Sip And Savor, Lunch Included

A 6-hour small-group Waiheke Island wine outing run by The Wine Tasting Company Limited, rated 4.9 from 115 reviews.

Overview

Six hours on Waiheke built entirely around wine, food and a long lunch. This tour from The Wine Tasting Company Limited visits three boutique vineyards, with tastings at each stop, food pairings at the second, and a proper sit-down lunch: either a shared platter with a glass of wine or a main with a drink. Tasting fees and transport around the island are all in the price, so there is no paying at each cellar door.

The day starts at Matiatia Wharf, where a guide meets the ferry or collects guests from their Waiheke accommodation. From there it is a short stop in Oneroa Village for coffee or a souvenir, then the vineyards in sequence, wrapping up in time for an afternoon sailing back to Auckland. Groups stay small, with a maximum of 11 people per vehicle, and vineyard stops are pre-booked so there is no waiting in tasting queues.

It suits adults who want a structured day rather than self-driving between cellar doors, and it is not available to travellers with children under 18, since guests must be 18 or older with photo ID. Ferry tickets from Auckland are the one thing you buy separately. Reviewers consistently praise the guides and the lunch.

What's Included

Included

Pickup and drop-off from Matiatia Wharf Waiheke Island
Either a shared platter style lunch with a glass of wine OR a main with a glass of wine
Wine tastings at three boutique vineyards, some paired with food
Transport around the island
Local guide
Live commentary
All tasting fees

Not Included

Ferry tickets to Waiheke Island from Auckland

Itinerary

Meet at Matiatia WharfThe guide greets the ferry at Matiatia Wharf, or collects guests from their Waiheke accommodation. Look for the Wine Tasting Company sign, shaped like a small surfboard.
Oneroa Village stopA traditional village stop for photos, sightseeing and a chance to grab a coffee or a souvenir before the first tasting.
First vineyard tastingA 15-minute van transfer, then a 45-minute wine tasting at the first boutique vineyard.
Second vineyard, food pairingA 10-minute drive to the second vineyard for a 45-minute tasting, this one paired with food.
Lunch at a vineyardA 10-minute transfer, then 1.5 hours for lunch: a shared platter with a glass of wine, or a main with a drink of your choice.
Third vineyard tastingAfter a 20-minute drive, a final 40-minute tasting at the third vineyard.
Return to Matiatia WharfA 10-minute van ride back to Matiatia Wharf for the sailing to Auckland or drop-off at Waiheke accommodation.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points make the day smoother, from ferry timing to what the tour actually covers.

Book the ferry. Ferry tickets from Auckland are not included. The listing's sample plan has travellers at the Downtown Auckland terminal for the 9:00 AM Fullers sailing, arriving at Waiheke before the tour begins.
Bring photo ID. The tour is strictly 18 and over, and guides check identification. A passport or ID card is the one document the listing asks you to carry.
Pace and walking. The day is relaxed: short van hops between stops, tastings at each vineyard and a long lunch. One reviewer described an elderly companion being assisted on and off the vehicle and into venues, though formal accessibility is not stated in the listing.
Small group feel. Vehicles carry a maximum of 11 people, and one reviewer said the small group made the day feel more personal. Guides give live commentary and share stories about the island along the way.
Food and lunch. Lunch is included, either a shared platter with a glass of wine or a main with a drink. Dietary requirements should be noted in the booking comments at the time of booking, and the listing advises eating breakfast first.
Itinerary can shift. The sample itinerary changes with seasonal vineyard availability, so the order and the vineyards themselves may differ on the day. The listing also advises wearing comfortable shoes.

Common issues. The ferry from Auckland is a separate purchase and the tour schedule is built around it. Food pairing happens at one vineyard rather than all three, as one reviewer noted. The sample itinerary is subject to change depending on seasonal vineyard availability. Children under 18 cannot join, and pets, oversize luggage, food, vaping and alcohol are not allowed in the vehicle.

Before You Book

What is included in the price?

Wine tastings at three boutique vineyards with all tasting fees covered, island transport, a local guide with live commentary, and lunch with a glass of wine. Pickup and drop-off at Matiatia Wharf, or from Waiheke accommodation, is included. Ferry tickets from Auckland are not.

Do I need to pay for the wine tastings or lunch separately?

No. All tasting fees and lunch are in the tour price. The only extra cost is the ferry from Auckland, which you buy from Fullers online or at the wharf.

Where does the tour meet?

At Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island. If coming from Auckland, take the 9:00 AM Fullers ferry and the guide will meet you as you disembark, holding a Wine Tasting Company sign shaped like a small surfboard. Guests staying on Waiheke can be picked up from their accommodation.

Can children join the tour?

No. Guests must be 18 or older and carry photo identification, so the tour is not suitable for families travelling with children under 18.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If a cruise schedule or other change affects your day, reviewers report the operator was willing to move their booking to another day, though that is at the operator's discretion.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring a passport or ID card for age verification. Wear comfortable shoes, eat breakfast before the tour, and note that food, vaping and alcohol are not allowed in the vehicle. Mention any dietary requirements in the booking notes so lunch can be arranged.