Easy Transport Taxis Waiheke Island

Experience Waiheke Whisky Distillery at THE HEKE

Waiheke Whisky offers a unique experience at their distillery, located at THE HEKE on 64 Onetangi Road. Visitors can enjoy cultural and educational tours and tastings on the 8-acre property. The distillery is open every day during summer and from Thursday to Monday in winter, starting at 12 noon. The site features a brand home and visitor center, combining hospitality and manufacturing, where guests can explore their love for whisky, beer, wood-fired food, and classic cars. The brew house, home to Waiheke Brewing Co., produces a range of craft brews to complement the whisky tastings.

The distillery is family-friendly, welcoming kids and dogs, and features a play area with picnic tables, a bouncy pillow, and a mini HEKE kitchen for mud pies. The Boilermaker bar, a beautiful cocktail bar, is purpose-built to showcase Waiheke Whisky and is available for pre-booked tastings and private functions.

The HEKE kitchen serves thoughtful food throughout the day, with vegan and vegetarian options available. The HEKE bar offers a perfect spot to enjoy whisky, with self-guided beer and whisky tastings and an extensive cocktail menu.

Modern-Rustic Paradise & Award-Winning Wines & Cuisine at Te Motu

Tucked away in the lush Onetangi Valley, Te Motu Vineyard is one of Waiheke Island’s most iconic and authentic wine destinations. Known for its estate-grown, Bordeaux-style reds and relaxed but refined hospitality, Te Motu offers visitors a chance to experience the very soul of the island — where nature, heritage, and flavour intertwine.

Te Motu, which takes its name from the Māori phrase for Waiheke — “Te Motu Arai Roa,” meaning island of long shelter — reflects its surroundings in every glass poured and every plate served. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or a group seeking a destination that blends character, taste, and tranquillity, this vineyard delivers a truly memorable experience.

A Vineyard Steeped in Legacy

Established in 1989 by the Dunleavy family, Te Motu was one of the early pioneers of premium winemaking on Waiheke Island. Its founders were inspired by the region’s microclimate and soil, recognising its potential for producing exceptional red wines. Over the decades, the estate has remained family-owned and proudly independent — values that still shape the intimate, artisanal approach taken in both vineyard and kitchen.

With vines planted on north-facing slopes and nurtured using sustainable practices, the wines of Te Motu reflect both terroir and time. A focus on age-worthy Bordeaux varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah — results in elegant, complex blends that have consistently earned acclaim both in New Zealand and internationally.

For wine lovers, a visit to Te Motu is a chance to discover something deeper than the usual tasting room experience. It’s about connection: to the land, to the people, and to the story behind each bottle.

The Shed – A Culinary Gem

At the heart of Te Motu is The Shed, the estate’s award-winning restaurant. It’s not just a place to eat — it’s a place to savour. Housed in a converted rustic farm building, the space blends polished service with an unpretentious vibe. Think polished concrete floors, weathered wood, long tables, and light streaming in from the vineyard outside.

The menu is an ever-evolving celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are harvested straight from the estate’s gardens. This commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every dish. The Shed’s culinary philosophy is rooted in honest, modern food that complements, rather than competes with, Te Motu’s expressive wines.

Whether you’re indulging in a long, wine-matched lunch or gathering for a relaxed group event, you can expect dishes that are both comforting and inventive. From wood-fired vegetables and slow-roasted meats to hand-made desserts, The Shed creates an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly mirrors the rustic elegance of the estate.

A Setting Made for Celebration

With sweeping views of vines and valley, Te Motu is more than a place to sip and dine — it’s a venue built for connection. The estate regularly hosts weddings, birthdays, family reunions, and corporate retreats. The combination of warm hospitality, incredible food and wine, and a picture-perfect backdrop makes it a natural choice for those planning a special event on Waiheke Island.

For corporate clients, Te Motu offers an opportunity to escape the everyday and reconnect as a team. Whether you’re hosting a strategy day, celebrating company milestones, or just looking to reward your crew with a day of indulgence, The Shed’s private spaces and bespoke catering options make it easy to plan the perfect event. Destination Waiheke can assist with full planning, transport, and optional team activities to round out the experience.

A Destination Worth the Journey

Located just a short drive from the ferry terminals, Te Motu feels a world away — yet it’s easily accessible via shuttle, private vehicle, or e-bike. Once you arrive, the peaceful setting immediately sets the tone for something special. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, relax, and soak in the beauty of Waiheke.

You can enjoy a tutored wine tasting, wander through the vines, or sip a glass of vintage red as the sun sets over the valley. If you’re lucky, you might even meet members of the Dunleavy family, who remain actively involved in day-to-day operations and continue to embody the spirit of Te Motu’s founding vision.

Visit Te Motu Vineyard

Whether you're planning a romantic lunch, a group celebration, or an off-site gathering that blends business with leisure, Te Motu Vineyard and The Shed offer an unforgettable slice of Waiheke.

Opening Hours:

• Estate Restaurant – The Shed
  Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–5pm
  Dinner: Friday & Saturday, 6:30pm–10pm

• Cellar Door Tastings
  Monday to Sunday, 11am–5pm

Come for the wine, stay for the food, and leave with memories that linger long after the last sip.

Explore the Island with Waiheke Wine Tours

We guarantee to go the extra mile to make your tour the best it can be. We will take you to the best vineyards with the best tour guides with the best Google reviews - check them out.

Tour Options Just a short 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Wine Tours offer a range of experiences that are ready to go, or we can organise a specialised bespoke tour just for you.

Waiheke has a wide selection of vineyards, and we take you to only the best. All tours have amazing scenic views along the way so you can marvel at the stunning coastal panoramas back to Auckland city, down the Hauraki Gulf and out to the Coromandel Peninsula. We can also add in extras, like gin/whisky or craft beer, and visit beautiful olive groves, and art galleries.

We specialise in designing tours that cater to any request – specific needs, timeframes, group size, dietary requirements, all to suit any budget, event or occasion. Whether you’re a couple, a few close friends or a party of 35 or more, we can meet your needs.