Our signature Taste and Graze tour on Waiheke is the way locals actually spend a day out: good drinks, great food, big views. This small‑group tour (max 10 guests) blends wine, whisky, beer and olive oil with the best bits of the island.
Your day kicks off at 10:00 am at Mudbrick, the vineyard everyone posts on Instagram, but for good reason. Think stone buildings, Mediterranean‑style gardens and ridiculous views back over Rangitoto and the Auckland skyline. You’ll start with a guided wine tasting that gives you a feel for Waiheke’s grape game, then a bit of time to just breathe it all in and take a few fab photos for later.
From there, your local guide drives you through Oneroa and along the coastal roads most visitors never see properly because they’re staring at Google Maps. You just sit back, look out the window and listen to the island stories, history and gossip from someone who actually lives here.
Around 11:00 am, you roll into The Heke, Waiheke’s craft distillery and brewery tucked away in four acres of gardens and lawns. This is where things get interesting. You head behind the scenes on a distillery tour to see how their whisky, gin and vodka are made, then taste the results. It’s relaxed, fun and surprisingly geeky in the best way. You don’t have to be a whisky nerd to enjoy it, but if you are, you’ll be in heaven.
By midday, it’s time to feed you properly. You’ll head up to Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on the island. The views here are next‑level: rolling vines, blue water in every direction and planes taking off in the distance while you’re very much not in one. Sit down to generous shared platters and a glass of wine, included in your tour price. No tiny “tasting plates” here – this is actual lunch. You’ve got time to relax, chat with your group and just enjoy being on island time.
After lunch, it’s on to Allpress Olive Groves at around 2:00 pm. This is usually the surprise favourite. Waiheke’s microclimate makes seriously good extra virgin olive oil, and you’ll taste a line‑up of different styles while you learn how it all works – growing, harvesting and pressing. It wakes your palate back up after all the wine and spirits and gives you a different side of the island.
Around 2:40 pm the official part of the day wraps. From here you get options. Your guide can drop you in Oneroa Village if you want to keep exploring, shop a little, grab another drink or hit the beach. It’s an easy 10–15 minute wander back to the ferry when you’re done. Prefer to cruise straight home? No problem – you can be dropped at Matiatia Ferry Terminal ready for the 4:15 pm Island Direct ferry back to Auckland.
All day, you’re looked after by a Kiwi local Waiheke guide who actually knows the island and the people, not just a script. They keep the day flowing, handle the logistics and give you space to enjoy yourself without feeling like you’re on a school trip.
