Waiheke Island is renowned not just for its stunning scenery but also for its vibrant food scene. The island’s boutique vineyards, fresh oysters, and farm-to-table eateries make it a top destination for food lovers. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie eager to sample local specialties, or just looking for a relaxed day with great scenery, Waiheke offers a range of tours to satisfy your cravings. Our favorites include the personalized Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour and the all-encompassing Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour, which combine tastings with insightful guides. You can find more about these experiences at here and here.
What makes Waiheke unique is its small-scale, artisanal approach to wine and food production, which these tours showcase beautifully. Whether it’s tasting locally produced olive oils, sampling oysters straight from the sea, or enjoying a vineyard lunch with panoramic views, each experience provides a genuine taste of Waiheke’s culinary soul. If you’re after a more private, tailored experience, the Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour might be your best bet. For a more comprehensive group experience, the Taste of Waiheke Food and Wine Tour offers excellent value with a mix of guided tastings, meals, and scenic ferry rides. Below, we’ve detailed each tour to help you decide which best matches your interests and style.
1. Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
At number 1, the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour is a highly-rated experience perfect for those wanting a full taste of Waiheke’s culinary delights. For about $213, you’ll spend around 5.5 hours exploring boutique wineries, olive groves, and local food producers. The tour kicks off with a pickup at the wharf, making logistics easy, and then takes you to some of the most charming vineyards on the island.
This tour shines for its well-curated stops, including the Kennedy Point Vineyard, where you sample wines in a scenic setting, and the Allpress Olive Groves, where you learn about olive oil production and taste a variety of oils, from Greek Koreneiki to Italian Frantoio. The highlight is a family-style lunch at Casita Miro, a Spanish-influenced vineyard where the food is paired with their own wines. The tour ends with a relaxed visit to The Heke Brewery & Distillery for whisky or wine tasting, adding a fun twist to your day.
Guests rave about the personalized attention and knowledgeable guides. One reviewer notes, “Grant was a fantastic guide who made the day fun and informative.” The mix of wine, food, and scenery makes this a perfect choice for those who want a balanced, immersive Waiheke experience. The only caveat: it’s a group tour, so if you prefer privacy, consider the private options below.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a guided, all-in-one Waiheke food and wine experience with excellent reviews and a good mix of tastings and scenery.
2. Taste of Waiheke Food and Wine Tour
Number 2 on our list, the Taste of Waiheke Food and Wine Tour is a longer, more personalized experience that typically lasts about 7 hours and includes return ferry tickets from Auckland. For $180, it’s great value for those who want a full day of sampling the island’s best wines and local produce in a small-group setting.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Waiheke’s top wineries without the hassle of self-driving. It includes guided tastings at three premier vineyards: Batch Winery, Mudbrick Vineyard, and the scenic Waiheke Island stop for a panoramic view. The highlight is the 2-course lunch at a winery restaurant, where local flavors shine. Unlike a large bus tour, this is a private experience, so you’ll have the chance to ask questions and customize your day.
Guests mention that the commentary was very informative and friendly, making the day educational as well as delicious. Some note the importance of arriving on time for the ferry, but the overall consensus is that it offers a seamless, relaxed way to enjoy Waiheke’s best wineries.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed wine and food day with the convenience of ferry transportation and private tastings.
3. Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour
At number 3, the Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour provides an exclusive, tailored experience for those willing to spend a bit more—around $556 per person. This 6-hour tour is ideal if you want a flexible, intimate exploration of Waiheke’s best wineries and local foods.
Your knowledgeable guide will take you to up to three vineyards, including renowned spots like Mudbrick, for tasting and a memorable vineyard lunch. What sets this tour apart is its focus on artisanal foods—delicious olive oils, honey, and even herb spreads, paired perfectly with the wines. The tour also includes spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf, adding to the experience’s appeal.
Guests have praised the spectacular scenery and the opportunity to learn about Waiheke’s people and produce from a local guide. One review mentions, “It was amazing to explore Waiheke privately, and the lunch was outstanding.” Because it’s a private tour, it’s best suited for travelers looking for exclusivity or celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine lovers wanting a personalized, immersive day with expert guidance and access to exclusive spots.
4. Boutique Waiheke Island Wine, Gin and Food Tour
Number 4 offers a boutique experience for lovers of both wine and spirits, running about 6 hours and featuring only five stops. Curated by local hosts Joe and Jen, this tour at $217 offers a mix of olive oils, gin, wines, and a delicious hosted lunch. It’s perfect if you want to combine distillery visits with vineyard tastings.
Your journey begins at Allpress Olive Groves for a tasting of award-winning olive oils, then moves to Waiheke Distilling Co, where the emphasis is on handcrafted gin or vodka paired with gourmet bruschetta. The tour continues to Jasper Ridge Estate and Te Motu Vineyard, where you’ll sample wines in lovely vineyard settings. The day concludes with a lunch at the Three Seven Two restaurant on Onetangi Beach, offering spectacular views.
Reviews highlight the expert guidance and variety of tastings, with visitors loving the chance to try local spirits alongside wines. The limited number of stops means more quality time at each location and a more intimate feel.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in both wine and spirits, who want a relaxed yet diverse tasting experience.
5. The Epic Waiheke Sundowner, Food And Wine Trip
Finally, the Waiheke Sundowner offers a unique evening experience with scenic drives and dinner, making it ideal for travelers looking to combine stunning views with top-tier wine tasting. For about 5 hours, small groups are whisked to premium wineries and top restaurants, with the best late-afternoon lighting.
This tour focuses on only Waiheke’s top restaurants and premium tastings, ensuring a luxurious, uncrowded experience. It’s perfect for a romantic sunset or an elegant end to your day. The limited reviews are glowing, praising the “only premium tastings” and “beautiful views.”
Since its focus is on dinner and late-afternoon sights, it’s most suited for visitors wanting an indulgent, scenic evening rather than a full-day tour. Book early, as spots are limited, and the experience is highly sought after.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or special occasions who want a scenic, upscale way to enjoy Waiheke’s wine, food, and sunset views.
How to Choose the Right Waiheke Food Tour
When picking a tour, think about your budget, time, and interests. For example, if you want a comprehensive experience with multiple tastings and a variety of foods, the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour offers excellent value. If you prefer a more private, tailored day, consider the Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour. Budget-conscious travelers may find the Taste of Waiheke ideal, especially with ferry included.
For those wanting to explore spirits alongside wine, the Boutique Waiheke Island Wine, Gin and Food Tour offers a diverse tasting menu. And if a special sunset experience sounds appealing, the Epic Waiheke Sundowner is your best choice.
Book early, especially for tours with limited availability, and consider what kind of experience suits your travel style—guided group or private, wine-focused or combined spirits and food.
Waiheke Island’s food tours offer a range of flavors, scenery, and experiences. Whether you choose a guided group adventure, a private tasting day, or a sunset splurge, you’ll leave with a full belly and a new appreciation for New Zealand’s premier wine and food destination. Happy tasting!