About a Taste and Graze Tour
Your journey begins with a scenic ferry crossing from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, carrying you across the harbour toward a day on Waiheke Wine Tours Wild Whisky, Wine and Beer tour. Upon arrival at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, your host from Waiheke Wine Tours will be waiting to collect you and guide you through an experience filled with splashes of olive oil tastings, delectable platters, and the island's finest scenery.
Your journey begins at Mudbrick, one of Waiheke Island’s most iconic spots, where panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf await us. At their rustic cellar door, you will indulge in a wine tasting that introduces you to the varietals grown on Waiheke Island.
The Heke, a charming Waiheke craft distillery and brewery. The Heke is nestled within four acres of beautiful gardens, providing a serene setting. You will have the opportunity to choose between the Boiler Maker tastings, which include whisky and beer, or the Spirits tasting, which features vodka and Gin, or just Craft Beer, whilst enjoying a tour of the distillery.
craft beers and award-winning Waiheke Whisky.
Onwards for some lunch we make our way up to the highest point on the island and into The Batch Winery, which boasts 360-degree views over all of the Hauraki gulf, out to Little Barrier, Whangaparoa and a glimpse of the Coromandel, for a glass of wine and an incredible platter lunch.
Finally, on to the All Press Olive Groves. Waiheke Island is known for its unique microclimate that produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil. During the visit, you will get to taste a variety of locally handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, each with its unique flavour and aroma; you will also learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and milling olives.
After your tour, your Waiheke Wine Tours guide will transport you to Pier 3 at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, where you can catch the 4.20pm Island Direct ferry back to Auckland City.
Should you wish to extend your time on the island, you have the option to hop off at Oneroa village and explore further! Perhaps enjoying an early dinner or lingering over drinks before catching a later ferry.
**If you decide to stay longer, you can change your ferry time through the email confirmation link, subject to availability.
Your Itinerary
8:55am – Arrive at Island Direct Ferry, located at Pier 13 in the Downtown Ferry Terminal, Auckland City. This marks the beginning of your journey, as we prepare to embark on a scenic crossing over to Waiheke Island.
9:15am – Sailing offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the stunning views of the harbour, setting a tranquil tone for the day ahead.
About 9:50am – Our ferry will arrive at Pier 3, Matiatia Ferry Terminal, where a Waiheke Wine Tours host will be waiting to collect you.
10am – Wine tasting at Mudbrick, an idyllic setting with spectacular sea views across the Waitemata Harbour to Auckland City
11am – Visit The Heke, Waiheke’s craft distillery and brewery. You will enjoy the famous Heke lager and three crafted hand-picked guest beers, or award-winning Whisky Tastings, or the Spirits tastings of Gin and Vodka
12pm – Platter lunch and a glass of wine at Batch Vineyard, the highest Vineyard on the island with sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.
2pm – Enjoy a taste of Waiheke Extra Virgin Olive Oils at All Press Olive Groves.
2:40pm – You can either be dropped off in Oneroa Village for some free time or at the ferry terminal. Oneroa Village is only a 10 to 15-minute walk from the Matiatia ferry terminal.
4:15pm - Return ferry to Auckland departs on Island Direct.
**If you decide to stay longer, you can change your ferry time through the email confirmation link, subject to availability.
*Itinerary is subject to some variation depending on seasonal vineyard availability and may vary from this advertised.