
Waiheke Island Wineries: Ultimate Guide For Wine Tasting (& Map)
Updated: 27th January 2025 By Lauren | Published: 21st January 2025
Home » Blog » Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland »Waiheke Island is known as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’ and is a great location to visit wineries and vineyards for wine tastings.
Nestled in the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city on the North Island.
Waiheke Island is a picturesque island with vineyards, award-winning wineries and a reputation for producing world-class wines. It is a must visit destination for anyone who appreciates wine and breath taking scenery.
Along with the wine, Waiheke Island’s producers grow olives, brew beer and cider, and distil gin.
A visit to Waiheke Island is a fun day or weekend trip from Auckland. Once on the island, it is easy to visit many of Waiheke’s wineries and vineyards for wine tastings, dining and the stunning views.
During my travels in New Zealand, I spent two weeks exploring Waiheke Island. I visited several of the wineries across the island, along with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and charming villages.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about visiting Waiheke Island’s wineries. Including tips on how to get to the island, how to get around and the locations of the wineries along with a map.
As well as sharing my favourites for the best wineries on Waiheke, I’ll answer your most frequently asked questions about wine tastings on Waiheke Island. That includes dress codes, tours and transportation, how much it all costs, and more.
Let’s dive into the best of Waiheke Island’s wine scene!
Waiheke Island Wineries – Quick Info On Wine Tastings
- You can expect to pay around $20 – $35 for a wine tasting flight of between 2 – 5 wines.
- Most wineries do not require advance bookings for wine tastings. If you’re visiting in a group of 6 or more people, it is best to call ahead.
- Feel free to wear comfortable, casual clothing if you wish as most wineries do not have dress codes.
- The easiest way to travel to Waiheke Island from Auckland and visit the wineries is to use the combined ferry and explorer bus ticket.
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The Best Waiheke Island Wineries For Wine Tasting And How To Visit Them
Read my New Zealand Travel Guide for all my blog posts and tips for travel in New Zealand!

Waiheke Island Wineries And Wine Tasting FAQ
First, Let’s Learn The Lingo
What Is A Wine Flight?
A wine flight is a selection of several wines. The wines are usually presented in wine glasses on a wooden board, sometimes with notches to hold the stem of a glass.
What Is A Cellar Door?
A cellar door is what New Zealanders call the wine tasting room or wine sales room at the winery or vineyard.
The cellar door is usually the place you will head to when you visit the winery to buy and taste different wines.

How Many Wineries Are There On Waiheke Island?
There are around 30 wineries and around 20 cellar doors on Waiheke Island.
Not all wineries and vineyards are open to the public, but those with a cellar door you can visit to enjoy winetastings.
Many of the wineries on Waiheke also have restaurants to enjoy lunch or dinner. The island is home to 5 of Auckland’s top 50 restaurants.
As Waiheke is a picturesque island, many wineries have fabulous outdoor spaces to enjoy the island views and vineyards.
What Grape Varieties Are Grown On Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is known as the ‘Island of Wine’ in New Zealand.
Vineyards on Waiheke mostly grow red grape varieties, with the most popular grapes grown being 25% Syrah and 15% Merlot. White grape varieties are also grown, with 16% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Gris of total production.
Even if you’re not a big fan of red wine, if you’re into wine of any kind then you are sure to find something to suit your taste at the wine tastings!

How Much Does Wine Tasting Cost At Waiheke Island Wineries?
Wine tasting does not need to be an expensive activity.
There are great, affordable options for wine tasting, even at some of the most famous and elegant wineries.
Many wineries have a set wine flight price for a selection of their most popular wines.
At most Waiheke Island wineries you can expect to pay around $20 – $35 for a wine tasting flight of between 2 – 5 wines.

Should You Go Wine Tasting Even If You Don’t Know Anything About Wine?
Even if you have very little knowledge of wine, then the staff at the winery will be happy to answer your questions and improve your knowledge.
Plus, they will likely guide you through the different wines you taste so you can appreciate the flavours even more.
Fiachra and I love wine in general, but since taking part in wine tastings and visiting different vineyards, we have improved knowledge of what kinds of wines we do and do not like.
Visiting Waiheke Island’s wineries and vineyards and taking part in wine tasting will give you a greater appreciation of New Zealand’s wine culture.
How Pretentious Is Wine Tasting In New Zealand?
Wine tasting on Waiheke Island is such a fun activity and nothing to be anxious about.
Many people worry that it is an expensive, formal activity, but this is not the case at all.
Fiachra was nervous before visiting a winery for the first time in New Zealand. He was worried that it was going to be pretentious and snooty.
But after visiting several wineries and taking part in wine tastings, his perception changed and he found that it is an accessible activity for many kinds of people to enjoy.
It does depend on the winery you visit (there are always exceptions), but most wineries are very casual and happy to appreciate your business.
Do You Need To Book To Go Wine Tasting On Waiheke?
Most Waiheke Island wineries do not require advance bookings for wine tastings.
All you need to do is turn up at the winery and head to the cellar door!
From there, staff will guide you through the tasting menus on offer. Most wineries have a set wine flight menu for a set price, for example 5 wines for $20. They usually offer a selection of their best wines in the flight, from white to rose to red.
If a menu takes your fancy, you can pay and do the tasting on the spot!
Some wineries do require appointments to visit. These wineries tend to be smaller operations that open on restricted hours.
Another reason to book is if you visit during the weekend. Many day and weekend trippers visit from Auckland from Friday to Sunday, so if you want to do wine tasting on these days it is best to book in advance.
If you are visiting any of the Waiheke wineries in a large group, for example 6 or more people, then it is best to call ahead in advance of arrival.

What To Wear To Go Wine Tasting – Waiheke Island Wineries Dress Code
You may be surprised to hear that you don’t have to wear formal clothes to go to a wine tasting!
People do tend to dress up a little bit, but you absolutely don’t have to.
Most of the Waiheke Island wineries do not have dress codes about what you should or shouldn’t be wearing.
While visiting Mudbrick and Cable Bay for wine tastings, for example, I wore jeans, trainers and a t-shirt. I did not feel underdressed at all, as most people were in similar attire. Many people were wearing jeans, chinos, blouses, shirts/t-shirts or casual dresses.
That said, some wineries on Waiheke Island do have a reputation for being visited by more “upper-class” patrons as I shall call them.
For example, Tantalus Estate has an upper class feel and although they do not have an official dress code, you will want to dress business casual at this winery.
If you choose to visit the more fancy wineries, then you may want to think about dressing more formally for your wine tasting.
Otherwise, feel free to go in casual clothes or whatever you feel most comfortable in!

Do You Need To Spit Out The Wine When You Go Wine Tasting?
When wine tasting there is no need to spit out the wine!
Wine tasting is a great way to enjoy different wines and savour the flavours and experience. No one expects you to spit out the wine!
Why waste good wine when you can just as easily swallow it? It also makes it more fun to actually drink the wine!
Waiheke Island Wineries & Vineyard Locations 🍇
Wineries and vineyards are located across Waiheke Island, but there are several distinct regions with clusters of wineries. I have grouped the winery/vineyard locations into 4 regions across the Island – Oneroa, Onetangi, Surfdale and East Waiheke Island – to help break down the locations.
I have listed the Waiheke Island wineries and vineyards here that have a cellar door and offer wine tastings, as well as promient breweries and distilleries that are open to the public.
Later on in this article you can get more information on the best wineries for wine tastings and how to travel around Waiheke Island, so in this section I will give you a brief overview.
🗺️ Download our FREE Waiheke Island Map featuring these wineries by subscribing to our mailing list here and gain instant access to exclusive subscriber resources.
Oneroa Wineries, Vineyards And Cellar Doors
Oneroa is the main village on Waiheke Island. It is the closest town to the ferries that arrive on Waiheke Island from Auckland.
That is the Fullers360 fast passenger ferry terminal at Matiatia and the Sealink vehicle ferry at Kennedy Point. To compare the two ferry companies that travel to Waiheke, you’ll want to use Fullers360 as a passenger and Sealink for a vehicle.
Several of Waiheke Island’s best wineries are located near Oneroa. That makes Oneroa a great starting point for exploring Waiheke Island’s wineries.
It is possible to visit the wineries near Oneroa on foot by walking from either the ferry terminal at Matiatia or from Oneroa village.
A public bus also runs from Matiatia to Oneroa village to shorten the walk – the 50A or 50B.
If you’re travelling as a passenger from Auckland, you can combine your Fast Ferry ticket with the Hop On Hop Off Explorer Bus which makes it must easier to visit these wineries. The Explorer Bus stops at both the Mudbrick and Cable Bay wineries.
The best wineries and vineyards to visit in the Oneroa region are:
- Mudbrick – A picturesque winery offering stunning views, elegant dining and award-winning wines in a romatic setting.
- Cable Bay – Sophisticated vineyard with modern architecture, fine wines and coastal views.
- Jurassic Ridge – A family-owned vineyard producing handcrafted Syrah, Pinot Gris and Cabenet Franc. The vineyard is on a ridge of Jurassic greywacke.
These three wineries and vineyards are located just a short walk from each other, however the terrain is hilly!
For sunset on Waiheke, the wineries near Oneroa are a good place to see it as they are on the western side of the island.


Surfdale Wineries, Vineyards And Cellar Doors
Surfdale is another small village on Waiheke Island and is located to the east of Oneroa.
The Kennedy Point ferry terminal operated by Sealink is the terminal for vehicles travelling to/from Auckland. Kennedy Point is located just south of Surfdale.
If you are travelling to Waiheke by car, then the wineries near to Surfdale are a good starting point for you.
The best wineries and vineyards to visit near Surfdale are:
- Kennedy Point – The only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke, specialising in Bordeaux and Syrah wines.
- Goldie Estate – A pioneering winemakers and among the first on Waiheke. A serene vineyard experience with a range of wines.
Onetangi Road Wineries, Vineyards And Cellar Doors
A large chunk of Waiheke Island’s wineries are in a cluster off Onetangi Road. The Onetangi Road is the main thoroughfare between Oneroa village and the second largest settlement on Waiheke Island which is Onetangi.
The vineyards and wineries here are located a short walk from each other, so a visit to this region on the island is a must for those interested in wine tastings at several prominent wineries on Waiheke.
The public bus travels from the passenger ferry terminal at Matiatia and Oneroa village along Onetangi Road and stops in front of the wineries. The bus stop is called ‘Vineyards’. From there, you can walk to all the wineries in this cluster.
The Waiheke Island Hop On Hop Off Explorer Bus also travels here.
The best wineries and vineyards (and breweries) to visit next to Onetangi Road are:
- Wild On Waiheke – Wild Estate Winery and Waiheke Island Brewery – Offers a unique combination of a boutique winery, brewery and adventure activities in a family-friendly environment.
- Stonyridge – Famous for Bordeaux-style reds, set amidst olive trees and lush vineyards.
- Tantalus Estate – Premium estate featuring exquisite cuisine, award-winning wines and a luxurious setting.
- SOHO Family – A blend of modern sophistication and rustic energy, with a street food truck serving food bites and a wine bar.
- Te Motu – A family-run winery with premium Jurassic-age soil quality growing conditions, producing acclaimed blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Postage Stamp – A boutique wine business with a diverse produce of wines and an olive grove.
- The Heke Kitchen Brewery and Distillery – Crafty drinks (including whisky and beers), lunch and dinner served in a country-barn style restaurant and gardens.

Onetangi Village Wineries, Vineyards And Cellar Doors
Onetangi is the second largest village on Waiheke. It has a delightful beach that is popular for surfing.
Waiheke Island’s only hostel is located in Onetangi, so if you are travelling to Waiheke on a budget you’ll most likely stay here.
In the hills above Onetangi beach to the west of Onetangi village are two delightful wineries to visit. These are:
- Casita Miro – Renowned for Spanish an Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted wines and an inspiring atmosphere.
- Obsidian – Boutqiue winery known for tranquil atmosphere and standout Syrah.
Onetangi is accessible by public bus and the Hop On Hop Off bus. From the bus stop at the beach, the wineries can be visited with a walk up the hills.


East Waiheke Island Wineries, Vineyards And Cellar Doors
The remaining winery region on Waiheke Island is the east of the island.
I have grouped these altogether because they are spread out across a large area of the island.
These wineries are also more difficult to get to. Unfortunately they are not easily accessible by public transport so you are only really going to visit these wineries if you have a vehicle or are taking part in a wine tasting tour.
The wineries in the eastern side of Waiheke Island are:
- Batch Winery – Situated at the island’s highest point, offering panoramic views, offering a diverse range of wines including sparkling varieties.
- Destiny Bay Wines – Waiheke’s only Cabernet blend speciaist, known for premium wines and sustainable practices.
- Woodside Hill – A small vineyard set in native bush, specialising in Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
These three wineries above are located next to Whakanewha Regional Park and the Pourkaraka Flats Campground (Waiheke’s best camping site).
- Awaroa Vineyard – Located east of Onetangi on Waiheke Road – An organic vineyard producing Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon amongst native bush in central Waiheke.
- Poderi Cresci – Located at Awawaroa – An Italian-inspired vineyard and restaurant, known for traditional wine making and culinary experiences.
- Passage Rock – Located on Orapiu Road – Known for its award-winning Syrah.
- Jasper Ridge – Located on in Cowes – Specialising in rose and Syrah wines
- Waiheke Distilling (gin and vodka distillery) – Located in Cowes – Craft distillery rustling up gin and vodka, with a garden bar.
- Man O’War – Located at Man O’War Bay – Waiheke Island’s only beachfront winery, offering exceptional wines in a serene coastal setting.

My 6 Favourite Waiheke Island Wineries For Wine Tasting 🍷
Now let’s look at the best wineries and vineyards to visit on Waiheke Island for wine tasting.
I have selected these as my favourite wineries to visit because of the selection of wine flight, customer service, price, and atmosphere.
I visited all of these wineries in 2021 and did so without a booking.
Here are my quick reviews of these 6 Waiheke Island wineries and how to visit them.

Cable Bay – Oneroa
Cable Bay is a very imposing looking winery with big glass walls, concrete slabs and lots of metal greeting you at the entrance.
It is a modern architecture which contrasts with the beautiful softness of the surrounding scenery. It is certainly not to my taste architecturally but of course others may think it is marvelous!
What Cable Bay lacks in elegance from the outside it certainly makes up for with its wine selection and customer service.
When I visited, wine tastings were being conducted in the bar so the atmosphere was very relaxed.
We did a wine tasting with a selection of 6 wines for only $12 per person – amazing value for money!
We were guided through each of the wines by our wonderful host who explained the fermentation method and aging process of each wine.
The wines were so delicious and interesting and unique to many wines I have ever tried before. For example, the Cable Bay Pinot Gris is fermented in a concrete egg for 6 months and matured in a stainless steel tank.

How To Visit Cable Bay And Important Info
Cable Bay is located in the hills above Oneroa village. It can be accessed by walking 30 minutes from Matiatia Ferry Terminal or shorter from Oneroa village.
The Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus stops at Cable Bay.
- Cable Bay’s Cellar Door is open 7 days from 11am – 5pm.
- Wine tasting flights cost from $20 – $35 for 2 – 4 wines.
- Bookings can be made on their website.
- For more information about Cable Bay’s wine tastings, tours and restaurant, visit their website.

Mudbrick – Oneroa
In complete contrast to Cable Bay, Mudbrick’s cellar door is located in a charming and picturesque cottage-style building, albeit grandeur.
Creeping with ivy and surrounded by gorgeous, flower filled gardens, the property has beautiful views across the water toward the Auckland skyline.
Mudbrick offers several wine tasting options for different budgets.
We opted for the $25 per person standard tasting which includes 6 wines.
Prior to each tasting we were given information on the wine, and then we were free to take the glass away to enjoy sipping it at our leisure.
Follow the cobbled pathways up onto the balcony to enjoy your wine relaxing on a recliner while smelling the delicate scent of lavender! Delish!



How To Visit Mudbrick And Important Info
Mudbrick Vineyard is located close by to Cable Bay in the hills above Oneroa village. You can walk there in about a 40 minute walk from Matiatia Ferry Terminal or shorter from Oneroa village.
The Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus stops at Mudbrick.
- Mudbrick’s Cellar Door is open 7 days from 10 am – 6 pm.
- Wine tasting flights cost between $20 – $44 for 4 – 6 wines.
- Groups smaller than 8 people do not need to book. Booking for groups of more than 8 can be made by contacting Mudbrick directly.
- For more information about Mudbrick’s wine tastings, tours and restaurant, visit their website.
Stonyridge – Onetangi Road
The most beautiful winery on Waiheke in my opinion is the Stonyridge estate.
Set in a gorgeous French inspired ivy-covered chateaux, Stonyridge specialises in Bordeaux red wine blends and olives.
They planted the first commercial olive grove in New Zealand.
Since their first vintage in 1985, Stonyridge has been thrust to the international stage for the greatest red wine made in New Zealand.
Stonyridge has impressive indoor and outdoor dining and garden spaces. In the summer, the palm tree dotted lawns are covered with picnic blankets and deck chairs so visitors can enjoy wine and nibbles under the Waiheke sun.
Wine tasting flights are a little more expensive at Stonyridge. They offer wine flights of rose, chardonnay and red Bordeaux blends.
The wine tastings are self-guided, so you can get a pamphlet of information alongside your wine flights to taste and learn at your leisure.

How To Visit Stonyridge And Important Info
Stonyridge is accessible on the public bus route and the Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus.
To get there by public bus, take the 50A or 50B to the bus stop called Vineyards. The bus leaves from Matiatia Ferry Terminal and travels via Oneroa, Surfdale and Ostend. From the bus stop, Stonyridge Vineyard is a 5-minute walk up the drive (parallel to Wild Estate).
- Stonyridge’s Cellar Door is open 7 days a week from 11 am – 5 pm.
- Wine tasting flights cost between $28 – $55 for 3 wines.
- No bookings required, but groups larger than 10 people should book in advance by contacting Stonyridge directly.
- For more information on Stonyridge’s wine tastings and restaurant, visit their website.
Wild On Waiheke – Onetangi Road
I loved the atmosphere of Wild On Waiheke. They have such a fun and casual vibe and really friendly staff.
Outside on the lawns there are games and activities laid out ready to play, for example archery and a giant chess set.
Inside the cosy but bright open bar offers a great space to enjoy wine tasting.
As a winery and a brewery, Wild Estate offers wines, beers and ciders for tasting.
A tasting tray gives you a selection of products to try at your leisure. An information pamphlet comes with the tasting tray, but the team are always on hand to ask questions.
We enjoyed tasting six different wines, beers and ciders.
Wild On Waiheke also serves great food, such as the pizzas we tried, which compliment the drinks wonderfully!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this unique and different winery on Waiheke.
Best of all, it is really easy to get there as both the public bus and the Hop On Hop Off bus stop right in front of the Wild Estate!

How To Get To Wild On Waiheke And Important Info
The Wild Estate is accessible on the public bus route and the Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus.
To get there by public bus, take the 50A or 50B to the bus stop called Vineyards. The bus leaves from Matiatia Ferry Terminal and travels via Oneroa, Surfdale and Ostend. The bus stops right in front of the Wild Estate.
- Wild On Waiheke is open from 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays).
- Tasting trays cost around $20 for 5 – 6 wines or beers.
- No bookings required, but groups of 8 and above are recommended to book in advance by contacting Wild Estate directly. You can also make a booking on the website.
- For more information on Wild On Waiheke, visit their website.
Te Motu – Onetangi Rd
The Onetangi Valley has a unique and high quality soil composition, along with a microclimate, that makes it excellent for growing Cabernet and Merlot grape varieties. Te Motu has taken advantage of this and their philosophy is growing the highest quality fruit possible to produce their wines.
Te Motu’s flagship wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. They produce small quantities of wine and the bottles are left to mature for several years before being released.
The family owned business has grown a reputation in New Zealand for high quality, boutique red wines that are paired well with food.
The Shed is the on-site restaurant at the vineyard on Waiheke that serves a fresh, seasonal menu alongside their wines. With a cosy and rustic vibe and excellent views of the vineyards, the dining experience at Te Motu is in high demand. I recommend booking your visit in advance.
Luckily although we visited without a reservation and it was incredibly busy when we arrived, we were able to be accommodated at Te Motu and we enjoyed a drink in the cosy atmosphere.
How To Visit Te Motu And Important Info
Te Motu is accessible on the public bus route and the Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus, with some walking.
To get there by public bus, take the 50A or 50B to the stop called Vineyards. The bus leaves from Matiatia Ferry Terminal and travels via Oneroa, Surfdale and Ostend. Once off the bus, it is a 10 minute walk up the long drive to the Te Motu Estate.
- Te Motu’s Cellar Door is open 7 days from 12 noon – 5 pm.
- Wine tasting flights cost between $20 – $30 for 4 – 6 wines.
- Bookings are recommended and are essential during the weekend. Reservations can be made by contacting Te Motu directly or online.
- For more information about Te Motu’s wine tastings and restaurant, visit their website.

Casita Miro – Onetangi
Visit Casita Miro and you’ll forget you were in New Zealand and feel as if you have been transported to Barcelona in Spain!
The Spanish inspired winery and vineyard on Waiheke has gorgeous, colourful mosaics and sculptures decorating the gardens.
I loved seeing the design and architecture of the property at Casita Miro. It really felt unique and a welcoming atmosphere.
Along with a Spanish vibe, Casita Miro serves authentic Spanish tapas.
The restaurant serves tapas and a chef’s selection fiesta menu. Casita Miro is extremely popular, and their premises are small. Bookings are essential if you want to enjoy their experience in the restaurant.
If you don’t happen to get a dining reservation, it is worth heading there anyway to take a walk around, visit the shop and cellar door and get a drink or wine tasting flight.
During the summer, a tapas menu is available from the Cellar Door that can be enjoyed in the gardens and on the outdoor terrace. No bookings needed for the Cellar Door (walk ins only).
The Casita Miro vineyard grows white and red varieties, as well as olives.
Wine tastings offer a flight of 5 wines for and showcase a unique range of wines including rose, syrah/viognier, the Miro Bordeaux blend and their fortified wine called Madame Rouge.
On the drinks menu they also offer a selection of sherries imported from Spain.


How To Visit Casita Miro And Important Info
Casita Miro is located in the hills above Onetangi beach. The views from the vineyard are wonderful, as you look out over the wines you can see glimpses of the village and the sea.
Casita Miro is accessible by public transport or the Hop On Hop Off Waiheke Island Explorer Bus, with some walking.
To get there by public bus, take the 50A or 50B to Onetangi beach. From Onetangi beach, it is about a 20 minute walk up the hill to Casita Miro.
The Explorer Bus also stops at Onetangi Beach.
- Casita Miro is open 7 days. Sunday to Friday from 11 am – 2:30 pm. Saturday from 11 am – 7:30pm.
- Wine tastings are available Friday to Tuesday from 11 am to 2:30 pm.
- Wine tasting flights cost $25 for 5 wines.
- Bookings are essential for the restaurant, or for groups of 6 or more and can be made by contacting Casita Miro directly.
- For more information on Casita Miro’s wine tasting and dining, visit their website.

Waiheke Island Wineries Map
FREE Hand-drawn Illustrated Travel Guide Maps, Created By Artist Fiachra Hackett:
Get yourself our gorgeous illustrated travel guide map of Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand by subscribing to our mailing list.
The map has been designed/drawn/illustrated/created by artist Fiachra Hackett exclusively for Wild Lovely World!
The map displays the best things to do on Waiheke Island, including wineries/vineyards, beaches, hiking routes and major points of interest. The map also shows the ferry routes to/from Waiheke from Auckland.
All locations noted on the map are featured in my blog posts about Waiheke Island!
The map is available for you to download and save to your electronic device. Save it on your phone for use on the go! It can also be printed.
How To Get Around The Wineries On Waiheke Island
Walk
If you take the fast passenger ferry from Auckland for a 1-day Waiheke Island winery trip then you can visit several amazing wineries by public transport and on foot.
Head from the Matiaia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island where you will arrive on the Fullers Fast Ferry from Auckland. From there, walk or take the bus to Oneroa.
From Oneroa, several wineries can be walked to. This includes Mudbrick, Cable Bay and Jurassic Ridge.
For your Waiheke Island winery trip, pick a good day when the weather is fine. From the wineries near Oneroa you can enjoy the amazing scenery from the hills as you explore different wineries.
From the Mudbrick winery gardens and terrace it is also possible to see the Auckland skyline including the Sky Tower across the harbour.

Cycle
Many visitors to Waiheke Island choose to hire an e-bike for the day and cycle around to all the wineries.
Waiheke Island is quite hilly so you’ll be glad to hire an e-bike rather than a regular bike!
There are great companies to hire e-bikes from and they can be affordable for a 1-day hire.
Just remember that wearing a helmet while riding a bike is mandatory in New Zealand. It is included with this bike hire, along with a map.
Also, don’t get drunk or too tipsy or you might get into trouble!

Public Transport (Bus)
Many of the wineries can be accessed by public transport using the bus.
The public buses 50A and 50B run from Matiatia Ferry Terminal to Oneroa Village and Vineyards (Onetangi Road) every 15 minutes. The journey from the ferry to Oneroa takes 5 minutes and to Vineyards takes 20 minutes.
You can pay for the bus using the ATHOP card (Auckland public transport pre-loaded card). You can get one at the Four Square in Oneroa.

Hop On Hop Off Bus
The Fullers Explorer Bus is a popular tour bus that runs daily around Waiheke Island.
It runs on an 80-minute loop and has 15 stops across the island. The stops are at Waiheke Island’s main attractions, villages, wineries and vineyards, the Waiheke museum and the art gallery, and beaches.
Using this bus makes it really easy for you to explore Waiheke Island and you don’t need to worry about navigating the island yourself.
The Western Explorer bus runs every 20 minutes on a timetable from 10 am – 5:20 pm from the Matiatia ferry terminal, around Waiheke Island and back again. The timings are great because most wineries on the island are open for wine tastings between 11 am – 5 pm.
You can easily get to all the locations mentioned in this article using the Hop On Hop Off bus. It travels to Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Oneroa Village, Te Motu, Wild Estate and Stonyridge at Onetangi Road, and Onetangi Beach near to Casita Miro.
As the bus is operated by the same company as the ferry, you can get a combined return ticket for the ferry and the bus from Auckland.
- See the Hop-On Hop-Off Western Explorer Bus brochure with stops and the bus timetable.
New Eastern Waiheke Island Explorer Bus For 2025
Launched in December 2024, the new Eastern Explorer Bus travels across the remote eastern side of the island.
The new hop-on hop-off bus has 10 stops on a 110-minute loop. It goes all the way from Matiatia ferry terminal to Stony Batter scenic reserve (historic WWII tunnels), Man O’ War vineyards, Jasper Ridge, Passage Rock, Waiheke Distillery Co., and other stops on the eastern side of Waiheke Island.
The bus runs every hour from Matiatia Ferry Terminal from 9:55 am – 2:55 pm. Currently it is only operating Wednesday – Sunday.
A combined ticket is offered for the ferry and the eastern explorer bus. It is operated by the Fullers360 company as well.
- See the Hop-On Hop-Off Eastern Explorer Bus brochure with stops and the bus timetable.

Wine Tour
Joining a wine tour is another great way to experience Waiheke Island wineries. Wine tours are organised by several companies. Usually they include wine tastings at multiple wineries across the island and a lunch can be included as well.
The Waiheke Island Wine Tour I recommend is the Waiheke Wine Tour. This is a small group tour and you will be picked up and dropped off at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Your driver will take you for wine tastings at Cable Bay, Batch, Stonyridge and Mudbrick. Lunch is a la carte at Batch Winery.
Wine tours are great because you will join a local guide who can show you the island as well as provide information on the wine.
In a small group you’ll get comfortable transport in a car or mini bus so you’ll get to sit back, relax and enjoy the views.
Many wine tasting tour packages are very affordable starting from around $165 per person.
Drive
It is possible to take your vehicle from Auckland to Waiheke Island on the Sealink ferry. You’ll arrive on Waiheke at Kennedy Point, south of Oneroa village.
Driving around Waiheke offers the benefit of being able to visit wineries that are off-the-beaten path.
For example, by driving you can visit the eastern side of Waiheke Island, to visit wineries such as Man O’ War, which is a highly sought after location but is difficult to get to without a car.
The roads on Waiheke are generally in good condition, but if you do go off the beaten path then you will find roads that are unsealed and gravel. Waiheke is also a hilly island, so many roads have steep inclines, and tight, sharp bends.
Taking your car or campervan to Waiheke Island is expensive, so it is only worth doing if you are visiting for a longer period of time.
Car hire is available on Waiheke Island. You can look for car rentals with Discover Cars.
If you’re only planning on doing a day or weekend trip, then it is more cost effective and environmentally friendly to use the fast passenger ferry and then walk, hire an e-bike, take the public bus or the Hop On Hop Off explorer bus to travel around the island.
Remember, if you are driving to visit wineries then do not drink and drive as you put yourself and others at risk.

Waiheke Island Wineries: Ultimate Guide – Thanks For Reading!
Auckland’s Waiheke Island is a gorgeous wine region of New Zealand. If you’re spending time in Auckland, then a day or weekend trip to Waiheke is a great way to enjoy quality rest and relaxation. The island feels peaceful and calm compared to Auckland city across the harbour.
Visiting wineries and vineyards is easy and doing wine tastings on Waiheke is more affordable and casual than you might think. Getting around by wine tour, walking or by bus is convenient and allows you more time to savour the flavours and the views.
While visiting Waiheke, check out the island’s gorgeous beaches. The charming villages of Oneroa and Onetangi have lots of free and cheap things to do.
Enjoy your visit to this New Zealand paradise! – Lauren x

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