano variety.
Website: obsidian.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 6100
Peacock Sky Vineyard is located in the centre of Waiheke Island with views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland.
Peacock Sky combines a rustic vineyard ambience with wine tasting (from $3), and main dishes ($25 to $32) and shared platters ($32 to $45) tinged with local produce and international flavours.
They offer a number of wine tastings depending on your interest, budget, and time, and their multilingual staff can you guide you through your experience in English, French, Swedish, Spanish or Portuguese!
Website: peacocksky.co.nz
Phone: 09 950 4386
Poderi Crisci vineyard encompasses 7.7 hectares on a north facing slope set among a sheltered Amphitheater and a narrow rocky strip believed to be 30 million years older than the rest of the Island.
Located at the end of a country lane, Poderi Crisci is a family-owned vineyard and restaurant with Italian flair and a passion for traditional wine making.
The first merlot vines were planted in 2000. The success of the first vines led to the planting of other grape varieties and vegetable gardens with Poderi Crisci being founded in 2008 and the restaurant opening in 2010.
Antonio, a visionary, has transformed the Waiheke Island vineyard into a place people will visit to wine, dine and have ‘layers of experience.
Website: podericrisci.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 21448
Stonyridge Vineyard was founded in 1981 in the Onetangi Valley, specializing in Bordeaux-style reds.
The first Bordeaux vines and olive trees were planted in 1982 with the help of close friends and family. This makes Stonyridge the first commercial olive grove in New Zealand. When Cabernet Franc and Malbec were planted in 1983, it was the beginning of New Zealand’s first Bordeaux four blend.
In 1987 the great Larose was made that rocketed Stonyridge to national fame and attracted international attention – a wine hailed as the greatest red wine ever made in New Zealand. The Stonyridge Larose 2010 scored 97 points to make it the highest equal scoring red wine in 2013 and finished ahead of all of Australia’s most iconic Cabernet Merlots!
Today Stonyridge is referred to as “One of the Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World” Guardian UK and most recently topped the list for the best Cabernet Merlot in The Age/ Sydney Morning Herald Good Wine Guide 2013.
Waiheke’s most famous vineyard is home to world-famous reds, an atmospheric cafe and the occasional dance party. Order a bottle of wine and a gigantic deli platter and retreat to one of the cabanas in the garden.
Website: stonyridge.com
Phone: 09 372 8822
Tantalus Estate sits on eight hectares of free-draining sandy soil over weathered clay and rock in the Onetangi Valley, in the heart of Waiheke’s wine growing country. Their aim is to produce dense, complex Bordeaux and Rhone-style reds that will age beautifully.
The Estate includes 5.3 hectares of vineyards, a winery, a craft brewery and an expansive, light-filled restaurant with a seasonal menu built around fresh, local produce.
The estate is situated amongst other reputable wineries within walking distance making the valley a great destination to spend the day.
Situated amongst the vines, our indoor and outdoor dining areas flow through to the Cellar Door, providing comfortable and diverse experiences for our guests. Enjoy hand-crafted wine and beer tastings while gazing down into our state of the art brewery and out across the vines.
View updated Cellar door opening time on their Website.
Website: tantalus.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 2625
The Te Motu Vineyard’s story began in 1988 when the Dunleavy family procured 30 acres of prime “vineyard valley” and nourished it into a haven of premier wine.
As one of the pioneers of the Waiheke wine movement, the family’s vision was clear from the outset: To master wines of the ‘Bordeaux’ style, comprised predominantly from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
In 1989 the first vines were planted. The first vintage of Te Motu was produced in 1993.
Te Motu’s vineyard lies in the heart of Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Valley which features Jurassic-age Waipapa Group soil and a unique micro-climate.
The on-site restaurant work a special kind of magic, using wonderful local ingredients grown on Waiheke, as well as fresh produce straight from their own gardens to produce honest-to-goodness and thoroughly modern food.
The Cellar Door provides a wonderful opportunity to sample aged red wines that are not often readily available, view their Website for updated opening times.
Website: temotu.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 6846
Wild on Waiheke is the home of Wild Estate Vineyard & Restaurant, Waiheke Island Brewery, and a relaxed style, giant outdoor beer garden.
It’s a place you can unwind & relax right among the vines and rolling hills.
Overlooked by the green, lush forestry of Te Putiki O Kahu Hill (a fortified Maori settlement first inhabited 700 years ago), you’ll feel as though you’re in a hidden and luxurious retreat nestled among the vines.
Here you will find archery, laser clay bird shooting, pétanque, a sandpit and a giant chessboard, all suitable for families, corporate groups and visitors to the island.
Our Taste Waiheke room is a first for Waiheke. You can sample and purchase locally produced food; olive oils; preserves; art and craft as well as our own wine and beer made on the premises.
Website: wildonwaiheke.co.nz
Phone: 09 372 4225
The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes.
The ferry leaves from downtown Auckland city and arrives at Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island.
You can catch the ferry from Auckland city ferry terminal (Fullers Ferry)
To get on the ferry just follow signs that say Waiheke, buy a ticket and jump into the queue.
It is highly advised that you book your Waiheke ferry in advance then make sure to arrive about 30 minutes early so you can board the ferry at 10:00am to ensure you start your tour on time. The ferry is a first in first served deal so having your ticket ready and arriving early is ideal.
We will pick you up at 10:40am from the Matiatia ferry terminal or your island accommodation if you are already staying on the Waiheke.
All of the wine tastings are included in your wine tour package unless otherwise stated.
You are allowed up to 5 wine tastings at each of the wineries visited during your Waiheke Wine Tour.
You can visit other wineries after your tour ends, just make sure you have enough time to grab the ferry back to Auckland if you are not staying in accommodation on the island.
Waiheke Island offers many bus routes that will take you to the most frequently visited locations. These buses typically leave from Matiatia Wharf, where the Auckland ferries drop off passengers.
Waiheke island’s known all over the world for it’s jaw dropping vistas, relaxed atmosphere, award winning vineyards, amazing beaches, and wine tasting tours. If you are looking to have an amazing day trip with a lot of fun, great wines, food and a local guide then book yourself a tour today.
Due to the nature of our tours, please be advised our tours are R18+. We adhere to NZ liquor licensing laws and as such you may be asked for ID at any one of the vineyards we visit, especially if you appear to look under 25. Please ensure you have photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license with you during the tour. If your teenagers attend your tour with you, they cannot consume alcohol unless they are 18, and this is at our discretion not yours. No raunchy behaviour will be tolerated. None of the Waiheke Wine Tours include ferry transport to or from Waiheke Island, unless it is specified. Please make arrangements for your ferry crossing online, or if you would like us to do this on your behalf, please specify this request at the time of booking. Please note, ferries to and from Waiheke Island can become very popular and busy, especially during peak times. Bookings do not guarantee a seat – you must queue for the ferry and hope you are early enough to get the ferry you want. We advise you to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
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