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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 some of the other offerings nearby to Te Motu 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!
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.
Currently closed, next open Thursday
12:00pm - 4:00pm
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Discover our collection of high-quality, boutique Waiheke Island wines sourced from small artisan vineyards, featuring classical and sometimes unexpected grape varieties. Each Postage Stamp wine is a delightful journey, boasting exceptional flavour and its own distinctive character. We invite you to visit our cellar door, a hidden garden oasis with picturesque views of the valley teeming with vines. Here, our friendly staff provides a unique and refreshingly innovative wine-tasting experience. Whether you prefer the charm of our indoor-outdoor area or the laid-back comfort of beanbags on the lawn, our inviting space provides the perfect setting. Enveloped by beautiful fruit trees and flowers, you can savor picnic-style cheese boards while sipping on wine.
Currently closed, next open Friday
11:00am - 5:00pm
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Nestled in the picturesque Onetangi Valley of Waiheke Island, Stonyridge Vineyard stands as a testament to the island's rich winemaking heritage. Established in 1981 by founder Stephen White, the vineyard was conceived with the vision of producing world-class Bordeaux-style red wines. The estate's flagship wine, Larose, has garnered international acclaim, solidifying Stonyridge's reputation among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Visitors to Stonyridge are welcomed into an immersive experience that goes beyond wine tasting. The vineyard's Veranda Café offers a serene setting where guests can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, thoughtfully paired with their renowned wines. The café's outdoor deck and lawns provide panoramic views of the vineyard's olive groves and vines, creating an idyllic backdrop for leisurely lunches and special gatherings.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Stonyridge serves as a sought-after venue for events ranging from corporate functions to weddings. The combination of its scenic landscape, exceptional wines, and dedicated hospitality team ensures that every occasion is memorable. Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Stonyridge Vineyard encapsulates the essence of Waiheke Island's charm and viticultural excellence.
Currently closed, next open Thursday
11:30am - 4:00pm
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Tucked away in the lush Onetangi Valley, Tantalus Estate is more than just a winery – it’s an elevated destination that invites guests to pause, savour, and celebrate. With its striking architecture, award-winning cuisine, and dual offering of fine wine and craft beer, this Waiheke gem stands out as one of the island’s most luxurious and unforgettable experiences.
Set amongst rows of mature vines and bordered by native bush, Tantalus Estate blends rustic beauty with refined sophistication. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where the details matter, and where every element — from the menu to the setting — is crafted with care. Whether you’re arriving for a long lunch, a wine tasting, or a special event, the estate exudes an effortless sense of occasion.
At the heart of the estate is its elegant restaurant, renowned for showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally and across Aotearoa. The kitchen team crafts contemporary dishes that evolve with the seasons, pairing them expertly with wines grown and produced on-site. The dining experience is elevated yet welcoming — ideal for long lunches with friends, intimate dinners, or corporate celebrations with a twist.
Tantalus is particularly celebrated for its Bordeaux-style reds and aromatic white wines, including Viognier and Chardonnay. The winery’s dedication to sustainable farming and small-batch production ensures each bottle captures the essence of the estate’s terroir. Wine tastings are available daily at the Cellar Door, where guests can sample varietals while learning about the winemaking process directly from passionate hosts.
Estate Restaurant Hours:
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Dinner: Friday & Saturday, 6:30pm – 10pm
Cellar Door Tastings:
Open Monday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Wine tastings available Monday & Tuesday
Tantalus Estate offers something truly unique — a full-scale craft brewery operating beneath the vines. Alibi Brewing Co., located in the underground barrel hall, adds a bold and creative twist to the traditional wine estate model. With seasonal brews, small-batch specialties, and a rotating tap list, Alibi is a must-visit for beer lovers looking to discover something new.
Enjoy a tasting paddle or a full pour in the Alibi Brewer’s Lounge, a stylish yet relaxed space that celebrates craft, experimentation, and good company. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a wine tasting or to start your Tantalus experience on a hoppy note.
Alibi Lounge Hours:
Friday to Tuesday, 11am – 7pm
More than a place to sip and savour, Tantalus Estate is one of Waiheke Island’s top venues for weddings, events, and corporate gatherings. With multiple spaces to choose from — including the restaurant, barrel hall, gardens, and terrace — the estate is as versatile as it is beautiful.
Whether you're hosting a boardroom-style retreat, an elegant long-table lunch, or a lavish wedding under the vines, the Tantalus team delivers with exceptional attention to detail. Their event staff work closely with clients to create seamless, tailored experiences — complete with custom menus, wine pairings, and the kind of island hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
The estate also partners well with nearby luxury accommodation and can be included in corporate packages for incentive travel and conference groups, particularly through local organisers like Destination Waiheke. Add wine blending, garden tours, or a guided beer tasting for a complete experience your team will never forget.
Tantalus Estate invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Waiheke. Whether you come for a lazy vineyard lunch, a romantic dinner, or to celebrate life’s biggest moments, the estate promises warmth, excellence, and a touch of magic in everything it does.
It’s no wonder that Tantalus is frequently listed as a must-visit on Waiheke Island. The perfect balance of gastronomy, viticulture, and style, it’s a place where memories are made — and where returning is always a good idea.
Ready to book your table, tasting, or event?
Visit tantalus.co.nz or contact their team to plan your visit.
Currently closed, next open Thursday
11:00am - 4:30pm
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