Top Things to do in Waiheke Island
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Waiheke Island, North Island
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Browse the dozens of art galleries and craft stores of the Waiheke Arts Trail between dips in the emerald waters. Soar above the landscape on a chartered scenic flight, then refuel your engine with a casual beachfront café meal or an upscale, multi-course affair. Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealand’s fine wines.
Restaurants in Waiheke Island
1. Waiheke Island Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,146 reviews
Catch the 10am ferry from downtown Auckland, cruise the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and in no time you'll arrive in paradise! Wayne (owner) is our primary guide and a passionate local. We are the official ‘Waiheke Island Wine Tours' - many like to imitate us due to our success. Our professional, fully planned itineraries include all arrangements made on your behalf. Ten clients max in each of our comfortable vehicles with vented air-con and large windows for excellent sightseeing. Enjoy our fun, interactive scenic vineyard tour with full commentary on our quirky island life. Tour price includes visits to three beautiful vineyards, all wine tasting fees, chilled bottled water, Waiheke Island of Wine Maps, transfers to lunch and to the ferry afterwards. We operate daily except public holidays . Private tours are also available. No booking or credit card fees - book and pay online - its EASY!
2. Enjoi NZ
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Enjoi Waiheke prides ourselves for being one of Waiheke Island's premium wine tour companies. Dependant on which wine tour you decide to do you will typically visit on average around 4 vineyards (unless otherwise requested) at the vineyards you will taste on average 3 to four tastings at each, which are all complimentary. You will have approximately a 2hr lunch at an award winning vineyard, visit some beaches, take photos at some amazing scenery and you will do this all in the comfort of our luxury minibuses which have full air-conditioning, tinted windows for you privacy and music if you fell like listening to your favourite tunes. Some of our other wine tour combinations can include fishing charter and wine tours, segway and wine tours, ecozip and wine tours, corporate tours, hens tours and more. We can organise helicopters, seaplanes, accommodation and anything else on Waiheke. We do hope to see you on one of our amazing wine tours some day soon.
3. Waiheke Custom Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
We offer private, customised wine tours of Waiheke Island, plus sightseeing and other activities along the way. Several tour options are available which include premium wine tasting at between 2 and 5 vineyard cellar doors of the customer's choice. Lunch can also be added at your cost. Geoff, who is the owner/tour guide, has been living on Waiheke Island for 20 years and has over 30 years of experience following the development of wine in New Zealand. If you need guidance he will also be able to help you plan your wine tasting trip to other parts of New Zealand.
4. Rangihoua Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Located on beautiful Waiheke Island, Rangihoua Estate are olive growers and producers of premium, internationally-awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil.We welcome visitors during opening hours to try our oils. The Tasting Room is open during the Summer Season (1 October - 31 May):Monday - Saturday: 11am - 3pmSundays & Public Holidays: 11am - 2pmWinter Season:Wednesday - Sunday: 11am - 2pmIf you would like to learn even more about the making of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and all its taste and health benefits, please call or email to book a friendly and informative tour. If you are looking for a gift or treat, in addition to our Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the Tasting Room stocks other complementary products including artisan foods, pottery, natural beauty products, books and candles. Rangihoua Estate also has lovely gardens surrounded by olive groves and native New Zealand Forest, forming a natural amphitheatre. Through-out the year we host public events including the Waiheke Olive and Artisan Food Festival each November and the Waiheke International Jazz Festival every April.
Reviewed By 840gabrielh - Bellaire, United States
Rangihoua Estate is located on the lower slope of a hill in Waiheke Island and focuses on growing various species of olive trees. It produces excellent olive oil, and the range of flavors is quite pronounced. Your host(ess) will give you a tour that explains the process of harvesting and pressing olives, as well as the various types of olives used in the process of making first class extra virgin olive oil. We were also shown a short video, which was quite informative. The estate also produces honey, including Manuka honey, a New Zealand specialty. While you are tasting olive oil, try the various salsas and other concoctions on offer. They are fabulous! The tasting room also has an eclectic collection of souvenirs, including a large, rustic, hand-carved chess set.
5. Obsidian Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Obsidian wines are the true embodiment of their place of origin. Every exquisite glass of Obsidian speaks of this unique terroir, encapsulating not only the character of the weathered soils at Onetangi, home to Obsidian's vineyard on Waiheke Island, but the coastal beauty of the surrounding environment. Tucked away in an amphitheater setting amongst the vines, Obsidian offers wine tastings in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our knowledgeable cellar door staff will take you through a range of Obsidian Reserve & Non-Reserve wines. All are available to purchase in the shop. We're currently just operating on Saturday's and Sunday's 11am to 5pm however please check Google, or our website for the most up to date information on our opening hours. Thank you.
Reviewed By shionac219 - Waiuku, New Zealand
This was the last stop on our winery tour, beautiful wine, brilliant service cannot ask for any more than that!
6. Whittaker's Musical Museum
7. Peacock Sky Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Our cellar door and restaurant have now closed to the public. Visit our online shop to order your favorite wines!
Reviewed By I7500WYjm - Cincinnati, United States
We toured a few wineries on Waiheke Island and Peacock Sky was our favorite. The wines were excellent, in fact I ordered some to be shipped home. I finished them so quickly that I ordered more online! Connie had prepared some small bites to accompany the wines, a nice added touch to the experience. I would love to head back someday when things get back to normal.
8. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Kennedy Point Vineyard Celebrating our 21st birthday in 2017, Kennedy Point is still the only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke Island. Wild yeast coming in with the harvest helps ensure our small batch, basket pressed wines truly reflect the unique beauty of our island paradise. Our mission is to take gentle care of this beautiful land to allow healthy vines to produce amazing wines. Our world famous Syrah is the obvious star of our cellar door but there are plenty of unsung heroes as well including the exquisitely crafted Cuvee Eve Chardonnay. The Cabernet Franc and Malbec are also worth visiting for. We only make those two if the year has been exceptional. Open every day from 11am to 4pm for lunch and tastings of our organic wine, olive and avocado oils and our Manuka and Pohutukawa honey.
Reviewed By reneEEW5315RC - Auckland, New Zealand
We had no idea about this place, it was part of a recommendation from Nikki @Waiheke tours. This place was just stunning, Peter was gorgeous ...loved the genuine, knowledgeable and friendly experience. You experience all that's great about their stunning location, excellent wines, HONEY, Olive oil and Avacado oil. This vineyard understands its unique relationship to the island and to their land and nature. You get a sense of their connection and history to the Hauraki Gulf. Thank you for a beautiful morning
9. Podere Crisci Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Jogregson
We come to Waiheke every year as kiwis who live in the uk. This year the service at every restaurant, vineyard or cafe has been BAD. We came to Poderi Crisci for a long lunch and were annoying customers....we turned up early and were only three people of an original six person booking and one of us was a 3 year old nightmare! Well, we were looked after so well here, food was amazing, service was excellent and not one bit of upset caused by our ever changing needs. I can’t recommend this place enough. The setting is amazing!! Thank you for a wonderful long lunch and taking such good care of us. We love this place so much and any trip to the island isn’t complete without a visit to this place. But don’t tell anyone, it’s the island’s best kept secret.
10. Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
The newest edition to Auckland’s vineyard destinations has been honored with international accolades for our estate-grown wines, plus national awards in architecture and design, building craftsmanship, cuisine and dining. The idyllic sloping vineyards of the family owned Tantalus Estate are located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley - a gentle picturesque twenty-acre vineyard in Waiheke’s renowned wine growing region. Complete with olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen gardens, native trees and boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a destination not to be missed.
Reviewed By KiwiKerry53 - Wellington, New Zealand
Very cool place providing a home to a micro brewery underneath the restaurant and wine tasting area, I loved the ambience - fabulous light fittings, good wine and warm and welcoming surroundings. I really loved this place. I think one should spend the day here! Lovely gardens, views of the vines and a great atmosphere.
