Board a luxury double-decker at Matiatia and let an onboard sommelier guide you through Waiheke’s sunlit vineyards, Onetangi Beach, and the panoramic heights of Batch Winery. This 2.5-hour VIP tour pairs premium tastings with island history and practical tips for getting the most from your visit.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the ferry at Matiatia and the gulf air pushes a citrus-saline note into your lungs. A luxury double-decker waits, its upper deck promising sun and sightlines: ridgelines folded into vineyards, the cochlear sweep of Onetangi Beach and the hulking blue of the Hauraki Gulf beyond. The sommelier’s voice—warmed by the bus heater or the afternoon sun—begins to outline grape stories and island characters, and the tour unfurls like a tasting flight through place.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable standing during tastings and walking short distances on sand and gravel.
Wildlife
History
Waiheke has long been inhabited by Māori and later developed vineyards in the late 20th century; the island’s modern viticulture grew from small, family-run estates to internationally recognized producers.
Conservation
Many Waiheke producers prioritize sustainable practices and low-intervention winemaking; visitors can support local stewardship by using refillable containers and respecting marked trails.
Reserve your spot on the Waiheke Island: Hop on taste wines Hop off VIP Uncorked Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for ferries
If you're using the Fullers walk-up ferry, get to Matiatia at least an hour ahead to avoid missing the vessel; Island Direct bookings are more punctual.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Wear comfortable walking shoes—tasting rooms, gravel driveways and a short beach walk are part of the itinerary.
Hydrate between tastings
Pacing is key: drink water between pours and bring a reusable bottle to reduce waste and stay fresh for the drive home.
Plan post-tour time in Oneroa
Ask to be dropped in Oneroa Village if you want to explore galleries, restaurants or catch a later ferry—it's a 5-minute trip to the terminal.
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable shoes handle tasting-room gravel, steps and the short beach walk comfortably.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Open decks and southern hemisphere sun make sun protection essential in summer.
summer
Light wind/rain jacket
Sea breezes and sudden showers are common—pack a lightweight shell year-round if visiting shoulder seasons.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated between tastings keeps you sharp and reduces single-use plastic.