Escape to Waiheke: The foodie spots locals love most

Saturday, 28 June 2025

Known as New Zealand’s island of wine, Waiheke Island boasts more than 20 boutique vineyards, many with cellar doors and restaurants tucked into rolling hills or perched high above the coastline.

This article first appeared in The House of Wellness magazine.

There’s a famous piece of graffiti on Waiheke that says: “All you need is love.” This is especially relevant if all you love is food (and wine and gin and whisky). A scenic 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, this volcanic island is more than just a bougie escape; it’s a gourmet getaway for wine lovers, foodies and anyone who enjoys the good things in life, like long, lazy lunches.

Known as New Zealand’s island of wine, Waiheke boasts more than 20 boutique vineyards, many with cellar doors and restaurants tucked into rolling hills or perched high above the coastline.

For those wanting a little of everything on Waiheke, wine tours are available, taking visitors from vineyard to vineyard with curated tastings and behind-the-scenes stories.

Thanks to the island’s balmy Mediterranean-style microclimate, it’s a place where grapes flourish, particularly Syrah, Chardonnay and varieties for Bordeaux-style blends. But wine is only part of the story.

What sets this island apart is the way it combines world-class wine with equally impressive eateries.

In Oneroa village, The Oyster Inn channels the Amalfi Coast, with striped awnings, fresh oysters and sea views, while The Courtyard is a locals’ secret. Tucked away down a flight of stairs, the wine list is first-rate and the menu arguably the best on offer.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just escaping the city for the day, Waiheke Island is a place that fills your glass, your belly and your heart.

At Tantalus Estate, a vineyard visit can lead to a seasonal tasting menu in their beautiful dining room, or a casual bite with a beer brewed on-site. Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is famous not only for weddings, but for wines that pair perfectly with an ever-changing menu, plus breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf.

At Casita Miro, you’ll find a Spanish-inspired menu and mosaic-tiled terrace that feels more Barcelona than Auckland until you spot the white sands of Onetangi Beach just beyond the vines.

For relaxed vibes, head to The Heke, where a whisky distillery, craft beer bar and bustling kitchen come together in a rustic outdoor space that’s perfect for families and groups. The menu is designed for sharing, with cocktails and wood-fired pizzas taking centre stage. Just along the road, pop into Soho Family Vineyards for a tasting and a bite from their on-site food truck serving Asian-fusion street food.

Speaking of food trucks, Waiheke’s food scene is as diverse as its visitors, with mobile kitchens bringing international flavours to the island. Sri Lankan street food, Mexican tacos, French pastries and Argentine empanadas are all on offer, often served from vintage caravans or beachside containers.

For those wanting a little of everything, wine tours are available, taking visitors from vineyard to vineyard with curated tastings and behind-the-scenes stories. Or you can go at your own pace on an e-bike, exploring winding coastal roads and discovering hidden gems tucked between olive groves and beaches.

For something beyond a classic vineyard experience, Allpress Olive Groves has a tasting room with a selection of olive oil, and if you’re into gin, the Waiheke Distilling Co is a must-visit for its jaw-dropping views and boutique spirits.

Waiheke’s charm lies in its laid-back luxury that doesn’t shout but quietly invites you to linger for a while, eat a little slower and truly savour what’s on your plate.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just escaping the city for the day, it’s a place that fills your glass, your belly and your heart.

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