The Best Wineries, Vineyards And Distilleries On Waiheke Island
Vicki Young
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ
Whatever the weather, a day out in this little slice of paradise makes for a perfect local getaway. With minimal travel required, especially if you’re coming from Tāmaki Makaurau—Waiheke Island is the ultimate vacay, not only for those who love wine—but beer, gin and whisky too (along with some great food, with many wineries also home to award-winning restaurants, showcasing some of the best produce on the island).
For those visiting Tāmaki Makaurau, no visit is complete without a ferry trip over to Waiheke. Whether it’s just a day trip, or a weekend away—Waiheke Island has over 30 wineries and vineyards (with many open to the public with a cellar door or tasting room, and some with restaurants too), as well as three breweries, gin and whisky distilleries.
From hop on and off bus tours, to day tours—here are our picks for the best wineries, vineyards, and distilleries on Waiheke Island.
Tantalus Estate
70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Tantalus Estate (Estate Restaurant) | Instagram
Tantalus Estate is a family-owned vineyard in the heart of Onetangi—with 20 acres of vineyards, olive and macadamia groves, beehives and wetlands (making it a stunning wedding venue too). They’re known for their exceptional small-batch Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends. Book and choose from a range of cellar door experiences, tasting their estate-grown wines as well as their own craft beer range Alibi Brewing Co., brewed on-site beneath the vines. There’s an option to pair the tasting flights and paddles with additional snacks (and dessert) from the Estate Restaurant—highly recommended (and an dining experience to stay for lunch or dinner too). Kepe an eye on their socials for special chef events and tastings—at the time of writing they have been holding wine varietal masterclasses at the cellar door.
Insider Intel:
- Last year they released a special barrel-aged gin with Waiheke Distilling Co., with gin rested in Tantalus Reserve Chardonnay French oak barrel—for a unique gin with soft notes of apricot, lemon zest, honeyed oak, spice and vanilla. Try your luck sourcing a bottle during your visit, or opt for their Unchartered Territory cocktail showcasing this special collaboration gin.
Alibi Brewing Company
Located inside Tantalus Estate, 70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Alibi Brewing Company | Instagram
Housed beneath Tantalus Estate, Alibi Brewing Co. is a microbrewery making new world, hop-forward, experimental beers. Head into their cosy brick-walled beer lounge that feels like a speakeasy hideaway (where you can also see the brewery from the bar), or soak in the vineyard views out in the beer garden with a pint in hand. You can also get a great line-up of snacks here (from Tantalus Head Chef Axel Curtet-Latreille and the talented kitchen team upstairs) for a bite with your beer in hand (or a full feast). They’re open daily and for walk-in’s too—no bookings required. They also run events like spirit and cocktail masterclasses, as well as beer and food pairing dinners—jump on their page for upcoming events you don’t want to miss.
Insider Intel:
- Check out their “Waiheke-famous” Alibi buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip—perfect with a crisp pint of their Smashed Palace low-carb lager.
Te Motu Vineyard
76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Te Motu | Vicki Young
Known as Waiheke’s oldest family vineyard, Te Motu is named after the original name for Waiheke Island—Te Motu Arai Roa, meaning ‘island of long shelter’ in te reo Māori. Rows of lush, green vines run up and down the hill with the vineyard restaurant, ‘The Shed’ (named after its former life) sitting amongst it all. ‘The Shed,’ no longer resembles just the shed, but is extended to include a commercial kitchen space, indoor bar and seating area, and covered outdoor space overlooking the vines. It’s a beautiful spot for a long weekend lunch with views of endless green hills and blue skies, with a glass of wine in hand.
Stay for lunch (Head Chef Rowan Stewart and the team are sending some incredibly delicious plates showcasing Te Motu’s abundant garden produce) and then make that lunch even more special with a vertical tasting of Te Motu, their signature Te Motu cabernet-merlot blend over the years—referred to as the purest expression of the vineyard. With each vintage carrying its own unique flavour profile, we sipped our way through herbaceous blackcurrant and cherry to flavours of autumn. It’s a definite must-do while you’re visiting Te Motu—there’s something magical about sipping on the very wine while standing on the soil where it comes from.
Insider Intel:
- If tiramisu is on the menu, it’s a must-order—the combination of cocoa-dusted, espresso-soaked, house-baked (!) savoiardi finished sherry vinegar caramel pairs so well with a glass of their smoky and savoury, almost whisky-like Te Motu vintage from 2000.
Wild Estate - The Untamed Winery
82 Onetangi Road
Image credit: Wild Estate’s wine tasting | Vicki Young
Previously known as “Wild on Waiheke,” Wild Estate offers archery in the vines and laser clay-shooting, as well as their wine-tasting of their boutique wines from their premium W range—it’s so rare that they sell it all on-site, or you can try your luck for a bottle on their website. They also have their own beer—the first beer brewed in Waiheke in fact, and now over 25 years old—Waiheke Island Brewery. Still brewed in a shed out back, and in small-batch brews, they’re showcased in the restaurant along with local craft beers from Tāmaki Makaurau.
Insider Intel:
- While they offer walk-in’s, it’s best to book for larger groups of 8 people or more. The best time to get a tasting table is between 11am-12pm or after 3pm (avoid the lunchtime rush).
Stonyridge Vineyard
80 Onetangi Road
Image credit: Stonyridge Vineyard | Vicki Young
From planting their first Bordeaux vines and olive trees in 1982 to recently re-opening for the season after a big renovation, Stonyridge is a definite must-visit when in Waiheke, and with the others not far away, this is also in the Onetangi. Not only was Stonyridge the first commercial olive grower in Aotearoa, but also initiated the first Bordeaux four-blend in Aotearoa. Walk-in to try their signature tasting, including their flagship, Larose (which put Stonyridge on the national stage, and gained global attention for their wine back in 1987 as one of the best reds made in Aotearoa).
We also are big fans of their Fallen Angel range, originally developed for the restaurant but having gained in popularity since, are now available outside of the restaurant too (their Rosé made with Central Otago Pinot Noir grapes is a popular choice).
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, they are currently offering a winter French cheese pairing offer with wine tastings—we recommend reserving a tasting to guarantee a spot as walk-ins can be limited.
SOHO Family Vineyards Cellar Door + Eatery
74 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: SOHO | Supplied (Photography by Peter Rees)
Wander down the hill from Te Motu an Stonyridge, and across from Wild Estate is the SOHO neon sign. Opened last April, the laid-back industrial, street-art inspired space now has a permanent home after running a pop-up space the summer prior. Their food truck at the Soho Cellar Door is now home to Harvey Eatery, run by chef-in-residence Sebastian Vargas. We’ll have the prawns ajillo with an off-dry Maren Riesling, please.
Insider Intel:
- They also offer self-guided tasting boxes which are available by bookings (recommended), where you can explore wines from their Waiheke ‘Black’ collection, as well as their wines from Marlborough and Central Otago. It also comes with a fun mystery pour too.
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa
Image credit: Mudbrick Restaurant | Vicki Young
This one’s a bit far from the public bus route, and a bit of a mission to get there (a 30 minute walk from the public bus stop)—so we recommend the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for this one. Trust me, once you reach the top and see the incredible view, it’s worth it. I was very lucky to come here for a friend’s wedding a couple of years ago, and the stunning location took my breath away. Owners Robyn and Nick brought the (bare) land back in thier late 20s in 1992 and began their dream of a space that grew to what is now known as Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant—reading about their journey and passion is deeply moving, and adds to the beauty of the space for wines as a vineyard and a place of celebration (as a day to day restaurant and bistro, a DJ music venue for summer gigs on the rooftop, and dreamy wedding venue). You can walk-in for their wine tastings, which are available all year round (but for groups of 7 or more, you will need to contact them to make a booking).
Insider Intel:
- They offer a range of wine-tastings, from local Mudbrick tastings to dessert wine tastings.
Casita Miro
3 Brown Road, Waiheke
Image credit: Casita Miro | Vicki Young
Another winery off the beaten track is Casita Miro, a 25 minute walk from the nearest Hop-On Hop-Off stop (or you can take the scenic beach walk route from Onetangi Beach which is about 15 minutes walk). Arrive to a peaceful vineyard and restaurant, twinkling with fairylights, dotted with mosaics, and with delicious smells coming from the restaurant for tapas and raciones (large plates) with their menu showcasing Spanish flavours and cuisine from the wider Mediterranean. We missed lunch, but were able to get a grazing platter of cheeses, rillettes and olives with our wine tasting. While Casita Miro focus on Syrah and Bordeaux varieties, they also grow Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Albariño and Viognier (the latter being used to blend with Syrah). They also have their fortified wine ‘Madame Rouge,’ great for a post-meal digestif.
Insider Intel:
- As appreciators of fine jerez a.k.a. sherry from ‘the sherry triangle’ in Spain, they also offer sherry tasting flights to go with your meal—this is one for the sherry lovers (and great with their daily changing croqueta).
Poderi Crisci
205 Awaawaroa Road
Image credit: Poderi Crisci | Instagram
Somewhere between Tuscany and the Hauraki Gulf, and at the very end of a country lane sits Poderi Crisci. Owners Chef Antonio Crisci and partner Vivienne Farnell are no strangers to the hospitality scene, having previously opened and owned II Forno Cafe and Non Solo Pizza, as well as still owner-operators of Toto Pizza. The food is Italian classics done right—they have long lunches on weekends and degustation dinners every Saturday (plus it’s the best way to experience their food with wine pairing too).
Their beautiful underground cellar is where the wine magic happens, in French oak barriques. You must try their Italian varieties, from a deep Montepulciano (think leather, savoury berries and earthy rosemary), to a refreshing Arneis (a select group of wineries growing this deliciously dry citrus and pear drop in Aotearoa, with this being the only Waiheke-grown Arneis), and if you’re lucky—their Nebbiolo—known as the “wine for royalty.” Don’t forget to also finish with one of their digestif selections—they have sunshine in a glass a.k.a. agrumetto made with Waiheke citrus (similar to a limoncello), as well as a spiced AcquaVite and Nocino made with estate-grown Waiheke walnuts too. With their restaurant and cellar door open Thursdays to Mondays (and as they say)—it’s a taste of Italy, without the long haul.
Insider Intel:
- We’re loving these local collabs—they also released a gin with Waiheke Distilling Co. last year, Awaawaroa Gin led with 65% estate Pinot Grigio. We’ll be ferrying over for a wine-gin spritz and long lunches in the sunshine, stat.
Awaroa Organic Vineyard
324 Waiheke Road
Image credit: Awaroa Organic Vineyards | Instagram
Make your way up the road and around the corner to Awaroa Organic Vineyard, a co-op formed by six partners of Orapiu Grove Farm and Waiheke’s most-awarded small vineyard (with just less than 5 hectares). Awaroa meaning ‘long river’ in te reo Māori refers to the stream and valley system on the land, which features natural springs that feed into the Awaroa stream and surrounding native bush (as well as surrounding regenerative planting). Head there Thursday through to Sunday for a glass and platter in their bee-friendly (and dog-friendly) gardens.
Insider Intel:
- Awaroa Organic Vineyard also has three olive orchards on the property which produce small batches of organic olive oil and preserved olives which feature on their grazing platters (and you can buy direct from the vineyard).
Batch Winery
129 Carsons Road
Image credit: Batch Winery | Vicki Young
Head to Batch Winery (conveniently a designated stop on the Waiheke Hop-On Hop-Off bus too), where you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Their Thomas Estate vineyard is the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island, sitting at 200 meters above sea level, growing four different grape varietals—Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Flora and Syrah.
Stop by their cellar door for a tasting, or book in for lunch—the oysters go perfectly with their Thomas Sparkling Cuvée. During the cooler months (from May to September), they also run their popular hilltop high tea on Sundays paired with their Thomas wines (and stunning views to boot).
Insider Intel:
- As one of the few with a Charmat tank in Aotearoa, they are the only winery in Waiheke producing and bottling their own sparkling wine on-site. We’ll have a drink (of that) to that.
Passage Rock Wines & Restaurant
438 Orapiu Road
Image credit: Passage Rock Wines & Restaurant | Instagram
Head to the eastern side of Waiheke Island (you can take the Eastern End bus), and spend the day at Waiheke’s most awarded-winery—Passage Rock—with a glass of the most-awarded drop in hand, their Reserve Syrah. David and Veronica Evans-Gander transformed their 41 acre dream in Matuku Valley in 1994 (that’s over three decades of hard work and care), into the wine and food destination it is now known as today. With their combined experience and international skills in wine and self-sufficient farming (as well as the beautiful art sculptures in the garden created by Veronica too), you can feel the passion, expertise and hospitality as soon as you arrive.
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, their restaurant is currently closed for a winter break, with tastings currently only available on the weekend from 12-4pm (the booking link may not allow you to book during the winter months, so we recommend contacting them directly before you arrive to double check availability).
Man O’ War Vineyards
725 Man O War Bay Road
Image credit: Man O’War Vineyards | Instagram
Continue exploring the eastern part of Waiheke Island with the Eastern Explorer Bus (note: not to be confused with the Eastern End bus), taking you directly to Man O’War Vineyards (and the following two neighbours on this side of the island, Waiheke Distilling Co. and Jasper Ridge). A hidden gem by the beautiful water (their cellar door is minutes from the beach), this is a must-experience when in Waiheke. From their flagship range, to Swiftsure by Man O’War (highlighting Marlborough and Bannockburn too), as well the complex notes in their Kulta collection (a nod to their Finnish ancestors). My personal fave has got to be the Pinque Rosé from their Waiheke and Ponui islands’ vines, on those summery weekends on the island—it’s salivatingly crisp, dry and a lingering perfumed wild strawberry and salty watermelon note.
For those after a side of adrenalin adventure with their wine tasting, check out their newly opened Man O’ War Forest Flight Zipline—a guided 2 hour zipline tour through ancient kauri forest before touching down at the tasting room and restaurant, for a very essential wine tasting and lunch finale.
Insider Intel:
- The bus from and to the ferry will also take about 45 minutes one way (and around the Eastern loop, especially if stopping at the other two locations on the Eastern Explorer bus) so it pays to book in advance and allow time when booking for tastings, lunch or zip-lining.
- Some of their grapes grow on neighbouring Ponui Island, which they can only get to during low tide conditions.
Waiheke Distilling Co.
258 Cowes Bay Road
Image credit: Waiheke Distilling Co. | Vicki Young
Set on the breathtaking ridge above Pikau Bay, overlooking panoramic views of Hauraki Gulf, and the silhouette of Coromandel in the distance—Waiheke Distilling Co. is Waiheke’s hidden gin gem. I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered Waiheke Distilling Co. last summer—where have I been, thinking I’d explored the island during my visits over the years. The Eastern Explorer Bus will take you to this gin lover’s paradise with their second stop, and you should definitely set aside an afternoon for this.
Their Garden Bar offers tastings of both Waiheke Distilling Co.’s bespoke gin and their botanic vodka collections (check out the beautifully illustrated bottles showing the botanicals in each one). Both come in individual tasting paddles, along with the addition of garnishes and various mixers to add during your tasting session (note that tastings are by booking only, see link below). All their craft spirits are distilled with macadamia (instead of whey) for a luxuriously creamy finish (plus it’s vegan too). Speaking of, their vegan pizza is a must-try, as well as their crispy pizza fritta—excellent with a giant Red Ruby spritz in hand.
Insider Intel:
- The Red Ruby gin is one of my absolute faves—made with freshly-pressed Aotearoa cherries from the South Island, a snapshot from their peak in summer, forever captured in a delicious drop. You can buy their gin direct from the restaurant (and they also come in cute mini gifting sets and a handy RTD drink pack).
- As mentioned above, they work closely with other local wineries on the island to create bespoke gin and wine collaborations too. Check out their socials for these limited edition gins (and you may even be able to sample some of their collaborations at their tastings or distillery tour).
Jasper Ridge Estate
31 Cowes Bay Road
Image credit: Jasper Ridge Estate | Instagram
Last but not least on the Eastern Explorer Bus Tour is Jasper Ridge Estate. Another hidden gem (literally, as the bus pulled up, the lovely driver direct us to head down the stairs to the vineyard through a small entrance on the road). When the sun’s out you might spy their disco ball outside in the vines—leading you to their new cellar door offering a ‘Tasting in the Vines’ experience. Try their gold-award winning Rosé, Pinot Gris, Viogner and Syrah, along with limited-edition tastes of their Winemaker and Reserve Syrah ranges. During the summer, head to their wee wine shed nestled in the vineyard for wine tasting and talks too.
Insider Intel:
- This is the last stop on the Fullers’ Eastern Explorer Bus, where their Eastern Explorer Tour includes a boutique tasting at Jasper Ridge. For a more in-depth tasting, book below through the vineyard.
Tūāpae
52 Trig Hill Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Tūāpae (via Urban List Brisbane) | Supplied
Family and Māori-owned vineyard, Tūāpae is run by Vanessa and Luke (and their children who grew up on Waiheke), focussing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot across a three hectare block. Their winemaking philosophy embodies Te Ao Māori concept of ki uta ki tai—what starts on or is done to the land, will run to the sea—and they have used organic inputs in their winemaking since 2021, releasing their first wines two years later in 2023. During the summer months, you’ll find them open for tastings and light platters. Their vineyard has Te Ara Hura public walking track running through the property, which makes it a great spot to stop by for a tasting, if walking the track too.
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, their cellar door is closed for winter—keep an eye out for when they reopen later (their tastings are generally on Saturdays, and other times by appointment).
The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery
64 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: The HEKE x Waiheke Whisky | Instagram
Head back to Onetangi-ways and check out The Heke—created by two Waiheke families, it’s home to their restaurant, two bars, a function space, and ‘The Mashery,’ a.k.a home to their distillery and brewery. Head to the Boilermaker Bar for a guided tasting, where you can try their own craft beer range, Waiheke Brewing Co. (or you can get a tasting of both their beers and select whiskies).
Speaking of, if spirits are more your thing, they also have a flight showcasing their range of distilled spirits—from an award-winning garden gin, pure grain vodka, Waiheke Whisky honey and rye aged ‘bourbon’ (using local honey from Waiheke Honey Co.), to their spicy cinnamon-infused whiskey. Single-malt whisky appreciators will be pleased to know they also offer three dram taste of their award-winning Waiheke Whisky (fun fact: I actually met Richard the Waiheke Honey Co. beekeeper-owner, production manager and co-founder of Waiheke Whisky on his beekeeping course on the island years ago, and he shared his passion for whisky and the soon-to-open distillery, over honey crumpets and tea.)
Insider Intel:
- Book in for a post-lunch Artisanal Chocolate and Waiheke Whisky tasting, where they expertly match their whiskies with Aotearoa single-origin craft chocolates to match the flavour profiles of each dram.
- They also offer brewery tours, beer and whisky tasting with bites from the chef, and gin-blending sessions to make your own gin too.
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Main Image Credit: Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant | Supplied