Things to do on Waiheke Island
Vineyards
Ok so we'll start with my favourite part of the island and talk vineyards, glorious vineyards - one for every occasion! As you may know there are a number of vineyards on the island and rather than list them all I'll simply share my favourites and why they're at the top of my list.
Mudbrick
Best for: The wedding masters of the island (yes we got married there!). Great location for special occasions with incredible 5 star dining in the main restaurant and more casual options in the Archive Bistro.
Highlights: Instagram worthy snaps of the beautiful sea views over Motuihi Island back to Auckland and their beautifully manicured gardens.
Wine Recommendations: The Reserve Chardonnay and Reserve Viogner.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Jurassic Ridge, Cable Bay.
https://www.mudbrick.co.nz/
Cable Bay
Best for: An afternoon trip from the City if you're in a hurry, this vineyard is only 5 minutes from Matiatia Ferry.
Highlights: Fabulous views back to Auckland, great lawn for lounging on beanbags with a wine or three.
Wine Recommendations: The Waiheke Island Chardonnay and Viogner.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Jurassic Ridge, Mudbrick.
Jurassic Ridge
Best for: A one on one wine tasting with the wine maker himself, if you're interested in hearing the science behind the wine this is the place to go.
Highlights: Learn about sustainable, natural wine making practices from the master. You'll get the cost of your tasting refunded upon purchase of a bottle.
Wine Recommendations: Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano and the Syrah - red wine at its complex best.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Mudbrick, Cable Bay.
https://shop.jurassicridge.co.nz/
Obsidian
Best for: Walking tour through the Onetangi wine belt. you can start here, move onto Casita Miro, then walk through to Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke without going near a road!
Highlights: A well practiced knowledgable staff. It can get busy quickly with wine tours so best to ring ahead or go early to avoid the crowds.
Wine Recommendations: Estate and Reserve Chardonnay (yes I love my chardonnay!), the Obsidian bordeaux blend is a real winner too.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke.
https://obsidian.co.nz/
Casita Miro
Best for: Relaxed tastings under the olive trees and spectacular tapas in the restaurant.
Highlights: Gaudi inspired mosaics in the outdoor area and a real European feel.
Wine Recommendations: They produce a lovely fortified red wine called Madame Rouge.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke.
https://www.casitamiro.co.nz/
Te Motu
Best for: Casual dining for groups at the Shed and tastings at the cellar door.
Highlights: Comprehensive tasting from knowledgable staff at a reasonable rate, refund on your tasting if you buy a bottle.
Wine Recommendations: Masters of the Bordeaux blend you can't go past the Te Motu flagship wine and the Kokoro. When they have a particularly good year they'll release the Tipua which is made of the best grapes the vineyard has to offer (the 2013 was pure Cabernet Franc).
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
https://temotu.co.nz/
Stonyridge
Best for: Party time! Stonyridge often host events and DJ's making it the party vineyard. Also featuring a world class restaurant and an internationally renowned Flagship red (the Larose) it's where you're most likely to spot a celeb or two popping in for lunch via a chopper.
Highlights: Chilled vibes, great beats on a Saturday afternoon and plenty of lounging room amongst the olives.
Wine Recommendations: Well known internationally for their exceptional red wines you can't visit Stonyridge without having a taste of their Bordeaux blend the Larose (warning it's heaven but it is pricey!). If you'd like to try a more reasonably priced option the Airfield is the little sister of the Larose and also stunning. If a lighter drinking style is more your jam then you can't go past the Fallen Angel labelled rose and pinot gris.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
http://www.stonyridge.com/homepage
Tantalus
Best for: Special Occasions in the main restaurant and weddings/events.
Highlights: Beautiful gardens and a stunning design inside, Tantalus is a relatively new kid on the block and an instant success. They offer stunning wines and exceptional food, I dream of their pork belly... Oh and did I mention the Alibi Brewing Company downstairs? Great place for those more partial to a brew and casual bites.
Wine Recommendations: Another heavy hitter on the Bordeaux blends, both the Evoque and Ecluse are stunning examples and a great addition to any cellar. Yes I'm going to mention Chardonnay again, both the Hawkes Bay Chardonnay and Cachette Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnays are beautiful with the Cachette working beautifully with the aforementioned dreamy pork belly!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
https://www.tantalus.co.nz/
Wild on Waiheke
Best for: Fun for all the family and corporate events. Solid food offering with great pizzas and salads at a reasonable pricepoint.
Highlights: A number of activities are available such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, trampoline and a playground for the kids.
Wine Recommendations: Easy drinking styles of Rose and Chardonnay are available at an approachable price. They offer tastings of all wines and beers served (there's a craft beer brewery onsite). I highly recommend the Wild on Waiheke ginger beer for a softer option, deliciously refreshing!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge and Tantalus, Frenchmans Hill.
https://wildonwaiheke.co.nz/
Frenchmans Hill
Best for: A chilled French vibe with great tunes overlooking Ohahuiti Creek. This is really an adults only kind of place, it's a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit for the ambience alone. A long with a tasting room there is a little shop of French homewares should you feel like taking a piece of France home with you.
Highlights: The Plat du Jour (plate of the day) it a delightful accompaniment to a glass of their award winning wine. The terrace is a wonderful place to relax and where time seems suspended (maybe that's the wine?!).
Wine Recommendations: They do a fantastic Bordeaux blend and exceptional Syrah. The rose is also made from Syrah grapes and is an excellent match for the Plat du Jour.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Wild on Waiheke, Stonyridge, Tantalus, Te Motu.
https://www.frenchmanshillestate.co.nz/
Peacock Sky
Best for: Adults and kids can be catered for. This vineyard is tucked up high at the top of Trig Hill Road past the Zip Line so you could stop here before hitting Peacock Sky for lunch or a tasting.
Highlights: The VIP wine and food tasting, this is a bargain at $15 per person and includes tastings of wine matched with small canapes to bring out the best of the wine - a unique offering on the island. They also make their own Lemoncello with is a delicious end to any meal at the restaurant.
Wine Recommendations: The Merlot Malbec is gorgeous and great to take home for something to drink immediately after a hard days wine tasting!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Wild of Waiheke, Stonyridge, Te Motu, Tantalus.
https://www.peacocksky.co.nz/
Awaroa Organic Vineyard
Best for: Tastings where you can speak directly with the winemakers themselves.
Highlights: The wine here is ridiculously good, soft in style and very drinkable right now if you don't have the willpower to cellar! It's usually quiet which means you get more time with the winemaker or other servers which is great if you want to get into the nitty gritty of the winemaking process.
Wine Recommendations: All of them! The Requiem is their Reserve complex Bordeaux blend, the Chardonnay a stunner as is the Viogner. The Estate reds are excellent drinking now.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Poderi Crisci, Passage Rock, Man o War.
http://awaroa.co.nz/
Mudbrick
Best for: The wedding masters of the island (yes we got married there!). Great location for special occasions with incredible 5 star dining in the main restaurant and more casual options in the Archive Bistro.
Highlights: Instagram worthy snaps of the beautiful sea views over Motuihi Island back to Auckland and their beautifully manicured gardens.
Wine Recommendations: The Reserve Chardonnay and Reserve Viogner.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Jurassic Ridge, Cable Bay.
https://www.mudbrick.co.nz/
Cable Bay
Best for: An afternoon trip from the City if you're in a hurry, this vineyard is only 5 minutes from Matiatia Ferry.
Highlights: Fabulous views back to Auckland, great lawn for lounging on beanbags with a wine or three.
Wine Recommendations: The Waiheke Island Chardonnay and Viogner.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Jurassic Ridge, Mudbrick.
Jurassic Ridge
Best for: A one on one wine tasting with the wine maker himself, if you're interested in hearing the science behind the wine this is the place to go.
Highlights: Learn about sustainable, natural wine making practices from the master. You'll get the cost of your tasting refunded upon purchase of a bottle.
Wine Recommendations: Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano and the Syrah - red wine at its complex best.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Mudbrick, Cable Bay.
https://shop.jurassicridge.co.nz/
Obsidian
Best for: Walking tour through the Onetangi wine belt. you can start here, move onto Casita Miro, then walk through to Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke without going near a road!
Highlights: A well practiced knowledgable staff. It can get busy quickly with wine tours so best to ring ahead or go early to avoid the crowds.
Wine Recommendations: Estate and Reserve Chardonnay (yes I love my chardonnay!), the Obsidian bordeaux blend is a real winner too.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke.
https://obsidian.co.nz/
Casita Miro
Best for: Relaxed tastings under the olive trees and spectacular tapas in the restaurant.
Highlights: Gaudi inspired mosaics in the outdoor area and a real European feel.
Wine Recommendations: They produce a lovely fortified red wine called Madame Rouge.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Te Motu, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke.
https://www.casitamiro.co.nz/
Te Motu
Best for: Casual dining for groups at the Shed and tastings at the cellar door.
Highlights: Comprehensive tasting from knowledgable staff at a reasonable rate, refund on your tasting if you buy a bottle.
Wine Recommendations: Masters of the Bordeaux blend you can't go past the Te Motu flagship wine and the Kokoro. When they have a particularly good year they'll release the Tipua which is made of the best grapes the vineyard has to offer (the 2013 was pure Cabernet Franc).
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Stonyridge, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
https://temotu.co.nz/
Stonyridge
Best for: Party time! Stonyridge often host events and DJ's making it the party vineyard. Also featuring a world class restaurant and an internationally renowned Flagship red (the Larose) it's where you're most likely to spot a celeb or two popping in for lunch via a chopper.
Highlights: Chilled vibes, great beats on a Saturday afternoon and plenty of lounging room amongst the olives.
Wine Recommendations: Well known internationally for their exceptional red wines you can't visit Stonyridge without having a taste of their Bordeaux blend the Larose (warning it's heaven but it is pricey!). If you'd like to try a more reasonably priced option the Airfield is the little sister of the Larose and also stunning. If a lighter drinking style is more your jam then you can't go past the Fallen Angel labelled rose and pinot gris.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Tantalus and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
http://www.stonyridge.com/homepage
Tantalus
Best for: Special Occasions in the main restaurant and weddings/events.
Highlights: Beautiful gardens and a stunning design inside, Tantalus is a relatively new kid on the block and an instant success. They offer stunning wines and exceptional food, I dream of their pork belly... Oh and did I mention the Alibi Brewing Company downstairs? Great place for those more partial to a brew and casual bites.
Wine Recommendations: Another heavy hitter on the Bordeaux blends, both the Evoque and Ecluse are stunning examples and a great addition to any cellar. Yes I'm going to mention Chardonnay again, both the Hawkes Bay Chardonnay and Cachette Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnays are beautiful with the Cachette working beautifully with the aforementioned dreamy pork belly!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge and Wild on Waiheke, Frenchmans Hill.
https://www.tantalus.co.nz/
Wild on Waiheke
Best for: Fun for all the family and corporate events. Solid food offering with great pizzas and salads at a reasonable pricepoint.
Highlights: A number of activities are available such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, trampoline and a playground for the kids.
Wine Recommendations: Easy drinking styles of Rose and Chardonnay are available at an approachable price. They offer tastings of all wines and beers served (there's a craft beer brewery onsite). I highly recommend the Wild on Waiheke ginger beer for a softer option, deliciously refreshing!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Obsidian, Casita Miro, Te Motu, Stonyridge and Tantalus, Frenchmans Hill.
https://wildonwaiheke.co.nz/
Frenchmans Hill
Best for: A chilled French vibe with great tunes overlooking Ohahuiti Creek. This is really an adults only kind of place, it's a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit for the ambience alone. A long with a tasting room there is a little shop of French homewares should you feel like taking a piece of France home with you.
Highlights: The Plat du Jour (plate of the day) it a delightful accompaniment to a glass of their award winning wine. The terrace is a wonderful place to relax and where time seems suspended (maybe that's the wine?!).
Wine Recommendations: They do a fantastic Bordeaux blend and exceptional Syrah. The rose is also made from Syrah grapes and is an excellent match for the Plat du Jour.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Wild on Waiheke, Stonyridge, Tantalus, Te Motu.
https://www.frenchmanshillestate.co.nz/
Peacock Sky
Best for: Adults and kids can be catered for. This vineyard is tucked up high at the top of Trig Hill Road past the Zip Line so you could stop here before hitting Peacock Sky for lunch or a tasting.
Highlights: The VIP wine and food tasting, this is a bargain at $15 per person and includes tastings of wine matched with small canapes to bring out the best of the wine - a unique offering on the island. They also make their own Lemoncello with is a delicious end to any meal at the restaurant.
Wine Recommendations: The Merlot Malbec is gorgeous and great to take home for something to drink immediately after a hard days wine tasting!
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Wild of Waiheke, Stonyridge, Te Motu, Tantalus.
https://www.peacocksky.co.nz/
Awaroa Organic Vineyard
Best for: Tastings where you can speak directly with the winemakers themselves.
Highlights: The wine here is ridiculously good, soft in style and very drinkable right now if you don't have the willpower to cellar! It's usually quiet which means you get more time with the winemaker or other servers which is great if you want to get into the nitty gritty of the winemaking process.
Wine Recommendations: All of them! The Requiem is their Reserve complex Bordeaux blend, the Chardonnay a stunner as is the Viogner. The Estate reds are excellent drinking now.
Make it a wine tour! Combine with: Poderi Crisci, Passage Rock, Man o War.
http://awaroa.co.nz/
With the vineyards above you can't go wrong, but if you are after something a bit different Waiheke is also famous for its:-
Beaches
Markets
Cinema
Restaurants
Walks
Events - link to events page
Jazz fest
Sculpture on the Gulf
Garden Festival
Onetangi beach races
Fishing charters
Walking festival
Art galleries
Concerts/Rangihoua
Golf
Zip line
Yoga classes
Massage
Whakanewha
If you want more information on any of these just give us a shout. Or if we've missed something off the list let us know and we will try and find out for you.
Beaches
Markets
Cinema
Restaurants
Walks
Events - link to events page
Jazz fest
Sculpture on the Gulf
Garden Festival
Onetangi beach races
Fishing charters
Walking festival
Art galleries
Concerts/Rangihoua
Golf
Zip line
Yoga classes
Massage
Whakanewha
If you want more information on any of these just give us a shout. Or if we've missed something off the list let us know and we will try and find out for you.