Waiheke Island is a foodie’s paradise, renowned for its boutique vineyards, fresh oysters, and artisanal produce. Unlike many wine regions, Waiheke offers a beautifully small-scale, laid-back vibe that makes each tasting feel personal and authentic. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of good local food, or simply want a scenic day out, the island has a lot to offer. We’re especially fond of the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour for its balanced mix of wine, local specialties, and relaxed pace, but all the options on this list showcase Waiheke’s delicious appeal. For a quick glimpse of the different offerings, check out our overview of the best food tours in Waiheke Island.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the four best options, each with its own character and focus—whether it’s a comprehensive day of wine and food, a shorter but equally flavorful visit, or a private tour for a more personalized experience.
1. Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
This tour offers an engaging 5.5-hour excursion that combines boutique wineries, local specialties, and a relaxing vineyard lunch. You’re picked up from the wharf and taken to some of Waiheke’s top vineyards like Kennedy Point and Batch Winery, where wine tastings are paired with olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. The highlight is the family-style lunch at Casita Miro, a Spanish-influenced vineyard renowned for its mosaics and wine-food pairings.
What makes this tour stand out is its small-group, personalized approach, with reviews praising the friendly guides and intimate tastings. The itinerary includes a walk around Oneroa Village, giving you time to explore shops, cafes, or relax on the beach. The tour’s price of $209.17 per person reflects its quality, with the inclusion of ferry pickup and drop-off adding convenience.
Guests consistently rate this tour 5/5, commenting on the knowledgeable guides and the variety of tastings. One reviewer said, “We visited 3 wineries and had great wine and delicious food,” highlighting its value. This tour suits travelers wanting a well-rounded experience with plenty of local flavor, without sacrificing comfort or personalization.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed day of wine, food, and island charm with a small-group feel.
2. Taste of Waiheke Food and Wine Tour
For around $168.31, the Taste of Waiheke tour offers a longer, more leisurely day—about 7 hours—perfect for those who love to savor every moment. This trip includes round-trip ferry tickets from Auckland, making logistics simple, and visits to three wineries where guided tastings introduce you to Waiheke’s renowned artisan wines.
What makes this tour appealing is its emphasis on local produce—it features a 2-course lunch at one winery and a stop at an olive oil producer—giving you a taste of Waiheke’s culinary diversity. The guide’s friendly, humorous style, combined with stunning scenery, makes the day memorable. Some reviews mention that it’s a “fabulous afternoon,” with highlights including the olive oil tasting and the opportunity to see half the island via coach.
At $168.31, this tour offers good value, especially considering the ferry and multiple tastings included. It’s well suited for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth taste of Waiheke’s wine and culinary scene but don’t mind a longer day on the island.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a full, slow-paced exploration of Waiheke’s wines and local foods, with a focus on scenery and culinary quality.
3. Waiheke Island: Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour, Food, Olive Oil
This tour earns its high rating of 5/5 for offering a focused 5-hour journey through Waiheke’s food and drink scene. It’s perfect for those wanting to sample not only wines but also Waiheke’s craft spirits. Starting with a ferry ride from Auckland, the tour visits three unique venues, including Mudbrick Vineyard for wine tastings with spectacular sea views, and The Heke Kitchen, Waiheke’s craft distillery and brewery.
What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of spirit tastings, like gin and whiskey, along with a wonderful lunch at Mudbrick. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the variety—one called it “an amazing day learning about wine, beer, olive oil, and the community.” The price of $262.78 reflects its quality and inclusiveness.
This tour is best suited for travelers interested in a deeper dive into Waiheke’s spirits alongside wine and food, offering a broader tasting experience. The private transportation ensures comfort, and the optional longer stay on Waiheke gives flexibility.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a diverse tasting experience in a shorter, well-curated day of food and drink.
4. Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour
If you’re after a highly personalized experience, the Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour offers tailored visits to up to three vineyards, along with tastings of award-winning olive oil, honey, and herb spreads. Starting with scenic lookout stops, this 6-hour private tour is perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking exclusivity and flexibility.
What makes this tour stand out is the private transportation and the ability to customize the itinerary. The tour includes a fabulous lunch at a winery restaurant and visits to Allpress Olive Groves for tastings. It’s a more luxurious option, with a price of $549.75 per person, reflecting its exclusivity.
Guests who choose this tour often mention the spectacular views and the chance to learn about Waiheke’s artisanal foods directly from local producers. It’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored, intimate experience and are willing to pay for comfort and flexibility.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a private, customizable culinary day with premium food and wine experiences.
How to Choose
When selecting a Waiheke Island food tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend on the island. If you prefer a relaxed, small-group experience with a balance of food and wine, the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour is an excellent choice. For a longer, more leisurely tasting adventure with olive oil and scenic views, the Taste of Waiheke provides great value. Those interested in spirits and a more curated experience should look at the Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour, while travelers wanting total privacy and customization will appreciate the Private Waiheke Food & Wine Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Waiheke Island offers a variety of fantastic food and wine tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you want a comprehensive small-group day, a longer tasting journey, or a private tailored experience, you’ll find a perfect fit. Each tour provides a chance to enjoy Waiheke’s stunning scenery alongside its award-winning wines and local treats—making your visit both delicious and memorable.