A small-group tasting route across Waiheke Island that pairs craft whisky and beer with vineyard vintages and olive oil tastings. Expect intimate cellar tours, seaside views and a carefully paced five-hour tasting loop.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The ferry hollers as it cuts a white line across the Gulf and Waiheke’s hills rise from blue: scrubby pōhutukawa crowns, vineyard rows folding into the slope, and the tidy pier at Matiatia where a guide with a welcome board waits. On this small-group tour, the island’s food and drink culture becomes a measured march of sips and bites — a distillery cellar visit, a vineyard tasting with sea views, a long platter at a boutique winery, and a fragrant stop among olive trees.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light—suitable for anyone comfortable with periods of standing and short walks between venues
Wildlife
History
Waiheke has a long Māori history of settlement and resource use; modern viticulture developed in the late 20th century when growers capitalized on the island’s warm maritime climate.
Conservation
Many producers emphasize low-intervention farming and water-wise practices; visitors should stay on paths, avoid feeding wildlife and minimise single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Waiheke Island: Taste&Graze Whisky Cellar Tour, Food, Olive Oil today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book the 9:00am ferry
The tour meets at 9:40am at Matiatia Wharf—allow ferry time from Auckland and arrive early to avoid rush-hour delays.
Pace your tasting
Use the provided water and spit buckets to stay hydrated and clear-headed across multiple tastings.
Wear sturdy, clean shoes
Venues include gravel tracks and garden paths—comfortable closed-toe shoes make transfers and cellar stairs easier.
Bring a light wind layer
Coastal breezes can be sharp even on sunny days; a packable jacket keeps you comfortable between stops.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Stable footing for gravel, cellar steps and short vineyard walks.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated between tastings reduces alcohol effects and is environmentally friendly.
Packable wind jacket
Spring on the Gulf can be breezy; a lightweight layer keeps you warm between venues.
spring
Sunscreen and sun hat
Summer sun plus reflective sea surfaces increases UV exposure—protect your skin during outdoor tastings.
summer