Waiheke Island Travel Guide: New Zealand's Island of Wine
If you’re looking for a beautiful wine region that’s close to a major hub in New Zealand, there’s nowhere like Waiheke Island. The hillside olive groves and vineyards remind me of the Mediterranean, but the island has a quintessentially Kiwi vibe. It’s unpretentious residents, many who showcase their creative talents like painting or sculpting, live an enviously laid-back lifestyle. Waiheke Island exudes a sense of being away from it all and its relaxed pace is a magnet for locals and tourists alike.
How to Get to Waiheke Island
Take a scenic 35 minute ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island or a 12 minute helicopter ride. You are quickly transported of the city to this blissful island, a gem in the Waitemata Harbour.
Things to Do on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island Wine Tasting
The island has its own warm, dry microclimate; in fact, though it’s only miles from the mainland, the temperature is a few degrees higher. The terroir that nurtures the islands agricultural staples, like olive groves and orchards, has proven ideal for growing grapes, especially Cabernet and Chardonnay. Most wineries offer cellar door tastings on a walk-in basis, but reservations are recommended in the height of summer. There are over 40 outlets to explore in this flourishing wine region, but here are my favorite wineries -
#1 Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
Mudbrick has been the number one stop on the lists of celebrities, oenophiles, and horticulturalists since the 90s. Everywhere you turn, there’s something pretty to look at. The scent of lavender drifts from enchanting gardens, which are both productive and charming. Green ivy spills over the namesake mudbrick walls and a shady bistro offers sweeping views of the sea. Mudbrick’s delicious Bordeaux blends top off the experience and bring Provence to the South Pacific. This is a spot where you’ll want to stay a while, so plan accordingly.
#2 Tantalus Estate Vineyard
Set in the heart of the Onetangi Valley, Tantalus offers tantalizing food, wine, and craft beer in a stunning setting. With multiple venues indoor and outdoor, Tantalus Waiheke has plenty of space to relax and enjoy. Inside, a swanky light-filled restaurant serves dishes with ingredients foraged from the rich farms and waters of the island. Tucked downstairs, Alibi Brewer’s Lounge has speakeasy vibe with its brick interior, moody lights, and brass fixtures. On a sunny day, the perfect spot to post up is on a bean bag chair on the back lawn, surrounded by wildflowers and vines.
#3 Stonyridge Vineyard
Stonyridge strictly follows traditional French winemaking processes and has an undisputed reputation for producing some of the best reds on the island and worldwide. Thirty vintages and counting, the Cabernet-dominant Larose is considered one of the most collectable New Zealand wines. Savor your tasting alfresco at the Veranda Cafe, where native palm trees, cushioned couches, and teak furniture provide an island atmosphere. Note - The walk from Tantalus to Stonyridge is a pleasant stroll through a valley of vines. Since the two vineyards are so close by and have different ambiances, it’s worth checking out both.
#4 Cable Bay Vineyards
Located on top of a hill overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, the panoramic vistas at Cable Bay are tough to beat. This Northwestern-facing vineyard is a great spot to catch the sun fade over the Auckland skyline. It’s close proximity to the main ferry terminal adds to the appeal and makes it an ideal last stop on your Waiheke Island journey. Cap off the day with Mediterranean inspired dishes and drinks on the endless lawn or in one of the open-air restaurants. Cable Bay’s cellar door is attached to the production facility, so you can watch the winemakers work while tasting the fruits of their labor. If the timing’s right, you might be able to have a chat with one of the vintners, like we did.
Please note, expect to pay approximately $10 per person per tasting. Additional wineries to consider include Peacock Sky, Kennedy Point, The Batch, Goldie Estate, Man O War, and Te Motu.
Visit Oneroa & Onetangi Beaches
And as if world-class wineries weren't enough reasons to visit, there are also lush coastal tracks leading to golden beaches and turquoise waters.
Oneroa is a quaint beachside village with contemporary art galleries, stylish boutiques, and chilled-out cafes. Most of the town offers wonderful views of Oneroa Beach, which connects you to five other coves. During low tide, you can scramble over some rocks from Oneroa Beach to reach Little Oneroa Beach. Alternatively, take the cliff top track with stunning views of the bays below. Afterwards, unwind with a refreshing glass of rosé and some fish & chips with sandy toes and no worries in the world.
If you plan on heading to Tantalus and Stonyridge, it’s worth checking out Onetangi Bay just a few minutes down the road. This mile long, crescent-shaped beach is the best on the island for swimming and sunbathing. Look out for endemic pohutukawa trees, known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree, with vibrant red flowers during the Kiwi summer.
How to Get Around
Book a shared or private Waiheke wine tour with Auckland Fine Wine Tours or Ananda Tours.
Use a combination of walking and taxis, which is what I’ve done on both visits, for a Waiheke Island self-guided wine tour.
For the more adventurous, hire a scooter or an electric bike.
Use the local bus. It will stop at the main beach towns and wineries.
Waiheke Island Accommodation Options to Extend Your Stay
Book a villa or book a bach (local holiday home) on your own
The combination of gourmet food and wine alongside sweeping coastal views creates an unmatched setting. I’d be lying if I said we did not look at Sotheby’s Waiheke real estate listings on the Sealink ferry ride back to Auckland. How could we not want to buy into this dream?
