Overview
Waiheke Island has become known as New Zealand's 'Island of Wine' home to a dedicated group of award-winning winegrowers. On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island’s history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.
Ananda Tours is a Waiheke family-owned company that has been sharing the Island that we love for over 24 years. Our close relationships with local providers and highly knowledgeable guides ensure that our visitors leave loving the Island as much as we do!
After your wine tasting experience, sit back, relax and enjoy lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Lunch - Cost of a one course lunch + a local beverage is included
Scenic tour including scenic look-outs and beaches
Local guide
Wine tastings at 3 vineyards
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
In-vehicle air conditioning
Gratuities
Ferry tickets
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please catch the 10am Fullers ferry from Downtown Auckland. Our guide will meet you off this ferry when you arrive on Waiheke Island with a signboard. If staying on the Island please meet our guide at Matiatia Wharf at 10.30am
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Please catch the 10am Fullers ferry from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. We recommend arriving 45 mins prior ferry departure time, especially in summer and weekends as the ferries can be very busy.
We will meet you on arrival with a signboard as you disembark on Waiheke Island (Matiatia Wharf). Ferry ticket not included in the tour price. Please purchase ferry tickets separately.
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Minimum numbers apply (2 pax). If you have booked as a single traveller there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Minimum age is 18 years. For anyone between the ages of 18-30 we recommend bringing your passport as proof of age as the vineyards will not serve you if they suspect you might be under the legal drinking age of 18 years.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements prior to travel.
Waiheke Ferry departs within walking distance of the cruise port
If staying on the Island please meet our guide at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal at the tour start time 10.40am. Our guides will be standing at the wharf to meet the incoming ferry wearing an Ananda Tours jacket.
What to expect
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Ananda Tours
Ananda, Sanskirt meaning ‘bliss, pleasure and happiness’, provide personalised inspirational tours highlighting the very best of Waiheke.
Our close relationships with local providers and highly-knowledgeable local guides ensure that visitors to the island have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Discover for yourself why Waiheke is world-renowned for its wines. Visit three of the Island's fine vineyards with one of our local guides, all of whom have completed a Bob Campbell Diploma course and are wine enthusiasts themselves.
Vineyards will be chosen according to seasonal availability.
Your guide will pick you up from the Fullers ferry ex-Auckland, or, if you are staying on the Island, from your accommodation (please contact us for a pick up time)
On the way, stunning scenery is around every corner, and you will be entertained by your guide’s commentary on the history, geography, culture, people and produce of Waiheke. The tour includes a two-hour lunch stop at a village or beachside café, or, for a memorable gourmet experience, at one of our top vineyard restaurants. Lunch is at your own expense on the day. If you have somewhere inparticular in mind, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise we will book you into one of our favorites.
After lunch you will be be returned to your accommodation or to the ferry back to Auckland. -
Mudbrick Vineyard
30 min
Mudbrick Vineyard for wine tasting. All venues are subject to availability and may be replaced with a different venue.
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Kennedy Point Vineyard
30 min
Kennedy Point Vineyard - All venues are subject to availability and may be replaced with a different venue.
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Te Motu Vineyard
30 min
Te Motu - All venues are subject to availability and may be replaced with a different venue.
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1 hour 30 min
Stop off here for lunch, a main and glass of wine - included in tour price. All venues are subject to availability and may be replaced with a different venue.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Pacific/Auckland).
Additional Information
- Venues are all subject to availability and the itinerary is subject to change.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
Can I cancel The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 5 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
Please catch the 10am Fullers ferry from Downtown Auckland. Our guide will meet you off this ferry when you arrive on Waiheke Island with a signboard.
What's included?
- Lunch - Cost of a one course lunch + a local beverage is included
- Scenic tour including scenic look-outs and beaches
- Local guide
- Wine tastings at 3 vineyards
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Ferry tickets
Which places does it visit?
It visits Ananda Tours, Mudbrick Vineyard, Kennedy Point Vineyard, Te Motu Vineyard.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Ananda Tours Limited
