Obsidian Wines

Casita Miro Vineyard: A Colourful Culinary and Wine Experience on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its stunning coastal views, boutique vineyards, and unique island charm. Among its standout destinations, Casita Miro has carved out a distinct place with its bold flavours, artistic flair, and Spanish-inspired hospitality. Perched above Onetangi Beach, this vineyard and restaurant hybrid offers one of the most memorable dining and wine tasting experiences on the island.

A Mediterranean Escape in the Vines

Walking into Casita Miro feels like stepping into a Catalonian daydream. Mosaic-tiled walls, warm terracotta tones, and grapevine-laced terraces immediately transport you to the Mediterranean. The architecture is as much a feast for the eyes as the food is for the senses. The setting makes it a popular choice for visitors looking for something beyond the typical vineyard lunch: this is a destination that celebrates food, art, and connection.

Award-Winning Wines

While Casita Miro’s aesthetics are enchanting, its wines are what draw oenophiles back time and time again. The vineyard produces a boutique range that reflects both Waiheke's unique terroir and the owners' passion for European winemaking traditions. Standouts include their Syrah, Albariño, and Pinot Gris, as well as dessert wines crafted in a late-harvest style. Tastings are conducted in the beautiful glasshouse-style cellar door, where guests can sample the wines while looking out over the vines and coastline.

Tapas and Shared Plates

Casita Miro is one of the few restaurants on Waiheke to fully embrace the tapas concept. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging diners to sample a range of dishes inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Think wild boar chorizo, garlic prawns, saffron-poached fish, and seasonal vegetarian creations with bold spice and creativity. Each dish is designed to pair beautifully with their estate wines.

The food presentation is an art form in itself, matching the restaurant’s whimsical aesthetic. Whether you’re seated indoors near a hand-tiled mural or outdoors on the lawn, the dining experience feels both intimate and elevated.

Perfect for Groups and Events

Thanks to its open-plan design and sprawling lawn, Casita Miro is a favourite for group bookings, weddings, and special celebrations. The venue can host everything from long lunches with friends to elegant private events. Its charm lies in balancing relaxed island vibes with polished, professional service.

For groups, there are curated set menus that take the stress out of decision-making while showcasing the best of what the vineyard offers. Events often include wine flights, behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, and outdoor canapé services with panoramic views.

Sustainability and Local Pride

Casita Miro is not only an aesthetic and culinary destination but also an advocate for sustainability. The vineyard practices organic farming principles where possible, and ingredients are sourced from local producers whenever feasible. Many of the herbs and garnishes come from their onsite gardens, reinforcing their commitment to fresh and seasonal food.

Easy to Reach and Worth the Journey

Casita Miro is just a short drive from the ferry terminal, tucked into the hills overlooking Onetangi. Many wine tours include it as a featured stop, but it’s also a great destination for self-guided travellers. Bookings are highly recommended, particularly on weekends and during the summer months.

Whether you arrive by taxi, e-bike, or tour bus, the journey is worth it. The scenic route offers glimpses of rolling hills, sparkling coastline, and island charm at every turn. Parking is available onsite, and accessibility features ensure that all visitors can enjoy the venue comfortably.

What Guests Say

Casita Miro frequently appears on "best of" lists for Waiheke Island, and for good reason. Guests rave about the attention to detail, the friendliness of staff, and the unique blend of casual and refined dining. Reviews often highlight the creative menu, quality of wines, and enchanting ambiance.

Final Sip

For those seeking an unforgettable Waiheke winery lunch or wine tasting with a twist, Casita Miro delivers on all fronts. It's a destination where colour, flavour, and creativity converge, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the spirit of Waiheke.

Whether you’re planning a romantic lunch, a group gathering, or a solo tasting adventure, Casita Miro is a must-visit. It stands proudly among the best wineries Waiheke has to offer, with a personality all its own.

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.