Choose one
Mudbrick Vineyard
MICHELIN-starred three-course dining surrounded by landscaped gardens and sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Three-course lunch included.
Signature experience
The Connoisseur Experience
A day on Waiheke, designed around you.
Our flagship private experience, personally hosted from Auckland and shaped around exceptional Waiheke wine, food and local produce — including a three-course MICHELIN-Starred lunch at your choice of Tantalus Estate or Mudbrick Vineyard.
- Duration
- Full day — from Auckland
- Group size
- Private — 2+ guests
- Direct website price
- From $1,895 for two
The journey
Your Day
9:00 AM
Meet in downtown Auckland
Colin or Richard will be waiting for you at Island Direct – Pier 13, 117 Quay Street, close to the Hilton Auckland.
9:15 AM
Cross the Hauraki Gulf
Board the Island Direct ferry with your host. Over a complimentary coffee we'll introduce you to Auckland, the Gulf and Waiheke, and begin shaping the day around your tastes.
9:50 AM
Arrive at Matiatia
Your private vehicle and local host are waiting. From this moment the island, and the itinerary, belong to you.
Morning
Premium wine, beginning at the top
The first of three premium tastings. Our suggested selection includes Stonyridge, Passage Rock and Te Motu, with opportunities for premium, older and library wines.
Midday
Allpress Olive Groves
An olive oil and Mānuka honey tasting at Bistro Allpress or the Allpress Tasting Room, depending on the shape of your day.
Early afternoon
Choose Your MICHELIN-Starred Dining Experience
Select one of two acclaimed Waiheke Island restaurants, with approximately two hours to enjoy your chosen dining experience. Guests dine at one restaurant, not both.
Choose one
Tantalus Estate
A three-course MICHELIN One Star dining experience at Tantalus Estate.
Three-course lunch and a glass of wine included.
Late afternoon
A final tasting, then the Gulf again
Your remaining premium tasting, tailored to your interests and availability, before we return you to Matiatia for the ferry back to Auckland.
Included
What's included
- Personal Auckland meet-and-greet at 9:00am
- Return ferry tickets on Island Direct from Auckland are included
- Hosted 9:15am Island Direct crossing with Colin or Richard
- Complimentary coffee aboard Island Direct
- Private vehicle and local host
- Three premium wine tastings
- Allpress olive oil and Mānuka honey tasting
- A MICHELIN-Starred three-course lunch at your choice of one restaurant — Tantalus Estate (including a glass of wine) or Mudbrick Vineyard (wine and other beverages purchased separately)
- Approximately two hours to enjoy lunch
- Fully personalised full-day itinerary
Good to know
Practical information
Ready to experience Waiheke?
The Connoisseur Experience
$1,895 for two
Booking
Check Availability & Book
Select your date and number of guests for The Connoisseur Experience below.
