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Discover Waiheke Island’s top boutique wines and local delicacies on a private, six-hour gourmet tour with Ananda Tours. Savor oysters, honey, olive oil, and vineyard views tailored to your tastes.
Discover Waiheke Island’s top boutique wines and local delicacies on a private, six-hour gourmet tour with Ananda Tours. Savor oysters, honey, olive oil, and vineyard views tailored to your tastes.
Book with Ananda Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ananda Tours · Auckland, Auckland
Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from Auckland, is a jewel of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf known for its rolling vineyards, rugged coastline, and boutique producers. Ananda Tours’ Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour invites travelers to experience this landscape through its exceptional local flavors and award-winning wines. More than just a tasting, this six-hour privately hosted journey unfolds the island’s rich artisan food culture alongside its renowned vineyards.
Starting from Matiatia Wharf or your accommodation on the island, your guide leads a small group in a modern, comfortable vehicle to selected boutique vineyards where intimate tastings reveal Waiheke’s unique terroir. The tour emphasizes quality and authenticity, pairing premium wines with native specialties — think fresh Te Matuku oysters (season permitting), local honey, artisan cheeses, and Waiheke’s famous olive oils. Beyond vineyards, a stop at an award-winning olive oil mill offers insight into the island’s small-batch production methods, further bringing visitors closer to the source.
The highlight is a two-course lunch overlooking vineyard-studded hills at premier settings like Mudbrick or Tantalus, where seasonal dishes complement local wines, making every bite and sip part of the island’s story. The tour’s private nature allows customization to personal tastes and pace, setting it apart from larger group experiences. Time permitting, a quick visit to Oneroa Village provides a glimpse into the island’s vibrant local scene.
Ananda Tours brings two decades of local expertise, ensuring every detail is polished—from flexible pick-ups to knowledgeable commentary. This isn’t just a taste tour; it’s an immersive, sophisticated look at Waiheke’s outdoor and gastronomic landscape, perfect for travelers seeking a refined connection to New Zealand’s renowned island wine country.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for anyone comfortable with light walking and sitting for extended periods during tastings and meals.
Yes, ferry tickets to Waiheke Island are not included and should be purchased in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Most allergies can be managed if notified 24 hours prior, but the tour is not suitable for vegans.
The Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour runs for private groups up to 18 people.
Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance arrangements.
The tour is recommended for guests aged 18 and above and isn’t suitable for children under 10.
If ferries are canceled because of severe weather, Ananda Tours offers a full refund and will notify guests promptly.
Waiheke Island has a rich Māori heritage and was historically known for its food resources, including shellfish and native plants.
Local vineyards and producers on Waiheke prioritize sustainable farming practices, protecting soils and native flora to maintain the island’s ecological balance.
Ananda Tours is a family-owned tour operator based in Auckland that specialises in guided tours of Waiheke Island. For over 25 years the company has delivered small-group and private experiences focused on boutique wineries, gourmet food, olive oil production, craft breweries and local artisans. Tours range from full-day wine circuits with tastings at three vineyards and a vineyard platter lunch to curated gourmet food and wine itineraries featuring family-style lunches, oyster and honey pairings, and visits to an olive oil mill. Signature departures include The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour, The Gourmet’s Food and Wine Tour, and specialised options such as Ananda Black, Private Gourmet’s Food and Wine Tour, and The Waiheke Naturally Tour. Itineraries may include stops at Allpress Olive Groves, Three Seven Two, The Heke, and Onetangi Beach, plus art studios, gardens and distilleries. Vehicles and small group sizes support flexible, personalised service with options for private tours and bespoke routes. Guides provide local insights into Waiheke history, vineyard techniques and island culture. The company’s multi-decade experience underpins relationships with boutique producers across Waiheke, enabling access to exclusive tastings, scenic vineyard lunches and culinary pairings. Guests can expect a combination of wine tasting, food experiences, scenic driving along the Hauraki Gulf, and opportunities to explore Oneroa Village. Ananda Tours focuses on delivering knowledgeable guiding, authentic local connections and memorable island experiences suitable for food and wine lovers, small groups, and private celebrations. Booking options include small-group departures and fully customisable private itineraries for special occasions and seasonal events.
Book with Ananda Tours