Private experience

The Waiheke Artisan

Private Waiheke Food, Wine & Artisan Tasting Tour

Food, Wine & Distillery Experience — Your Island, Your Way

Your experience begins in Downtown Auckland, where we meet you and host you on your journey to Waiheke. This private Waiheke food, wine and artisan tasting tour includes three premium tastings and combines vineyards, wineries, craft beer, distilling and island discoveries around your interests.

Three Premium Tastings
Distillery Visits
Artisan Producers
Return Ferry Included

Duration: Full day — from Auckland
Group size: Private — 2+ guests
Direct website price: NZ$1,449 for two guests

Book this experience View booking terms & conditions →

The journey

Your Day

9:00 AM
Your experience begins in Downtown Auckland
Your day begins before you even reach Waiheke. Colin or Richard will personally meet you at Island Direct in Downtown Auckland and travel with you aboard the morning ferry to Waiheke.
9:15 AM
Hosted crossing of the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf
Your return passenger ferry fares between Downtown Auckland and Waiheke are included, together with a complimentary coffee during the crossing. As we travel, your host will introduce you to some of the stories and landmarks along the way while getting to know your tastes and interests so we can begin shaping your Waiheke experience.
Morning
Allpress Tasting Room & Store
On Waiheke, begin with an included tasting of Allpress extra virgin olive oil — the first of your three premium tastings.
Morning
Alibi at Tantalus Estate
Continue to Alibi at Tantalus Estate for the second of your three premium tastings, where you can explore craft beer, Tantalus wines, or a combination depending on your interests.
Late morning
The Heke — Grain to Glass
Enjoy the included Grain to Glass Distillery & Brewery Tour at The Heke. Go behind the scenes to discover the journey from grain through milling, mashing and fermentation to distilling, ageing and the finished product.
Midday
A relaxed Waiheke lunch — your choice
Enjoy an included two-course lunch with a glass of wine per guest at your choice of one venue, subject to opening days, seasonal availability and reservations. Guests dine at one venue, not both. The lunch venue can be incorporated naturally into your day according to your interests and the part of Waiheke you would most like to explore.
Choose one
Bistro Allpress
A relaxed bistro set among the Allpress Olive Groves, serving seasonal dishes inspired by the island's local produce.
Two-course lunch and a glass of wine included.
Choose one
Te Motu Vineyard
Long, leisurely vineyard dining at one of Waiheke's most celebrated boutique estates, known for its age-worthy Bordeaux-style reds.
Two-course lunch and a glass of wine included.
Afternoon
From there, the island is yours to explore
This is where the Artisan experience becomes particularly personal. Unlike a conventional fixed-route tour, the remainder of your private day can be shaped around the places and experiences that interest you most — from Poderi Crisci and Waiheke Distilling Co. to Stonyridge and Larose, or boutique producers such as Passage Rock, Jasper Ridge, SOHO Family Vineyards and Te Motu.
When you're ready
Return to Matiatia
We'll return you to Matiatia for your ferry back to Auckland at a pace that suits the day you've had.

Add on

Included

What's included

Personal meet-and-greet in Downtown Auckland by Colin or Richard
Return Island Direct passenger ferry fares between Downtown Auckland and Waiheke
Complimentary coffee during the hosted ferry crossing
Hosted Hauraki Gulf crossing with local commentary
Private vehicle and personal host throughout the Waiheke experience
Three premium tastings, including the Allpress extra virgin olive oil tasting

The Heke Grain to Glass Distillery & Brewery Tour
Two-course lunch at your choice of Bistro Allpress or Te Motu Vineyard, subject to availability
One glass of wine per guest with lunch
A personalised full-day Waiheke itinerary
Return to Matiatia for the ferry to Auckland

Three premium tastings are included; further tastings selected during the day are at guests' own expense.

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