Oysters, Tapas Lunch, Distillery

Waiheke Gourmet Food And Wine Tour With Lunch

from NZ$325 per adult

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Duration: About 5 to 6 hours
Group: Minimum 2, maximum 15 adults
Meeting point: Matiatia Wharf, Waiheke
Meals: Kennedy Point oyster tasting, olive oil tasting, tapas lunch with a glass of wine, distillery tasting (listing)
Minimum age: 18+
Alcohol: Tastings included, 18+ only
Run by: Ananda Tours

Overview

Four stops, one island, and no driving. This Waiheke food and wine day from Ananda Tours starts with two Te Matuku Bay oysters each alongside certified organic wine at Kennedy Point Vineyard, plus a taste of local Waiheke honey. From there the coach heads to Allpress Estate for an extra virgin olive oil tasting and an explanation of how the island's oil is made. Casita Miro comes next, a Spanish-inspired vineyard where wine is paired with food before a family-style Mediterranean tapas lunch with a glass of wine. The day finishes at The Heke, home of Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co, with tastings of local beer, gin, whisky and a liqueur.

Lunch, a glass of wine and every tasting fee are covered in the tour price, and the group is capped at 15 guests aged 18 and over. A local guide who lives on the island drives the scenic northern route between stops, with views across the Hauraki Gulf toward the Coromandel Peninsula, and shares island history along the way. Ananda Tours was founded in 1999 by Jenny McDonald and is a partner of Moana Mark, helping fund The Sentinels of the Sea, a project protecting New Zealand dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf.

Vineyard terrace table with lunch plates and wine glasses above vine rows and blue bay

The tour runs about 5 to 6 hours and suits adults who enjoy good food and wine. It is not suitable for vegans or wheelchair users, though other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for if flagged in advance. You make your own way to Waiheke: catch the 9am Fullers ferry or the 9.15am Island Direct ferry from Downtown Auckland, and the guide meets you at Matiatia Wharf at 9.50am. Ferry tickets are extra.

What's Included

Included

Hosted wine tasting at Kennedy Point Vineyard, with two Te Matuku Bay oysters per person and local Waiheke honey
Extra virgin olive oil tasting at Allpress Estate
Wine tasting and wine and food pairing at Casita Miro
Family-style Mediterranean tapas lunch at Casita Miro, with a glass of wine
Tasting at The Heke: local beer, gin, whisky and a liqueur
All tasting fees
Commentary from a local Waiheke guide
Transport around Waiheke Island in a small coach
Drop-off at Matiatia Wharf or Oneroa Village

Not Included

Ferry tickets to and from Waiheke Island
Additional drinks at lunch
Gratuities

DurationAbout 5 to 6 hours

Run byAnanda Tours

Itinerary

Meet at Matiatia WharfThe guide meets the 9.50am ferry arrivals at Matiatia Wharf, Ocean View Road, holding a sign board.
Kennedy Point VineyardCertified organic wine tasting with two Te Matuku Bay oysters per person and local Waiheke honey.
Allpress EstateExtra virgin olive oil tasting, with an introduction to how the island's olive oil is made.
Casita MiroWine tasting with a wine and food pairing, followed by a family-style Mediterranean tapas lunch with a glass of wine.
The HekeTasting of local beer, gin, whisky and a liqueur at the home of Waiheke Whisky and Waiheke Brewing Co.
Drop-offAround 3.40pm, choose drop-off at Matiatia Wharf for the ferry or in Oneroa Village. Ferry tickets are not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers have said afterwards.

NZ$325adult from-price, operator figure

5 to 6 hoursduration

15travellers at most

Getting there. You catch your own ferry from Downtown Auckland, either the 9am Fullers sailing or the 9.15am Island Direct sailing. Ferry tickets are not included in the tour price, so budget for them separately. The guide meets you at Matiatia Wharf at 9.50am.
Group feel. The group is capped at 15 guests, though one recent traveller reported just 5 people on their departure. One reviewer noted a local vibe and wineries that felt small and intimate.
Food and drink. Lunch, one glass of wine and all tasting fees are included, along with the oysters, honey, olive oil and spirits tastings. Additional drinks at lunch are not included. Vegans cannot be catered for, and strict kosher diets are out, but other dietary needs and allergies can be handled if you tell the operator before you travel.
Weather and gear. The tour runs in the rain and the vehicles carry umbrellas. Wear whatever suits the day, but leave oversize luggage behind, as it is not allowed on board. Alcohol cannot be consumed inside the vehicles.
Pace and mobility. The guide does all the driving in a small coach, so there is no need for a car. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guides. Guides are long-time island residents who share local history and stories en route. Reviewers repeatedly praised their guide's knowledge of the island.

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour is strictly for adults aged 18 and over, and it cannot accommodate vegans or wheelchair users. The Te Matuku Bay oysters are seasonal, and when unavailable they are replaced with another gourmet treat; tasting and lunch venues may also change with availability, with substitutes the operator says are of equal quality. Ferry tickets, extra drinks at lunch and gratuities are not included, so the total day costs more than the tour price alone. One reviewer mentioned a language barrier, though they said the guide worked hard to overcome it and were satisfied overall. Groups of 8 or more adults can book the tour privately at the same per-person price.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

All four tasting stops, the family-style tapas lunch with a glass of wine at Casita Miro, two Te Matuku Bay oysters per person with local honey at Kennedy Point, the olive oil tasting at Allpress Estate, and the beer, gin, whisky and liqueur tasting at The Heke. Transport around the island in a small coach, guide commentary and drop-off at Matiatia Wharf or Oneroa Village are also included. Ferry tickets, additional drinks at lunch and gratuities are not.

Is Pickup From My Auckland Hotel Included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You travel independently to Waiheke Island on the 9am Fullers ferry or the 9.15am Island Direct ferry from Downtown Auckland, and the guide meets you at Matiatia Wharf at 9.50am. Ferry tickets must be bought separately.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

No children. The tour is for guests aged 18 and over only. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. One reviewer who travelled with elderly parents found the guide patient and easygoing.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Catered For?

Vegans cannot be catered for, and strict kosher diets are not possible. Other dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated if you let the operator know before you travel. The tapas lunch at Casita Miro is family-style and Mediterranean in character.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Outside that window the listing does not state the terms, so check the booking page before committing. Note that tasting and lunch venues can change with availability, and any substitute is described as being of equal quality.

What Should I Bring, And Can I Bring Luggage?

The listing does not specify items to bring, but the tour runs in the rain and the vehicles carry umbrellas. Oversize luggage is not allowed on board, so travel light. Alcohol cannot be consumed inside the vehicles.