Waiheke Island Wine Tour

WAIHEKE ISLAND WINE TOUR

I'm back from Auckland! It's good to be back because I can't wait to share my experience and travel journey with my fellow readers. Since I had blogged about Auckland travelogue 2 years back, so I guess this time, I would just share my Waiheke Island Wine Tour experience with you all as I haven't blogged about this place yet. Hopefully, you guys enjoy reading it. It was definitely a fun experience for me because it was my first wine tour experience. Exciting and feeling a little bit tipsy at the end. Lol.


ABOUT WAIHEKE ISLAND
Why Waiheke Island? As I mentioned in my previous post, we will be staying in Auckland for a week. Since there's nothing much in the city (we had already visited all the attractions), thus, it was great that we took a day tour and visit this beautiful island. And, it was our first time here and we are were excited about it.




Waiheke Island is the most populated and second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Its ferry terminal in Matiatia Bay at the western end is 21.5 km from the central-city terminal in Auckland. 

Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.




If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest. At the eastern end of the island, the Stony Batter walkway leads you to a system of World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels. 


To stay overnight, rent a beach house and wake up to the sound of the waves, if you’re on a budget, go to a friendly backpacker hostel. 




In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke is a world away. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.




Getting around is easy too. Catch one of the regular ferries that run to Waiheke from downtown Auckland.

Once on the island, there are public buses and taxis, or you can hire a mountain bike, motor scooter or car. And if you've already got a car or bike, you can bring it over with you on the car ferry.



ANZAC DAY



You might be wondering, why we had visited so many landscapes before started our wine tour. Well, since that day is Anzac day (also their public holiday), so there are so many shops are closed, the wine tours have been delayed as well. Thus, we have to visit a few beaches before we head to the vineyards for win.

Fyi, Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".


PALM BEACH



With its own warm, dry micro-climate, blissful Waiheke Island has emerald waters lapping at the rocky bays on the island's landward side and some of the best sandy beaches on its ocean flank. Waiheke beaches have long been a favourite escape for city dwellers and visitors alike - white sands, safe swimming, great fishing, coastal walking tracks.


Similar in shape to Oneroa Beach (complete with protruding cliff wall at the east end that separates a small private beach in Boatshed Bay).
It gets its name from the mature phoenix palms at the east end, where a public toilet and free BBQ facilities are also located. There is a children's playground in the middle section of the beach which also has a free BBQ area, public toilets and an outdoor public shower.



White sands, all day sun, safe swimming and well-sheltered anchorage are all to be found at Palm Beach.



WINE TOUR
  • Passage Rock Wines



Finally, the wine tour has started! Join this authentic Waiheke Island wine tour experience and find yourself in paradise trying some of the world’s nicest boutique wines. Yes, it is all about the incredible wine at the best boutique vineyards on Waiheke Island.

We went to the first vineyards for our tour - Passage Rock Wines. It was established in 1993 is based on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf in the warm north of New Zealand. Free to assess the merits of each region unrestricted by appellation or fear. They specialize in producing Waiheke wines of distinction, recognizing the strengths of each site and region to produce the best wine for the season the site and the most appropriate grape variety.




Seated amongst the vines, their beautiful café is the perfect setting to come and relax. You’ll enjoy stunning views and award-winning wines. 

After 20 years at Passage Rock, Reserve Syrah is Waiheke Islands Most Awarded Wine with over 18 Gold Medals and 6 trophies. The view here is amazing! 

By the way, the top right photo was me and our tour guide Mr.Grant.





  • Peacock Sky



Peacock Sky Vineyard was definitely one of my favourite vineyard during the trip. It was born in 2008 when Connie Festa and Rob Meredith purchased a small established vineyard in the centre of Waiheke Island. 

The couple, originally from Canada and the UK, respectively, worked tirelessly to turn the operation into a customer-driven vineyard and built a product line of bubbles, white wines, rosé and red wines to showcase their passion.




They are one of only a few vineyards in New Zealand to offer a ‘degustation’ experience in the French tradition. This is the fine art of food and wine pairing, as orchestrated by their talented staff.

Each tasting features a selection of their wines accompanied by a petite portion of its perfect match in food.




I love these spectacular views! How I wish I can stay here all day long for this view while enjoying my wines.




Casual gourmet dining is available for lunch in their restaurant, Le Côté de la Colline. Their multi-cultural chefs, tasters and servers bring you their culinary love all the way from all over the world.

Guests can choose to dine in the spacious 50-seat atrium or on their outdoor terrace. 

What I had was tuna served with Chinese bun and wasabi cream. My sister and mom were having lamb served with pumpkin puree and vegetables. Not to forget the delicious ice cream as dessert.






  • Obsidian



Last but not least, for our third wine-tasting would be Obsidian vineyard. One of the happiest wineries to visit, even though the facilities couldn’t be more simple. 

The wines are gorgeous, and the knowledgeable chap pouring your wine may well be one of the owners. 

Didn't take many photos there but I do take one photo though which is the feedback of others (photo is shown).




TOUR DETAILS
There are so many of you DM me on Instagram asking about the tour. Well, my younger sister actually books online via a travel website in advanced. However, you can contact the tour guide directly by the following info.

Contact person : Mr. Grant Kidd
Website : www.waivino.co.nz
Email : info@waivano.co.nz



NEW ZEALAND TRAVELOGUE

2 comments

  1. wow i love the wine tour that you have. you should visit Bordeaux one day. Its lovely there too. there are many wine events in the vineyards that you can visit and drink

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes! I can't wait to explore the event one-by-one.
      Hopefully, I will revisit Waiheke Island someday.

      Delete