For an unparalleled wine experience, you literally can’t go past Man O’ War – it’s at the eastern end of the island. Waiheke has 100 vineyards but an incredible 75 of those vineyards are at Man O’ War set in picturesque locations across 4,500 acres. Man O’ War’s Winery Tasting Room is the only one on Waiheke that’s on the water and New Zealand’s only beachfront tasting experience.
Explore some of the other offerings nearby to Man O' War Vineyards below. Waiheke Island has a wide range of venues and activities to suit every person so you're bound to find something you'll love on your next visit!
Tucked away on the remote eastern edge of Waiheke Island lies one of New Zealand's most fascinating military heritage sites: the Stony Batter Tunnels. Part engineering marvel, part historical archive, and part underground adventure, this WWII-era fortress offers visitors an immersive step back in time while surrounded by some of the island’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
The story of Stony Batter begins in the early 1940s, when the fear of a Japanese invasion prompted the New Zealand government to strengthen coastal defences. Constructed during World War II, the site was intended to serve as a critical link in Auckland’s defence network, with its location chosen for the commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and the strategic access it offered.
Work began in 1943, involving the excavation of more than 1.2 kilometres of tunnels and chambers using methods adapted from railway construction. It was a labour-intensive project, built primarily by hand with picks, shovels, and dynamite. The site was to host three 9.2-inch guns, but only two were ever installed—and none were fired in combat. The war's end in 1945 rendered the fort obsolete, and it was decommissioned shortly after, lying dormant for decades.
Despite never being activated in battle, the Stony Batter Tunnels are a stunning example of mid-century military engineering. Descending up to seven storeys underground, the network includes gun emplacements, ammunition stores, plotting rooms, communications hubs, and reinforced bunkers designed to survive bombardment. The tunnels are broad, high-ceilinged, and extremely well-ventilated, reflecting their planned use as a long-term defensive stronghold.
The design borrowed heavily from techniques used in New Zealand’s early railway tunnels, with a focus on structural integrity and sustainable air flow. Thick concrete reinforcements, vaulted ceilings, and minimal lighting give visitors a striking sense of stepping into the past.
For years the tunnels remained sealed off, visited only by adventurous locals. In 2020, Fort Stony Batter Heritage Park Ltd. began a full restoration effort, ensuring the tunnels were safe, accessible, and interpretively rich. Today, the site is open to the public for guided tours, complete with historical displays, restored rooms, and stories from both wartime operations and the years of restoration.
The tunnels now serve as both a museum and a venue for local art and cultural events. Some chambers have been repurposed to host exhibitions, musical performances, and even historical re-enactments. These additions make the experience dynamic and layered, appealing to a broad spectrum of visitors.
Reaching Stony Batter is an adventure in itself. The eastern end of Waiheke Island is rugged and relatively undeveloped, but that's part of the appeal. From Matiatia Ferry Terminal, the drive takes approximately 40–50 minutes. The route winds through farmland, native bush, and scenic coastline.
For those without a car, the Eastern Explorer Bus runs Wednesday through Sunday, syncing with morning ferries from Auckland. This hop-on hop-off service provides a scenic ride across the island, ending at Man O’ War Bay with a transfer to Stony Batter.
An increasingly popular option is the direct ferry to Man O’ War Bay, which operates during the high season. From there, it's a 30-minute walk or short shuttle to the entrance of the historic reserve.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tours: Guided tours run roughly every 30 minutes and last about 60–75 minutes.
Booking: Recommended in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Accessibility: The tunnels are spacious, but not fully wheelchair accessible due to some uneven surfaces and slopes.
Admission: Modest fees apply, which contribute directly to site maintenance and restoration.
Comfortable walking shoes
A jacket or warm layer (the tunnels maintain a cool temperature year-round)
Water and snacks (there is no café on site)
A camera (photography is allowed, though flash is discouraged in certain areas)
Visiting the tunnels is only part of what the eastern end of Waiheke offers:
A scenic 4 km loop winds through volcanic boulders, native bush, and panoramic viewpoints. Informative signs along the way explain the area's geology, birdlife, and wartime context. It's a moderate walk suitable for most fitness levels.
This lesser-known 1.2 km walk descends through quiet forest to a secluded gravel beach. It’s ideal for picnics and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and swimming in calm waters.
Just a short drive from the tunnels is Waiheke’s only beachfront cellar door. Man O’ War offers wine tastings, woodfired pizzas, seasonal platters, and full lunch service. The views across the bay and relaxed setting make it a perfect post-tour stop.
Perched in the hills near the tunnels, this small-batch gin distillery uses local botanicals and spring water to craft distinctive spirits. The distillery’s tasting deck offers expansive views and a relaxing vibe for an afternoon drink.
The remote bays on this side of the island offer excellent conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors often bring or rent gear from Matiatia or Oneroa and make a day of it.
Start early and give yourself the whole day. There are no supermarkets or major shops on this side of the island, so pack your essentials. But what you get in return is worth it: peace, quiet, and a side of Waiheke that feels worlds away from the crowds.
Try combining your tunnel visit with lunch at Man O’ War and a walk to Opopo Bay for the ultimate east-end experience.
The Stony Batter Tunnels are more than a military relic—they’re a living chapter of Waiheke’s story. They connect visitors to the ingenuity and resilience of a wartime generation, while offering one of the most unique and atmospheric experiences on the island.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good adventure, Stony Batter delivers on all fronts. It’s a reminder that Waiheke is more than vineyards and beaches—it's a place of layers, legacy, and lasting impressions.
Plan your visit, lace up your walking shoes, and take a trip underground into one of New Zealand’s most compelling historic sites.
Currently closed, next open Friday
11:00am - 3:00pm
View business page
Waiheke Distilling Company is a boutique craft distillery known for their award-winning handcrafted spirits, which include gin, vodka, and liqueurs.
The distillery is situated on a ridge above Cowes Bay, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy gin tastings and cocktails in their relaxed bar, which overlooks the beautiful scenery. They also offer shared plates and platters, created by their chef to match the unique botanicals of their gin range.
Their gin collection includes Red Ruby Gin, which is infused with ripe New Zealand cherries, and London Dry Gin, which is a classic gin with a twist. They also have a range of boutique spirits, including Hibiscus Honey Vodka and Kawakawa Summer Vodka.
If you’re looking for a unique experience on Waiheke Island, Waiheke Distilling Company is worth a visit. They are open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm, with additional days during the busy season.
Open now (Thursday)
11:00am - 5:00pm
View business page
Located in the beautiful eastern end of Waiheke, Passage Rock Vineyard is situated between the marine and the forest and bird reserve.
Passage Rock have multiple award-winning wines, including the island's most awarded wine - the Reserve Syrah.
The Passage Rock Bistro is open from Friday to Sunday 11.30am until 4pm. Surrounded by Syrah vines, their beautiful café is the perfect setting to come and relax and enjoy stunning views and award-winning wines which have been skillfully matched with each dish You can also select your own wines to share.
There are lawn games to entertain all ages and a perfect place to bring the whole family and spend the day in the sun.
The Cellar Door is open for tastings Friday to Sunday 12pm until 4pm most of the year round except for a short winter break.
We can cater to larger parties and weddings.
Currently closed, next open Saturday
11:00am - 4:30pm
View business page
One of the smallest winery operations on Waiheke, Poderi Crisci produces a range of fine European-inspired wines across the spectrum of white and red, specializing in Italian varieties, using traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable and biodynamic practices employed throughout the vineyard and gardens.
Home to the acclaimed Poderi Crisci Restaurant, renowned for the Italian Long Lunch, degustation style dinners, and wine tasting experiences. The gardens and surroundings create the perfect setting for weddings and functions from 30 - 130 guests, and the team at Poderi Crisci always offers a superb level of Waiheke-Italian Hospitality.
Facilities include a winery, restaurant, tasting room, and gardens with guided tours of the property available on request.
Open now (Thursday)
12:00pm - 3:30pm
View business page