Auckland Departure, Wine And Lunch

A 7-hour shared Waiheke Island wine outing run by Fullers360, rated 4.5 from 510 reviews.

Overview

This is a full-day loop from downtown Auckland to the vineyards of Waiheke Island, run by Fullers360 over about 7 hours. Travellers make their own way to the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, arriving by 9:30am for the 10:00am ferry. The guide and coach wait at Matiatia Terminal on the island at 10:45am, holding Taste of Waiheke signage, and from there the day runs on an air-conditioned coach with a driver-guide.

The core of the day is wine tasting at two vineyards, an included lunch, and an olive oil and honey tasting that reviewers repeatedly single out as a highlight. Lunch gets consistent praise in reviews, described as delicious, excellent and superb.

It suits adults who want a structured, low-effort way to see Waiheke from Auckland. The minimum age is 18, the group can run up to 36 travellers, and the tour goes ahead in all weather. Solo travellers in particular describe it as an easy day trip, though anyone expecting a private or intimate experience should note the group size.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Downtown TerminalMeet at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, Pier 11 or 12, Quay Street, Auckland. Arrive by 9:30am for the 10:00am ferry; late arrivals cannot join the tour.
2. Ferry to WaihekeTake the walk-up ferry to Waiheke Island. One reviewer mentioned a welcome drink on board, and several praised the harbour views from the crossing.
3. Meet guide at MatiatiaOn arrival at Matiatia Terminal at 10:45am, the guide and coach are waiting with Taste of Waiheke signage.
4. Wineries and tastingsTravel by air-conditioned coach to two vineyards for wine tastings, plus an olive oil and honey tasting stop. Reviewers often name Mudbrick, Batch and Allpress among the stops, though the listing states the wineries are subject to change without notice.
5. Lunch at a wineryLunch is included, and reviewers frequently praise the meal.
6. Return to AucklandThe tour ends with the ferry back to the original meeting point at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what multiple travellers reported.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point is the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, and the listing is firm that late arrivals cannot join.
• Weather and clothing. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and the listing asks travellers to dress appropriately.
• Pace and structure. The listing states that most travellers can participate. Reviewers describe the day as coach travel between stops with commentary from the driver-guide.
• Food and drink. Lunch and the tastings are included. Reviewers praise the meal repeatedly, and the olive oil tasting is a repeated favourite.
• Group feel. Up to 36 travellers can join, so the group can be sizable. Reviewers describe knowledgeable driver-guides with good island commentary.
• Free time. Several also single out the winery grounds and island views as memorable parts of the trip.

Common issues. The most common complaint is confusion over the meeting arrangement: one reviewer expected to meet the guide at the Auckland pier and found no one there, since the guide actually meets the group on Waiheke. Another had trouble scanning their ferry ticket in the format provided. Two reviewers called the wines mediocre or not too good, even where lunch and the olive oil tasting were praised. The listing also notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible, the minimum age is 18, wineries can change without notice, and cancellation requires at least 3 full days' notice for a refund.

Before You Book