Waiheke Island is well known for its stunning scenery, boutique wineries, and relaxed vibe, making it a fantastic destination for those who enjoy a good drink. But beyond just wine, Waiheke offers a variety of drinking tours that showcase the island’s local craft breweries and distilleries. We particularly like the Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour for its comprehensive approach and the chance to see the production process firsthand, and the Waiheke Island: HEKE Distillery & Brewery Tour for its mix of learning and sampling in a scenic setting. These tours give you a real taste of Waiheke’s vibrant local beverage scene, far from the crowded wineries.
If you’re short on time but want a quick but flavorful introduction to Waiheke’s brewing and distilling scene, the Waiheke Island: The Heke Brewery/Distillery Guided Tasting offers a relaxed 30-minute experience in a lovely setting. For those interested in a deeper dive, the Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour in Waiheke Island with samples runs for about an hour and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of beer and whisky. Whether you’re just curious or a true connoisseur, Waiheke’s drinking tours are worth exploring.
1. Waiheke Island Guided Tastings at Local Brewery & Distillery
At number 1, we start with a short and sweet tasting experience at The Heke, offering a quick introduction to Waiheke’s local spirits and beers. For just $12.06 per person, you’ll spend about 30 minutes in the luxurious Boilermaker Bar, enjoying curated flights of Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co. You’ll be guided through a tasting of a few select drinks, with your knowledgeable host sharing insights into what makes Waiheke’s brews unique.
While the tour doesn’t include a deep dive into the brewing process, it’s great for those who want a straightforward, no-fuss tasting experience. The setting—surrounded by lush gardens and cozy cellar-door atmosphere—adds to the relaxing vibe. Keep in mind, this tour is very brief and doesn’t include a lot of time to explore the grounds or extend your experience. It’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a quick taste before heading to other parts of the island.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an affordable, casual introduction to Waiheke’s spirits and beer, this guided tasting gives you a flavorful sampling with a relaxed vibe.
$12.06 per person
2. Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour in Waiheke Island with samples
For around $24.13, the Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour offers a deeper look into the craft of brewing and distilling, lasting about 50 minutes. This guided experience is limited to 20 participants, which means you’ll get a more personal feel and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Your host walks you through the entire process—covering history, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging—highlighting what makes Waiheke’s spirits and beers special.
One of the tour’s key highlights is the chance to sample both a beer and a whisky during the session, giving you a taste of Waiheke’s diverse drink offerings. If you want to extend your experience, you can opt for a specialized tasting flight that offers even more flavors and options. The tour also allows you to explore the grounds afterward, where you can enjoy a meal or some additional tastings at your leisure.
Guests have praised the knowledgeable guide and the intimate atmosphere, making this a great choice for serious drink enthusiasts. It’s particularly suitable if you want a more educational experience, not just a tasting.
Bottom Line: This tour blends education with tasting in a friendly setting. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want to learn about the process behind Waiheke’s drinks as they sample.
$24.13 per person
3. Waiheke Island: HEKE Distillery & Brewery Tour with Tastings
Getting behind the scenes of Waiheke’s brewing and distilling process, the Waiheke Island: HEKE Distillery & Brewery Tour offers a guided look at how beer and whisky are crafted. For $23 per person, this tour lasts from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on your interest level, and provides a perfect balance between education and tasting.
During the tour, an expert guide explains the similarities and differences between beer and whisky production, giving you a clearer understanding of what goes into each drink. You’ll also get to sample both a beer and a whisky, making it ideal for those who want a well-rounded experience. Plus, you’ll explore the surrounding gardens and learn about Maori culture and history, adding a cultural dimension.
What sets this tour apart is the possibility to upgrade to a tasting flight, offering even more drinks to try. The relatively longer duration means you’ll have time to ask questions and fully enjoy the setting. The combination of learning, tasting, and cultural insight makes this tour both educational and memorable.
Key highlights include the guided process explanation and Maori cultural context, making this a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors interested in the craft behind Waiheke’s drinks, combined with a cultural experience and the chance to sample multiple drinks.
$23 per person
4. Waiheke Island: The Heke Brewery/Distillery Guided Tasting
Rounding out our list is the Waiheke Island: The Heke Brewery/Distillery Guided Tasting, a quick 30-minute experience designed for those who want to sample Waiheke’s offerings without a lengthy commitment. For just $12 per person, you can choose from a variety of tasting options, including beer, whisky, and spirits.
This guided tasting in the lovely Tasting Room offers an intimate environment where you can relax and focus on the flavors of Waiheke Island. The staff are experts, and they’ll help you understand what makes each option unique. It’s a flexible experience, so you can stay and dine or simply enjoy your flight while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
If your schedule is tight but you still want a quality tasting experience, this is a great choice. It’s also a good introduction if you’re unsure whether you want to commit to a longer tour or just want to sample the local offerings.
Bottom Line: A quick, affordable, and flexible tasting experience, perfect for travelers who want to sample Waiheke’s drinks without a big time investment.
$12 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Waiheke Island
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interest level. If you’re short on time but want a quick introduction, the guided tastings at The Heke or The Heke Brewery/Distillery Guided Tasting are perfect. For a deeper understanding of the process and a more immersive experience, the Heke Brewery and Distillery Tour or the Waiheke Island: HEKE Distillery & Brewery Tour offer richer insights and tastings.
Think about whether you’d prefer a quick flight or a full behind-the-scenes tour. If Maori culture and gardens interest you, the latter provides added context. Booking early is advisable, particularly in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Waiheke Island offers a variety of drinking tours that suit different interests and schedules. For a quick taste, the guided flights are affordable and easy to enjoy. For those wanting education and a more detailed look at brewing and distilling, the full tours provide a richer experience. No matter which you pick, Waiheke’s local drinks scene is sure to add a delicious highlight to your island visit. Consider your interests and time, then book early to ensure you don’t miss out on these flavorful experiences.