5 Epic Wineries on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island (pronounced Why-he-key) is an iconic part of the Auckland foodie scene.

Know as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’, Waiheke boosts over 20 vineyards (some of which are internationally recognised). However, there is so much to do on the island that extends beyond wineries. Waiheke Island is a haven of restaurants, beaches and adrenaline-packed activities.

In 2015, Lonely Planet rated Waiheke Island as the 5th best region in the world to visit. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Auckland, or an overnight stop over, I truly believe that you cannot visit Auckland without taking a trip over to this little slice of paradise!

How to get to Waiheke Island

The most popular way of getting to Waiheke Island is with a 40-minute Fullers ferry ride which runs regularly from downtown Auckland.

If you would like to bring your car, the Sealink car ferry departs from Half Moon Bay and Hamer Street and will set you back approximately $300 return.

How to get around Waiheke Island

Once you’re on Waiheke, there are many buses (as Waiheke is part of Auckland, you can use your AT Hop Card here), taxis and places where you can hire electric bikes, scooters or cars.

My favourite way to explore Waiheke is to purchase the Fullers Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus pass. A one day pass costs $75 for an adult, and includes a return ferry fare as well as unlimited transport on the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus which stops in 17 locations between Oneroa and Onetangi. You’ll also get onboard commentary to learn about the island!

Note: Make sure you double check the last ferry for the day you’re visiting as this is not a 24-hour service and you might end up having an unexpected sleepover!

Where to stay on Waiheke Island

If you end up extending your stay on Waiheke Island overnight (good choice!), there are many different accommodation options available from beach houses and Airbnb’s to camping, glamping and friendly backpacker hostels.

Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant

Location: Oneroa
Come here for: Panoramic views over the harbour at sunset.

Okay, if you’ve been to Waiheke Island before then you KNEW this was coming.

With some of the best views on the island, the ever-so-popular Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is one of the best places to visit whilst you’re on Waiheke.

The team at Mudbrick produce chardonnay, merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, so there is plenty of exceptional wines. Although they’re not cheap (setting you back about $150 a pop), I’ve got a very reliable source (hello Dad) that says Velvet 2021 (a red wine, cab sav blend) and Francesca 2021 (their Flagship Chardonnay) are phenomenal and the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.

There is a beautiful dining area, including an outdoor patio, where you can sit back and relax for lunch (or dinner!). Their food isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the investment to experience some of Waiheke Islands best.

However, my favourite thing to do is to head to the rooftop bar at sunset. The errand garden offers incredible, panoramic views over the harbour and across to Auckland city. There are all sorts of tables and chairs available, but I highly recommend you grab a glass of wine (or a cocktail – my choice!) and plop yourself down on one of the beanbags to take in the afternoon sun.

Top tip: If you want to visit for a long lunch or dinner, make a reservation ASAP – they book quickly!

Tantalus Estate Vineyard

Location: Onetangi
Come here for: excellent service, beautiful food and more-ish wine.

Located in the heart of Onetangi Valley is Tantalus Estate. Founded in 2013, the estate was renovated in 2016 and is now one of Waiheke Island’s must-visit destinations – for a good reason!

The indoor dining hall feels like you have walked into a beautiful, expansive Italian villa. Open dining spaces, chandeliers crafted from old vines and large windows facing out towards the vineyards make Tantalus the perfect location to sit back and relax with a drink.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting for lunch, arrive a little ahead of your reservation and head to the Brewers Lounge on the ground floor. The lounge looks into the brewery and is the perfect stop-off before your meal.

After you’ve explored the dining hall and Brewers Lounge, head out to the vineyard. The outdoor space here is gorgeous from every single angle. After lunch, or with a glass of wine in your hand, enjoy spending time among the vines, taking in the view or playing with the lawn games they offer.

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Tantalus Estate!

Stonyridge Vineyard

Location: Onetangi
Come here for: Internationally recognised wines and beautiful grounds.

One time, a few years ago, I spent the day on Waiheke for a friend’s birthday. We had the best time and ended the afternoon by accidentally gate-crashing a very nice birthday party at Stonyridge Vineyard.

To say I had a blast would be an understatement. The team at Stonyridge know how to put on a party.

Stonyridge is phenomenal and a must-visit on your next Waiheke vineyard tour.

In 1982, Bordeaux vines and olive trees (did I mention it’s also the first commercial olive grove in NZ?) were planted on the north-facing site making it the ideal place to craft premium Bordeaux-style red wine in little old Aotearoa.

Since 1982, Stonyridge has won many, many awards as well as international recognition for the quality of their wines. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most famous vineyards on Waiheke.

Wild Estate Vineyard (Wild on Waiheke)

Location: Onetangi
Go here for: fun for the whole family and out-of-this-world cocktails.

Wild on Waiheke is for you if you want a break from vineyards with a sole focus on wine. Referring to itself as a ‘giant outdoor beer garden’, it is the perfect playground for families, groups of friends and a romantic afternoon for two.

A trip to Wild on Waiheke is sure to entertain the crowd with a playground, lawn games, and activities like archery and laser clay bird shooting. Plus, if you’re searching for the cheapest wineries on Waiheke Island, Wild on Waiheke has you covered with beer and wine tastings available from only $3 each – steal!

After you’ve had your fun, head up to the kitchen for a low-key dining experience full of platters, grazing boards, nibbles and out-of-this-world cocktails (you HAVE to get the Apple Pie cocktail whilst you’re there).

Be sure to book your table ahead, especially if you’re travelling as a group!

Poderi Crisci

Location: Oneroa
Come here: to go home lost for words.

I’ve saved the BEST for last.

This one might be a wild card as it’s a little more difficult to get to than some of the other vineyards on this list. But it shouldn’t be. Poderi Crisci is the best winery on Waiheke Island. There. I said it.

Located just a 25-minute drive from Kennedy Point wharf, family-owned Poderi Crisci Restaurant will transport you to Tuscany for an afternoon of eating, drinking and connecting with one another. This truly is Italian fine-dining at its finest.
Not only is their food delectable, but their service is world-class. Every time my family and I have visited, we have been met by warm, welcoming service and staff who make you feel like you have come into their family home.

I HIGHLY recommend visiting on a Sunday for their Italian Long Lunch. Starting between 12 pm and 1 pm, the lunch runs till approximately 4:30 pm. During this time, the staff will bring you classic Italian dishes and perfectly matched wines. Their menu changes weekly based on the seasons, but you can expect homemade bread with olive oil, antipasto dishes, incredible pasta, aged sirloin and the perfect tiramisu.

After lunch, take a walk around the grounds, where you can marvel at the vines, extensive grounds and vegetable gardens. Sorry, did I mention that they grow their own ingredients on-site? Their garden is carefully managed by an extremely talented head gardener and boosts herbs, salad leaves and countless different vegetables. It just keeps getting better and better.

If you want a taste of Poderi Crisci closer to home, the Crisci family opened the Parnell institution, Non Solo Pizza, in 1996 and let me tell you, it is a HIT!

I hope you enjoy visiting each of these phenomenal wineries on your next trip to Waiheke Island. Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know in the comments below!

H x

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