Wine enthusiast's compass to Waiheke Island wineries
Discover the Charm of Waiheke Island: A Haven for Wine Lovers and Adventure Seekers
Nestled off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, lies the picturesque island of Waiheke. Known for its vineyards, wineries, and stunning landscapes, Waiheke is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Waiheke Island is home to a variety of award-winning wineries, each offering unique experiences and exceptional wines. One of the most renowned is Mudbrick Vineyard, a Provence-style mudbrick restaurant with 360-degree views and a reputation for producing wines with intense varietal flavor from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
Another noteworthy vineyard is Kennedy Point, Waiheke’s only certified organic vineyard, set among ancient Pohutakawa trees overlooking Kennedy Bay. Visitors can enjoy award-winning organic wines, olive oil, and honey produced on the premises.
Te Motu Vineyard, established in 1989, specializes in complex, long-lived wines, with their flagship being a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend aged 3.5 to 4 years before release. Obsidian Wines, a smaller vineyard, offers tastings focusing on unique varietals such as Montepulciano, Tempranillo, Syrah, Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
Casita Miro, inspired by Spain, is set in lush gardens with panoramic views to Onetangi Beach. It offers a wide and delicious range of wines, as well as locally sourced tapas dishes. Other notable wineries on the western side of the island include Batch Winery, Cable Bay Vineyard, Destiny Bay Wines, Jurassic Ridge Wines, and Goldie Estate.
Visitors to Waiheke Island can also enjoy a variety of activities beyond wine tasting. EcoZip Adventures offers a three-hour zipline experience over native forests and vineyards. For those seeking a family-friendly dining experience, The Heke in Onetangi offers drinks from Waiheke Brewery Co and Waiheke Whisky.
The island's culinary scene is not limited to wine. The Boatshed, a boutique, chic, and luxurious hotel just above the beach at Oneroa, offers some of the best gourmet dining experiences. Three Seven Two in Onetangi is a multi-award-winning restaurant right across from Onetangi beach with a huge spread of dishes. Cable Bay Views is a modern studio accommodation with floor-to-ceiling glass offering views of Waiheke's landscape. Passage Rock is a dreamy setting for lovers of fine wood and high-quality cooking, with world-class wines and next-level dishes.
Waiheke Waterfront Lodge, a five-star modern hotel, enjoys beautiful views over Huruhi Bay. The Oyster Inn, a restaurant overlooking Oneroa Bay, offers some of the island's best seafood.
For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, Walk Waiheke provides details on the Te Ara Hura trail and other walks around the island. The trail is a 100km walking adventure connecting Man O'War and Passage Rock.
Waiheke Distilling Co, famed for its Spirit of Waiheke gin, offers tours followed by tastings and food. Visitors can also explore the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, which always has a range of exhibitions and programs from around New Zealand.
The July 2025 issue of a popular magazine features an article about Waiheke Island, highlighting its wine tours, gourmet dining, and adventure activities, making it an exceptional wine tourism destination. Whether you're a wine lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Waiheke Island offers something for everyone.
Delve into the home-and-garden setting of Casita Miro, a Spanish-inspired vineyard with lush gardens and panoramic views overlooking Onetangi Beach, offering a wide range of wines and locally sourced tapas. For a change of pace, embark on a travel adventure with EcoZip Adventures, offering a zipline experience over native forests and vineyards on the island.
