6 Best Drinking Tours In Waiheke Island (With Prices)

Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride from Auckland, is one of New Zealand’s top spots for wine and craft spirits. Its sunny climate, rolling vineyards, and creative distilleries make it an ideal place for tasting tours. Whether you’re into fine wines, craft beers, or artisanal spirits, Waiheke offers experiences that combine scenic views with delicious drinks. We love the Waiheke Island Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour for its mix of wine, spirits, and olive oil—plus its guided, small-group format that guarantees a personal touch. For a more intimate experience, the Flavours of Waiheke tour with lunch is a fantastic choice, especially if you want to combine food, drinks, and sightseeing in one relaxing day.

In this guide, we’ll walk through six of the top drinking tours on Waiheke Island. Each offers something unique—from vineyard visits and guided tastings to craft distillery excursions—so you can pick the one that best fits your style and budget.

1. Waiheke Island: Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour, Food, Olive Oil

At number one, the Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour offers a well-rounded tasting experience in about 5 hours. Priced at $266.85 per person, this tour is for those who want to explore Waiheke’s culinary scene beyond just wine. It begins with a ferry ride from Auckland, giving scenic views on the way, then transports you in private comfort around the island.

You’ll visit three wineries—each showcasing Waiheke’s renowned wine styles—and enjoy tasting local wines in beautiful settings like Mudbrick Vineyard, with its sea vistas. The tour also includes a visit to The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery, where you sample craft beers and spirits. A highlight is the lunch at Batch Winery, paired with Waiheke wines, making this a true tasting adventure. The tour’s small-group approach means personalized attention, and reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and outstanding food and drink pairings.

Bottom Line: This is a fantastic choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day sampling wine, spirits, and food in a scenic setting, with the flexibility to stay longer or head back to Auckland.

2. Waiheke ‘FLAVOURS’ of lunch Wine Oil Beer Spirits max 11 clients

Next on our list is the Flavours of Waiheke, a 5.5-hour tour costing around $173.14 per person. What stands out here is the small-group size—max 11 clients—which makes it perfect for those wanting a more intimate and personal experience. Starting with a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, your journey is filled with coastal scenery and island charm.

This tour combines visits to four key spots: Casita Miro Vineyard for five wine tastings paired with food, Rangihoua Estate for olive oils and spreads, Batch Winery for a sit-down lunch, and The Heke Brewery & Distillery for craft beers or spirits. Each stop emphasizes Waiheke’s local flavors, with the guide sharing insights along the way. Reviewers love the focus on high-quality, boutique wines and the delicious lunch at Batch Winery. Because the tour includes all tastings and lunch, it offers good value and a well-rounded taste of Waiheke’s food and drink scene.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food and drink lovers who prefer a smaller group, this tour combines wine, oils, beer, and spirits with a leisurely lunch—perfect if you want to savor Waiheke’s local flavors without rushing.

3. Waiheke Island: HEKE Distillery & Brewery Tour with Tastings

At number three, the Heke Distillery & Brewery Tour offers a quick, 45-minute to 75-minute look behind the scenes. For around $12.41, this tour is great for those who want a taste of Waiheke’s craft spirits and beers without committing to a full day. Guided by a knowledgeable host, you learn how Waiheke’s spirits are made, see the equipment, and sample a small selection of their products.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the process of crafting beer and whisky, with emphasis on differences and similarities in production. You can upgrade to a tasting flight for more samples or explore the surrounding gardens, which are rich in Maori cultural influences. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful, hands-on experience. With only two reviews, it’s a newer entry, but those who have been say it’s a fun, informative stop that adds a local flavor to your Waiheke trip.

Bottom Line: A short and inexpensive option for craft spirits and beer enthusiasts who want to see the operation up close and taste Waiheke’s signature drinks.

4. Waiheke Island: The Heke Brewery/Distillery Guided Tasting

Number four is the Heke Brewery & Distillery Guided Tasting, a 30-minute experience priced at about $24.82. This is a relaxed tasting at Waiheke’s famous Heke Distillery, where you sample a curated flight of beers, spirits, or both. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, quality drink stop rather than a full tour.

The experience takes place in the attractive Tasting Room or at your table, making it easy to enjoy at your own pace. Staff are happy to explain the flavor profiles and stories behind each drink, and you can extend your visit with food or explore the grounds. The small number of reviews indicates it’s a new but promising addition, especially for those who want a straightforward, guided tasting without too much fuss.

Bottom Line: Great for a brief, enjoyable tasting session—whether you prefer beer, whisky, or spirits—and a chance to learn about Waiheke’s craft offerings in a relaxed setting.

5. Waiheke Island Guided Tastings at Local Brewery & Distillery

This guided tasting is priced at just $12.41 per person for about 30 minutes. It’s the most budget-friendly option, offering visitors a quick introduction to Waiheke’s brewing and distilling scene at The Heke. Located on the island, it boasts a selection of Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co. products, enjoyed in a serene setting like the lush gardens or cozy cellar-door restaurant.

While reviews are limited, the focus here is on a personalized, relaxed experience where you can try curated flights and get insights from knowledgeable staff. It’s suitable for snap visits or as a supplement to a larger day of exploring Waiheke.

Bottom Line: Perfect for budget travelers or those short on time who want a taste of Waiheke’s craft drinks without a big commitment.

6. Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour in Waiheke Island with samples

Finally, the Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour offers a 50-minute deep dive into Waiheke’s brewing and distilling processes. Priced at $24.82, it includes guided insights into history, milling, fermenting, distilling, and aging. Afterward, you can sample both beer and whisky, making it ideal for enthusiasts eager to understand the craft.

What makes this tour appealing is its comprehensive nature and small group size, capped at 20 participants. Reviewers note that the experience is informative and enjoyable, and many appreciate the option to stay longer and enjoy a meal or more specialized tastings afterward.

Bottom Line: It’s a well-rounded option for those serious about understanding Waiheke’s brewing and distilling techniques, with the chance to extend the visit.

How to Choose the Best Waiheke Drinking Tour

When selecting your perfect Waiheke Island drinking tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a comprehensive day with wine, spirits, and food, the Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour offers excellent value. For a more intimate, food-focused experience, the Flavours of Waiheke is ideal if you prefer small groups.

If your priority is craft spirits or beer, the shorter Heke Distillery & Brewery Tour or the guided tastings (numbers 4 and 5, [https://theabroadguide.com/waiheke-island-guided-tastings-at-local-brewery-distillery/)) are quick, affordable options. For those with limited time but wanting a meaningful overview, the Heke Brewery & Distillery Guided Tasting balances quality and brevity.

Booking early is wise—especially in high season—and consider combining a tasting tour with other Waiheke experiences like vineyard visits or a scenic walk.

Waiheke Island’s drinking tours offer something for every taste — from full-day wine and food explorations to quick craft spirits tastings. Whether you’re into fine wines, craft beers, or artisanal spirits, these tours promise a fun, flavorful way to experience Waiheke’s local produce. Pick your favorite, book ahead, and enjoy a memorable sip of New Zealand’s best.