Signature experience

The Connoisseur Experience

Luxury Private Waiheke Wine & Dining Experience

A day on Waiheke, designed around you.

Your experience begins in Downtown Auckland, where we meet you and host you on your journey to Waiheke. Our flagship private Waiheke wine and dining experience is shaped around exceptional vineyards, wineries, local produce and a three-course MICHELIN-Starred lunch at your choice of Tantalus Estate or Mudbrick Vineyard.

Premium Wine
MICHELIN-Starred Dining — Your Choice
Return Ferry Included

Duration: Full day — from Auckland
Group size: Private — 2+ guests
Direct website price: From $1,895 for two

Book this experience View booking terms & conditions →

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
Enjoy an olive oil and Mānuka honey tasting* at the Allpress Tasting Room.
*Mānuka honey tasting is subject to availability.
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
Mudbrick Vineyard
MICHELIN-starred three-course dining surrounded by landscaped gardens and sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Three-course lunch included.
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* at the Allpress Tasting Room
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

*Mānuka honey tasting is subject to availability.

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