Waiheke Distilling Co

Sip, Savor, and Sea: Man O' War, Your Gateway to Waiheke's Unique Beachfront Winery Tasting Experience

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.

Uncover WWII Secrets on Waiheke with Fort Stony Batter Tunnels

Fort Stony Batter Tunnels is a WWII Coastal Defence Fortress located at the Eastern end of Waiheke Island. The location was chosen for its strategic advantage of an uninterrupted view of the Hauraki Gulf and shipping approach to Auckland city.

Commissioned in 1942 under absolute military secrecy, the complex comprises 1.2km’s of subterranean passages, chambers and stairwells all tunneled by hand. The fortress was designed to take direct enemy bombardment and is in a very high state of preservation. This is an Architectural, Engineering and Construction marvel.

We offer guided tours of the subterranean tunnel complex in 2 options:

A Highlight Tour to Magazines, Gun Stores, and Passages extending 200m into the complex arriving at art galleries and performance spaces @25minutes.

And, a Heritage Tour taking in all of the Highlight then descending 7 stories underground to the Engine Room and Command Bunker, exiting into an early growth forest @ 50 minutes.

Unwind in Nature at Passage Rock Vineyard.

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.

Savor the Essence of Italy on Waiheke at Poderi Crisci

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.