Cellar Doors, Wineries and Vineyards on Waiheke Island You Have to Visit
There’s no other island in New Zealand that has richer tastes and flavours as Waiheke Island. It’s a foodie’s paradise, combining world-class wine with world-class views. Waiheke Island is home to around 26 different vineyards producing a wide range of delightful varietals and distinct terroirs. We’ll go through all the vineyards where you can at least sample the flavours at their cellar doors. Nevertheless, many of the wineries on Waiheke Island have their own unique reasons to visit, whether it’s for the mouthwatering food or additionally winery activities that you never even knew you want to do!
In between sampling Waiheke Island wines, make sure you fill your itinerary with the amazing activities from our 9 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island. You might also want to stretch your legs and take in the landscapes along these 7 Wonderful Walks on Waiheke Island. Finally, if you have limited time, just tick these 5 Waiheke Island Must-Dos off the list!
1. Cable Bay Vineyards
One of the closest wineries to Matiatia Bay where the passenger ferries arrive on Waiheke Island, Cable Bay is often the go-to choice for wine-lovers with just one day on Waiheke Island. The vineyard and restaurant crafts exquisite wines from Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Central Otago. It’s not a bad place to sample wines at their cellar door or have a small plate on their stunning outdoor verandah overlooking the coast. The Dining Room is open for fine food from 6pm.
Location: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa.
© ATEED2. Mudbrick Vineyard
Another astonishing vineyard set high on the hills of Waiheke Island and close to the ferry terminal is Mudbrick. Wander among the gardens and vineyards and take in the amazing views while sipping on on award-winning wines. The cellar door is open for tasting seven days a week, plus, treat yourself at their dining room.
Location: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Stonyridge Vineyard
Moving further into the island to the Onetangi area, enjoy an intimate and relaxed setting of the Stonyridge Vineyard tasting room and dining area. The vineyard is in a sheltered north-facing valley that will make you second guess whether you are in the South of France. Stonyridge is most famous for its red wines.
Location: 80 Onetangi Road, Onetangi Valley.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Te Motu Vineyard
Next door to Stonyridge, try Te Motu Vineyard and The Shed Restaurant. The winery overlooks the breathtaking Onetangi Valley from it’s rustic yet modern garden-dining setting. The winery is best known for its Bordeaux-style blends from grapes that have been hand-harvested.
Location: 76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi Valley.
© Pixabay5. Tantalus Estate
Continue your Onetangi Valley vineyard crawl with the Tantalus Estate. There’s wine for all tastes, including Bordeaux and Rhone reds, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. For beer-lovers, try their hand-crafted ales and delicious multi-cultural cuisine to match it all.
Location: 72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi Valley.
© Pixabay6. Obsidian Wines
Situated between the Onetangi Valley and Onetangi Bay, Obsidian Vineyard offers a more relaxed wine tasting experience on Waiheke. They are also one of the more innovative wineries on the island with a wide range of varietals including Montepulciano, Bordeaux, Syrah, Viognier, Tempranillo, Rose, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Location: Te Makiri Road (off Seaview Road), Onetangi.
© Pixabay7. Casita Miro Vineyard
For something a little different with lots of character, head to the Casita Miro Vineyard. Mix mouthwatering wines with Spanish Tapas while relaxing with friends at the Bond Bar. Enjoy the mosaic sculptures in this winery that seems to excite all the senses.
Location: 3 Brown Road, Onetangi.
© Maxpixel8. Man O’War
Have more time on Waiheke Island and are looking to experience the quiet eastern side of Waiheke Island? Then don’t miss the Man O’War Vineyards planted across numerous sites on the volcanic hills of Waiheke. Their tasting room is right on the beachfront at Man O’War Bay, so you’ll be transported to paradise! Enjoy lunch platters and an amazing selection of wines.
Location: Man O’War Bay Road, Man O’War Bay.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Arriving on Waiheke via the car ferry? Make your first stop the Kennedy Point Vineyard! It’s Waiheke Island’s only BioGro-certified vineyard and offers wine tastings and lunch platters. If you can’t get enough of this place, then stay the night at the on-site accommodation nestled among the native pohutukawa trees.
Location: 44 Donald Bruce Road, Putiki Bay.
© H E P on Flickr10. Wild on Waiheke
Wild on Waiheke is a multi-activity venue with something for every taste, age and mood! Of course, you can sample wines from the Wild Estate selection, but you can also craft beer from the Waiheke Island Brewery! There’s a wide range of food on the menu from platters to gourmet burgers and pizzas. Plus, try your hand at archery, clay pigeon shooting or have a game of giant chess or petanque. There’s a playground for kids too.
Location: 82 Onetangi Road, Onetangi Valley.
© Pexels11. Te Whau Vineyard
If you’re looking to really treat yourself or your loved ones, make a special trip to Te Whau Vineyard. The vineyard boasts some of the best views on Waiheke Island looking across the vineyard and toward Auckland city. Wine tasting and their restaurant are available for sampling fine food and drink. Don’t miss the chance to try their Bordeaux-syle blends!
Location: 218 Te Whau Drive.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Peacock Sky
Buy a picnic basket from Peacock Sky and walk their nature trail for a special kind of winery experience on Waiheke Island. If that doesn’t sound magical enough, then simply relax in the restaurant for wine, bubbles and food pairings. The venue is set among lush native forest, so either way, you’re sure to have a delightful day! Note that Peacock Sky is only open for summer.
Location: 152 Trig Hill, Onetangi.
© Pixabay13. The Hay Paddock
True wine connoisseur need to go to The Hay Paddock! The winery specialises in handmade wines with a sparkling reputation for their cool-climate Syrahs. They have come on top time and time again in high profile awards such as Robert Parker 91+ Ratings, Best of the Best NZ Wine of the Year, IWSC Trophy for the Best International Shiraz/Syrah, and dozens more! See what all the fuss is about.
Location: 1 Gordons Road, Rocky Bay.
© Maxpixel14. Batch Winery
More wine, more sensational views and more delightful food: Waiheke Island is the island that keeps on giving! Another fantastic winery to add to the itinerary is the Batch Winery at Thomas’ Bach where they serve all-day seasonal plates from food and wine pairing and high tea to bubbles made on-site. The vineyard is surrounded by the Whakanewha Regional Park with some great walks to do.
Location: 129 Carsons Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Frenchman’s Hill Estate
A real fusion of Fench and Kiwi-style winemaking is experienced at the Frenchman’s Hill Estate. Try wine from the Frenchman’s Hill Estate and Expatrius brands from Kiwi-born and French-trained winemaker, Luc Desbonnets. All the wines are 100% locally-made and the team have won countless trophies time and time again. On top of that, the on-site shop sells beautiful homeware pieces from Luc’s wife, Anna.
Location: 1 Margaret Reeve Lane.
© Pixabay16. Passage Rock Wines
Get off the beaten track and visit this superb winery that’s fun for the whole family. Not only can you sample the award-winning wines (consisting of six trophies, 13 gold medals and several five-star awards), but the food is great too with fresh local ingredients and wood-fired pizza.
Location: 438 Orapiu Road, McLeods Bay.
© NZPocketGuide.com17. Poderi Crisci Estate
An Italian-influenced winery, Poderi Crisci Estate is a family-owned vineyard with a passion for traditional wine-making. Check out their amazing cellar room, unwind in their restaurant, and taste some Italian cuisine. Don’t miss their Italian-style “long lunch” with six courses!
Location: 205 Awaawaroa Road, Awaawaroa Bay.
© Brian Lamb on Flickr18. Awaroa Vineyard
A small vineyard with excellent Syrah and Bordeaux blends, Awaroa is a great place to escape the crowds and find a true hidden gem on Waiheke.
Location: 324 Waiheke Road, Onetangi.
© NZPocketGuide.com19. Woodside Hill
Visit this small family vineyard situated on the northerly slopes of Woodside Bay. The cellar door and vineyard is nestled in native bush, making for an enchanting environment for trying their Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Location: 58a Waimangu Road, Woodside Bay.
© Pixabay20. Goldie Wines
For a dab of history, Goldie Wines is a must! The estate is home to Waiheke Island’s pioneering vineyard planted in 1978. The vineyard, cellar door and restaurant is ideally located close to the vehicle ferry terminal and is only a short drive, bus or bike ride away from Oneroa.
Location: 18 Causeway Road, Putiki Bay.
© trakesht on Wikipedia21. Jurassic Ridge Vineyard and Winery
Back in proximity to the passenger ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay, don’t leave Waiheke Island without stopping by the Jurassic Ridge Vineyard. This is definitely a winery that real wine connoisseurs will appreciate with Jurassic Ridge’s focus being on “slow wine” making. Their philosophy is “fine wine takes time” so go taste the difference at their cellar door and restaurant.
Location: 144 Church Bay Road, Oneroa.
© NZPocketGuide.com
