THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Waiheke Island’s premier wine estates on this exclusive 6.5-hour tour from Auckland. Taste rare vintages with winemakers, explore private vineyards, and savor gourmet island cuisine with sweeping coastal views.
Discover Waiheke Island’s premier wine estates on this exclusive 6.5-hour tour from Auckland. Taste rare vintages with winemakers, explore private vineyards, and savor gourmet island cuisine with sweeping coastal views.
Book with Ananda Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
1,020 ratings
Operated by Ananda Tours · Auckland, Auckland
Set sail from Auckland, New Zealand, for an unforgettable 6.5-hour journey into Waiheke Island’s celebrated wine country. Known as the "Island of Fine Wines," Waiheke offers more than just stunning sea views; its unique maritime climate and rocky volcanic soils craft world-class vintages that rival mainland estates. This exclusive tour, The Wine Connoisseurs, brings you behind the scenes to three of the island's top vineyards, each chosen for its distinctive terroir and exceptional wines.
Your day begins with a seamless pickup from your accommodation on Waiheke, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready to indulge. Guided by an expert wine enthusiast familiar with the island’s viticulture, the itinerary unfolds with private tastings led by winemakers, owners, or senior cellar staff. These personalized encounters allow you to sample flagship label reds, whites, and sparkling varieties, often including rare barrel tastings not open to the general public.
Vineyards on the itinerary include celebrated estates like Mudbrick, known for its robust reds and enchanting Mediterranean-style architecture, Tantalus, where biodynamic practices meet impeccable Pinot Noir, and Passage Rock, celebrated for its crisp Chardonnay. For guests seeking the extraordinary, the tour can include invitation-only estates such as Destiny Bay and Te Rere, secluded gems off the typical visitor map where exclusivity pairs with unparalleled wine experiences.
Beyond the tastings, the tour highlights the island’s multi-faceted landscape—rolling hills layered with emerald vines, pockets of native bush, and panoramic coastal views across Hauraki Gulf’s shimmering waters. The volcanic soil reflects Waiheke’s unique geological past, imparting minerality and depth to its wines.
Concluding your experience, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of Waiheke’s acclaimed vineyard restaurants (meal not included in tour price), where local chefs blend fresh island produce with elegant cuisine. This relaxing setting is ideal for reflecting on the day’s discoveries while soaking in vineyard vistas.
With more than 25 years of expertise, the operators have fostered deep ties with all vineyards, ensuring a smooth and authentic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or newly curious, this tour blends education, indulgence, and the island’s natural beauty into a compelling afternoon.
Waiheke Island itself is just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, making this day trip accessible for travelers seeking a refined escape from the city. Its combination of high-quality wines, intimate access, and spectacular scenery solidifies this tour's place as a must for wine lovers visiting New Zealand's North Island.
Lunch is not included but the tour concludes at a renowned vineyard restaurant where you can purchase gourmet meals.
This tour is restricted to guests aged 18 and above due to local alcohol regulations.
Yes, the guide tailors the day based on your preferences and availability of wineries.
Yes, pick up and drop off is provided from your accommodation on Waiheke Island.
Many wineries offer bottles for purchase, and some rare vintages may be available exclusively during the tour.
No prior experience is necessary—guides provide educational insights suited for both novices and connoisseurs.
Ananda Tours is a family-owned tour operator based in Auckland that specialises in guided tours of Waiheke Island. For over 25 years the company has delivered small-group and private experiences focused on boutique wineries, gourmet food, olive oil production, craft breweries and local artisans. Tours range from full-day wine circuits with tastings at three vineyards and a vineyard platter lunch to curated gourmet food and wine itineraries featuring family-style lunches, oyster and honey pairings, and visits to an olive oil mill. Signature departures include The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour, The Gourmet’s Food and Wine Tour, and specialised options such as Ananda Black, Private Gourmet’s Food and Wine Tour, and The Waiheke Naturally Tour. Itineraries may include stops at Allpress Olive Groves, Three Seven Two, The Heke, and Onetangi Beach, plus art studios, gardens and distilleries. Vehicles and small group sizes support flexible, personalised service with options for private tours and bespoke routes. Guides provide local insights into Waiheke history, vineyard techniques and island culture. The company’s multi-decade experience underpins relationships with boutique producers across Waiheke, enabling access to exclusive tastings, scenic vineyard lunches and culinary pairings. Guests can expect a combination of wine tasting, food experiences, scenic driving along the Hauraki Gulf, and opportunities to explore Oneroa Village. Ananda Tours focuses on delivering knowledgeable guiding, authentic local connections and memorable island experiences suitable for food and wine lovers, small groups, and private celebrations. Booking options include small-group departures and fully customisable private itineraries for special occasions and seasonal events.
Book with Ananda Tours