Private experience
The Waiheke Artisan
Food, Wine & Distillery Experience — Your Island, Your Way
A privately hosted full-day Waiheke experience combining artisan food, wine, craft beer, distilling and island discoveries — shaped around what interests you most.
- Duration
- Full day — from Auckland
- Group size
- Private — 2+ guests
- Direct website price
- NZ$1,449 for two guests
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 and Mānuka honey.
Morning
Alibi at Tantalus Estate
Continue to Alibi at Tantalus Estate, 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
Enjoy an included two-course lunch with a glass of wine per guest, with a choice of Bistro Allpress, Passage Rock Vineyard or Te Motu, subject to opening days, seasonal availability and reservations. 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.
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
- Allpress extra virgin olive oil and Mānuka honey tasting
- The Heke Grain to Glass Distillery & Brewery Tour
- Two-course lunch at Bistro Allpress, Passage Rock Vineyard or Te Motu, 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
Additional alcoholic tastings selected during the day are at guests' own expense.
Good to know
Practical information
Ready to experience Waiheke?
The Waiheke Artisan
NZ$1,449 for two guests
Booking
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