Three Vineyards, Tastings Only

A 5-hour shared Waiheke Island wine outing run by Waiheke Wine Tours Limited, rated 4.8 from 325 reviews.

Overview

Three sit-down tastings, a long lunch break in the middle, and a local guide driving between them: that is the shape of this five-hour day on Waiheke. It starts at Matiatia ferry terminal, where the guide meets arrivals holding a welcome board, then runs to Cable Bay, Stonyridge and Mudbrick for tastings, with a lunch stop at either Batch Winery or Charley Farley's depending on availability. Lunch and drinks are paid for separately on the day.

The route doubles as a scenic tour. The bus travels through villages on the island and the guide gives commentary between stops, covering the wineries and the island's history. Tastings are seated rather than standing at a bar counter, and the final stop at Mudbrick looks across the water to Auckland.

It suits travellers who want the island's best-known vineyards handled for them in one afternoon, with tastings, transport and a guide all arranged. The return is scheduled for 3:40pm at the ferry terminal, though the tour is set up so guests can stay on for dinner or drinks and take a later boat. Anyone who wants to actually taste, not just look, should note the minimum age of 18.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at ferry terminalA local guide meets the ferry at Matiatia with a welcome board. Commentary starts as soon as the group boards.
2. First wine tastingA 45-minute sit-down tasting at Cable Bay, with views over the Hauraki Gulf.
3. Lunch stop1.5 hours for lunch and scenic views on the drive. Optional and at extra cost, at Batch Winery or Charley Farley's depending on availability.
4. Second wine tastingA 45-minute tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard, known for its reds.
5. Third wine tastingA 45-minute tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard, the final stop, overlooking the gulf and Auckland.
6. Return to ferryDrop-off back at the ferry terminal at 3:40pm, or guests can stay on at their own arrangement for dinner or sunset.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape the day, from ferry timing to how the lunch stop works.

• Getting there. The ferry ticket is not included and the tour meets at Matiatia on the Waiheke side. One reviewer noted the tour schedule lines up with the Fuller ferry from downtown Auckland rather than the Island Direct service, so the sailing choice matters.
• Pace and timing. Each tasting runs 45 minutes with a longer break for lunch. Most reviewers describe the day as relaxed and well timed, though a few in the listing's review summary felt the stops went quickly and wanted more time at each venue.
• Lunch planning. Lunch is at your own expense at either Batch Winery or Charley Farley's, with the venue set by availability rather than chosen on the day. Budgeting for a meal and a glass of wine is sensible.
• Guides and group. Guides are locals who live on the island and give commentary throughout the drives. Reviews repeatedly single out the guides as knowledgeable and funny, and one noted the group never felt crowded even with other tours around.
• What to bring. The listing does not specify a packing list. Tastings and lunch are seated, and stops range from tables under olive trees to a beachfront lunch spot, so plan for a relaxed day rather than anything demanding.
• Staying later. Drop-off is at 3:40pm but nothing forces you onto that ferry. The listing suggests staying for dinner at the last venue or wandering into Oneroa, and one reviewer recommended staying for the sunset and catching a later ferry.

Common issues. The main cost beyond the ticket is lunch and drinks, which are not included, and the ferry fare is also separate. The lunch venue is assigned by availability, so travellers hoping specifically for Batch or Charley Farley's may find the other one on the day. A few travellers in the listing's review summary felt the pace was rushed and wanted longer at each winery, while most reviews describe the timing as comfortable. If a venue is unavailable on the day, the operator substitutes another vineyard of a similar standard. The tour is restricted to those 18 and over, so it is not an option for families with children.

Before You Book