The Eastern End of Waiheke: Wine, Wilderness & Adventure

Updated 28th December 2025

The Eastern End of Waiheke: Wine, Wilderness & Adventure

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the eastern end of Waiheke Island offers rugged coastlines, lush forests, and world-class vineyards. With its remote charm and untouched beauty, this area is perfect for wine lovers, adventurers, and those looking for a truly immersive island experience.

What to Do in the Eastern End

The eastern end is a haven for exploration, nature, and flavour. One of the standout destinations is Man O’ War Vineyard, Waiheke’s only beachfront tasting room. Sprawled across 150 acres and home to 75 vineyard plots, the estate produces Bordeaux blends, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Rosé. The Cellar Door Restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Their Winemaker’s Long Lunch is a popular event where guests enjoy multiple courses paired with the vineyard’s finest vintages, all while gazing out over the bay.

Families can enjoy the beach and playground, while adventure seekers can book Forest Flight, a tandem zipline experience flying high over ancient kauri forest. This thrilling ride combines adrenaline with scenic beauty, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the eastern coastline.

Another gem of the region is the Stony Batter Historic Reserve. Originally constructed during WWII, this network of military tunnels and bunkers now forms a fascinating site to explore. Visitors can join guided tours through six restored rooms that showcase military history and artefacts related to the island's strategic importance.

The dramatic natural environment adds to the appeal—think native bush, exposed cliffs, quiet coves, and vast views of the Hauraki Gulf. Many walking trails wind through this part of the island, offering options for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. The coastal paths leading to places like Hook’s Bay and Otakawhe Bay reveal secluded beaches and crystal-clear water.

Where to Eat & Drink

While Man O’ War Vineyard is the crown jewel of the east, it’s not the only exceptional food and drink experience in the area:

  • Poderi Crisci: Nestled in a sun-soaked valley, this Italian-style vineyard and restaurant offers an unforgettable Mediterranean experience. Long lunches here are a local favourite, with homemade pasta, garden-fresh ingredients, and beautiful wines like Montepulciano and Arneis.

  • Passage Rock Wines: Known for their award-winning Syrah, Passage Rock is a laid-back vineyard with a lovely lawn setting and a family-friendly atmosphere. Their on-site bistro serves platters, woodfired pizza, and gourmet mains.

  • The Waiheke Distilling Co.: For something different, head to the eastern hills for a handcrafted gin tasting. The distillery blends native botanicals with Waiheke spring water to create small-batch spirits. Sip cocktails on the deck while overlooking rolling hills and the blue sea below.

The food scene here is seasonal, thoughtful, and beautifully executed. The emphasis is on provenance, slow dining, and letting the landscape shape the experience.

How to Get There

The journey to the eastern end is part of its magic. Visitors can:

  • Drive: From Matiatia Wharf, it’s about a 40-minute drive on winding roads with scenic stops along the way.

  • Eastern Explorer Bus: This service runs Wednesday to Sunday and offers a stress-free way to reach Man O’ War and surrounding areas, with curated stops along the route.

  • Ferry to Man O’ War: For a memorable entrance, hop on the daily ferry to Man O’ War Bay. The ferry ride offers dramatic coastline views and is an excellent choice for boaties and day-trippers alike.

With limited cell service and fewer crowds, it’s a true escape from modern noise—perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Insider Itineraries

Half-Day Experience:

  • Catch the morning ferry to Man O’ War.

  • Enjoy a tasting and early lunch at the vineyard.

  • Walk the nearby beach and unwind under the pōhutukawa trees.

Full-Day Explorer:

Overnight Option:

  • Book a stay at one of the eastern end’s luxury holiday homes or eco-retreats.

  • Stargaze in the clear skies, then wake to sunrise views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Local Tip

The eastern end of Waiheke is untamed and breathtakingly beautiful—perfect for those looking to unplug and explore. Whether you’re sipping wine with ocean views, flying through the treetops on a zipline, or discovering hidden military tunnels, this side of the island promises an unforgettable experience.

Bring walking shoes, a camera, and a sense of adventure. You won’t find busy shops or bustling cafes—but you will find space, silence, and stories written into the landscape.

For those who think they’ve seen all Waiheke has to offer, the eastern end is a revelation. It’s a place where nature, history, and hospitality meet—and where every visit feels like a personal discovery.