Waiheke Island is well-known for being one of the best islands in the world due to its pristine beaches and—of course—world-class wineries and vineyards. Just a short hop from Auckland CBD will find you a world away from the hustle and bustle. Wineries are a field that Waiheke has got down pat—it’d be criminal to leave the island without having visited at least one.
Drink up the Urban List edit of Waiheke's best wineries, distilleries and vineyards.
Tantalus Estate Vineyard
70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Tantalus Estate | supplied
Situated in the heart of Onetangi Valley is the utterly stunning Tantalus Estate Vineyard. Transformed from what was once a charming barn with a vineyard attached it is now one of the island’s top must-visit destinations—Tantalus Estate has it all. With a craft brewery on site as well as unrivalled quality wines, the space is gorgeous from every angle.
A glorious light-filled restaurant with seamless indoor-outdoor flow onto the terrace overlooking the vines serves as the backdrop to some of the island’s best food. Using fresh seasonal produce the dishes produced here are nothing short of sublime and if you're stopping by for a tasting it'd be a crime not to sample their cellar bar snacks. Since Tantalus is such a hot spot, reservations are essential.
Alibi Brewing Company
in Tantalus Estate, 70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Alibi Brewing Company | Instagram
So you've heard about Tantalus, but what about the speakeasy in their basement? Enter: Alibi Brewing Company's Brewer's Lounge, a Prohibition-style watering hole that offers a glimpse into the wonderland of Alibi's microbrewery. Add this spot to your itinerary and get ready for tastes inspired by Waiheke's own culture, diversity and independence. From smoked marinated green lipped mussels to roasted estate macadamia nuts with fermented honey and lavender salt, plus cocktails, hop-forward beers and wine for days. The best part? No bookings are required—simply waltz in whenever the fancy takes you.
Waiheke Distilling Co
258 Cowes Bay Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Waiheke Distilling Co | supplied
Waiheke Distilling Co (WDC to those in the know) is packing a big punch with its small (but growing) range of craft distilled spirits. While it started life as an award-winning gin distillery, the team at Waiheke Distilling has recently started crafting next-level vodka using local, botanical ingredients such as horopito and kawakawa. Smack bang between Man O'War and Passage Rock, the relaxed garden bar offers a wide range of classic drinks, innovative cocktails and fresh food (not to mention incredible Napoli-styled fried pizza) with glorious ocean views. And if you find yourself car-less on the island you can even book transportation to the distillery through their site. Yes, please.
The ‘HEKE
46 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Perched overlooking Onetangi Road past Tantalus, The ‘HEKE is the embodiment of the Waiheke community: connected, laid back and welcoming. Home to Waiheke Craft Beer and the award-winning Waiheke Whisky, The ‘HEKE offers a kitchen, brewery and distiller and sprawling lawn complete with jumping pillow just waiting to be clambered on by little ones. The ‘HEKE kitchen prides itself on simple, tasty food done well—think wood-fired pizzas, whipped smoked Kahawai and the already-famous smash burger. Owners the Izzards brought their passion for whisky to the table while the Hindmarshes chased it with a beer, and together they’ve created a haven for locals that is rooted in whānau. Everyone is welcome at The ‘HEKE—head on over and they will greet you with a big grin, a cold drink and a warmth that has nothing to do with the famous Waiheke micro-climate.
Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
Nestled in the vines and offering panoramic views, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is the ideal destination for a long lunch, wine tasting or even a walk in their gorgeous gardens. An absolute Waiheke Island stalwart, over 25 years have gone by since they first opened and Mudbrick has since grown into a Waiheke empire. Not only do they have a restaurant with an impressive degustation menu, a more casual modern bistro the Archive and of course, Mudbrick wine, but they also offer accommodation and is often a wedding venue—it’s that beautiful.
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Casita Miro
3 Brown Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Casita Miro | supplied
Casita Miro offers premium Bond Estate wine and the most delicious food that’s inspired by the kitchens of Spain. Their fiesta menu consists of a three-course dining experience which is a seasonal journey through their Iberian-inspired menu. With sweeping views over the vineyards, a stunning dining room, you’ll feel as though you’re in a hidden and luxurious retreat. Take a tour around the garden between courses, relax in a garden chair or two and be sure to check out the beautiful mosaic-encrusted space at the very top of the garden.
Poderi Crisci Restaurant
205 Awaawaroa Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Poderi Crisci | supplied
Just a 25-minute drive from the Kennedy Point wharf, you’ll find a vineyard and fine-dining Italian restaurant called Poderi Crisci. With a Tuscan-style setting overlooking rolling hills and picture-perfect gardens, wines being produced and bottled on-site, Poderi Crisci has made a name for itself as one of the best wineries in Waiheke. Not sure about you all but when we think wine, our stomachs demand Italian cuisine. We’re talking antipasto boards with premium cheese and finely cut meats and of course, pasta and Poderi Crisci has it all.
Wild On Waiheke
82 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Wild On Waiheke | supplied
Not all experiences at a Waiheke winery have to be upscale! Wild On Waiheke offers a much more casual and relaxed vibe but don’t let that impact the quality of their wine, food and service. The home to Waiheke Island Brewery and Wild Estate Vineyard there's a huge outdoor garden for you to soak up some sun. Wild On Waiheke’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect setting for enjoying a nice glass of wine, a refreshing pint of beer or even trying some of their activities which includes archery and clay bird shooting. Enjoy your beverage with one of their gourmet pizzas, a true match made in heaven.
Man O' War Vineyards
725 Man O War Bay Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Man O' War | supplied
Right on the opposite side of the island sits Man O' War—a vineyard that you absolutely must visit. Head inside the 18th-century style villa (aka the tasting room) for a memorable wine tasting of fine wines with names like Valhalla, Dreadnought and Pinque where you'll no doubt join legions of fans of this exquisite wine. Pull up a pew on the expansive lawn or on the deck and order a couple of platters and while away a leisurely afternoon. Head out onto the beach to take in the stunning views and maybe even go for a dip—go on, you know you want to. Don't have a car? Relax on the Man O' War coach and arrive in style.
Te Motu Vineyard Restaurant & Cellar Door
76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Te Motu Vineyard Restaurant & Cellar Door | supplied
The home of Te Motu wines is Te Motu Vineyard Restaurant & Cellar Door. The Shed offers a menu that has been designed to pair perfectly with its iconic wines. The semi-rustic ambience and vineyard surroundings don’t let you forget that you’re on a little rural retreat. The food menu only uses the best and freshest ingredients and produce. Some of their most popular dishes are the lamb shoulder, chicken liver pate. And, for dessert, the coconut tapioca with feijoa is to die for.
Passage Rock
438 Orapieu Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Passage Rock | supplied
Sooner or later, you're going to want to explore all of the island, and this will take you onto a gravel road that will take you through lush sub-tropical scenery and stunning views. Keep going all the way around the loop until you finally alight, dusty and tired at the oasis that is Passage Rock. Waiheke's most-awarded winery offers a legendary cellar door experience. With every varietal available for tasting, you can complement these most delicious of drops with a visit to the stunning on-site bistro which sits serenely amongst the Syrah vines. One of the island's most glorious spots to lose a few hours.
Batch Winery
129 Carsons Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Batch Wintery | supplied
A marriage of a casual setting and million-dollar views, that perfect balance between laid-back and luxury is what Batch Winery has in store for us. Previously known as Thomas’s Bach, what makes this winery a little bit different to the rest is that they also offer a high tea experience which comes with pairings of wine to elevate the flavours and experience. We are aware that this is a round-up of wineries but it would be wrong of us to not give their smashed pavlova a special mention—truly a must-have.
Awaroa Organic Winery
324 Waiheke Road, Waiheke Island
Image credit: Awaroa Organic Winery
Don't miss sweet organic vineyard Awaroa Organic Winery on your genteel journey around the island. Awaroa, as one of the smallest wineries on the island is here to prove that you don't need to have acres of vines to produce some of the best wines. First planted in 1998, "Awaroa", means 'long river' in Te Reo Māori, and was taken from the name of the nearby stream. Sample their proudly organic wines in their tasting room, or settle yourself at a picnic table under an umbrella in their gorgeous garden for a leisurely tasting accompanied by locally grown snacks. Glorious.
Now you've toured Waiheke, check out:
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Main image credit: Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant.