Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island: Day Trip from Auckland

One of the can’t miss day trips from Auckland is taking the ferry to Waiheke Island to go wine tasting. Waiheke Island is a small island located just across the Waitemata Harbour from Auckland well known for its vineyards and wine tasting experiences featuring over 30 wineries.

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How to Get to Waiheke from Auckland

Waiheke Island is a small island featuring a quantity of wineries, just a short 45 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland (~$42 round trip in NZD). The ferry ride is quick and picturesque, offering great views of the Auckland Harbour.

Book your ferry tickets from Auckland to Waiheke Island in advance with Fullers360 or SeaLink ferries.

How to Get around Waiheke Island

Upon arrival at Waiheke Island, you’ll have to determine how to get around this beautiful island. Fortunately, as it is a popular area for wine tasting from Auckland, there are plenty of transportation options. Let’s take a look at them.

Waiheke Bus

Waiheke Island has a reliable public bus system that covers most of the island’s main attractions and wineries. The buses run every half an hour during the day, and the fare is affordable.

Rental Car

You can also rent a car or bring your own vehicle to Waiheke Island. However, it’s important to note that the island’s roads can be narrow and winding, so be cautious while driving.

Taxi

Taxis are available on the island, and they can be hired to take you to specific destinations or for a full-day tour.

Bicycle Rental

Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore Waiheke Island. Several rental shops offer a wide range of bicycles, including electric bikes, for a reasonable price.

Scooter or Moped Rental

Scooters and mopeds are also available for rent on the island, offering a convenient way to explore the scenic roads of Waiheke Island.

Walking

Waiheke Island has many beautiful walking trails, which offer an excellent opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty up close. Several guided tours also offer walking tours of the island’s various attractions.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, Waiheke Island’s small size and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to get around and explore.

Find full details of transportation on Waiheke Island!

Take a Wine Tasting Tour to Waiheke Island

Most Popular Wineries on Waiheke Island

Winery #1: Stonyridge Winery

Upon arrival, we jumped on the city bus paying $4.50 one way from the ferry terminal to Stonyridge Winery. Set above their expansive vineyards, the winery provided great views in addition to having a lovely outdoor patio overlooking it. Content, we sat down to enjoy some wine.

Stonyridge Winery offers three different tasting sets available from $25, 10, or 7 – something to fit everyone’s budget. Selecting our tastings of choice we settled outside in a sunny spot to combat the chill of the powerful wind. I must say there’s something nice about relaxing with wine and friends!

View Stonyridge Winery’s Food Menu.

Winery #2: Cable Bay Winery

Eventually we decided it was time to move on but fun fact: the bus only runs about once an hour, and we’d just missed it. Therefore we relaxed a little while longer while slowly getting hungry. We made sure not to miss the next bus and headed back to Cable Bay Winery closest to the ferry.

As we were ravenous by the time we arrived, we ordered some of their small plates to munch on while having a glass of wine. As far as we were aware, they do not do tastings at Cable Bay but rather the typical wine by the glass for around $17 per glass. The cheese plate, pumpkin hummus, and ceviche arrived, and I’d have to rate at least the hummus and cheese plate as absolutely delicious!

Taking the Ferry Back to Auckland from Waiheke Island

Somehow, as we were enjoying our time and the overlook of the bay below, it crept into being late. Having previously done the math to ensure we returned to Auckland on time to get baby James to bed at his normal time, we scrambled to finish our drinks and make our way by foot back down to the ferry.

It’s a short walk to get from Cable Bay to the ferry, but it seemed so much longer as it decided to start pouring rain on our way there. Good news? The weather the rest of the day was lovely. All-in-all, if you are a wine drinker and have an extra day in Auckland, wining and dining on Waiheke Island is definitely worth it!

The rainbow over the bay after the rain on the way back to Auckland — The rainbow after the rain

Arriving in the Auckland Harbour

Pulling into the Auckland Harbour we exited the ferry right next to Maggie’s husband’s office, the PWC building, so we stopped in to go to the top floor to see the views. Supposedly the views are about equivalent to the views from the Sky Tower. While it’s not quite as tall, since it’s an unobstructed view, I’d say it’s true!

From there, while Lance “cleaned up” to join us on the way home, we went and picked up burritos for dinner at a place similar to Moe’s or Chipotle back home, just double the price! The night slowly came to a close with all of us enjoying dinner and some chill time together back at home as we prepared for our next adventure: Hobbiton!

My friends waving to Lance in the PWC Buildinging on our way back from Waiheke Island, New Zealand — Waving to Lance

Plan Your Trip to New Zealand

After wining and dining on Waiheke Island, you’re surely energized and ready to check out more of New Zealand. Check out these other useful posts to continue planning your trip:

Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island: Day Trip from Auckland

How to Get to Waiheke from Auckland