We see the ‘WOW’ in Waiheke…
Let us share it with you!
As a local Waiheke couple who have a passion for the produce & venues on the island, we have personally curated a five-stop tour that showcases the wide range of world-class offerings we have right here on our doorstep.
With Joe as your host & driver, you will be transported across the island in the comfort of our luxury air-conditioned vehicle & as we wish to keep our experience intimate & personal, we ensure a maximum of eleven guests per tour.
Let us guide you away from the ‘norm’ to share what Waiheke Island is to us…
a truly authentic & unforgettable experience just a little bit off the usual beaten track.
Curated Private Tours & Corporate Bookings
We would be delighted to curate a bespoke ‘Wow’heke’ experience for you and/or your group (for up to eleven guests).
Please reach out to us directly HERE & together we can work to create an unforgettable island experience.
GETTING TO WAIHEKE ISLAND…
WOW Tours is based on Waiheke Island & our tour begins at Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
You will need to make your own way to Waiheke Island to join our tour & there are now two main ferry services from downtown Auckland.
Island Direct are the locals choice & the most convenient for you as you are guaranteed a seat on the ferry you book.
Fullers are a larger company & board their vessels on a first come, first served basis. This means that it’s highly recommended that you arrive at least 60 mins prior to your Fullers ferry departure.
The ferry journey takes approximately 40 mins.
We have outlined all the detailed ferry information for you HERE including booking links.
Our ‘Wow’heke’ Tour
10:00am
Upon arrival to Waiheke Island you will be greeted by Joe at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
From there you will sit back in comfort & marvel at the stunning beaches & breathtaking views across the motu.
10:15am
We start our day tasting world class extra-virgin olive oil at the beautiful, newly opened
‘Allpress Olive Groves’
Learn about how their olives are grown, farmed & milled right here on Waiheke. Then we taste their single varietals & blends that capture the island in every bottle.
11:15am
We next arrive at Waiheke Distilling Co. which boasts some of the most stunning panoramic views on the island. In the setting of their beautiful garden bar & woolshed we’ll taste hand crafted boutique gin or botanical vodka served tasting board style with premium mixers, ice & garnishes. To accompany we will have gourmet bruschetta cooked up by resident chef extraordinaire Alberto. We think a trip out to Waiheke Distilling Co. is a true gem of the island!
12:30pm
Next stop is one of our newest favourites - Jasper Ridge Estate.
Real Review named their 2024 rosé the #1 rosé in New Zealand! In amongst their stunning vines, you’ll be expertly guided through their world-class wine range & styles, & maybe even some curated guest wines if available!
1:30pm
A short drive through tranquil countryside takes us to the breathtaking Te Motu Estate.
Overlooking Onetangi Valley & surrounded by sweeping hills & picturesque vines, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
Here we taste their range of complex Bordeaux style wines.
An absolute must for all who visit the Waiheke.
2:25pm
A short drive will take us to gorgeous Onetangi beach, the location of our hosted lunch - the stunning Three Seven Two restaurant.
We thought long & hard about sharing our ‘local’ with you, but hey, how could we not?!!
Multi-award winning food with a truly glorious beachside view! We’ll enjoy shared breads & olive oil, then a main course of your choice accompanied by complimentary wine, beer, cider or soft drink from their extensive menu.
Oh and if available on the day, why not add on some world famous Te Matuku oysters?!
After lunch we can enjoy a stroll on the golden sands of Onetangi beach, grabbing some pics & enjoying the wondrous South Pacific sea air!
3:45pm
We will depart Onetangi & head to Matiatia for your ferry back to Auckland city… however, we may sneak in a little stop at one of the ‘locals’ favourite lookouts… giving you a full panoramic view of the island, its coastline & cityscape!
What a way to finish the day!
*Please note all tour timings are approximate & are guidelines only
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We have hand-picked each of our tour partners & venues as we believe that they not only boast world-class produce, but embody the renowned island spirit & hospitality that we locals are so proud of.
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WOW’HEKE TOUR
$299NZD Per Person
Duration • 6 hrs (on Waiheke Island)
Inclusions in our WOW’HEKE TOUR
• Full guided scenic tour experience
• Visiting FIVE stunning venues
• All tastings are included
• Food offerings at two venues including
lunch & complimentary drink
•Pick up from & return to Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Waiheke Island)
(Local on island pick ups can be arranged)
• A maximum of 11 guests allow us to keep our tour intimate & personal.
“The food! the wine! the gin! the views! WOW” - Kelly
"So cool to feel like a local for a day! Thank you WOW Tours." - Simon
“What a way to experience Waiheke! .” - Jess
Who we are
Waiheke locals Joe & Jen Walsh are a couple who have called Aotearoa New Zealand home now for twenty years. Although having careers in other fields, both have a history in hospitality & a fervent love of travel, food & wine. They have long wanted to bring that passion & energy to something local here in their home on Waiheke Island.
And so grew WOW Tours NZ. (Walshy’s On Waiheke!!!)
Joe has forged a long career as a touring musician, being part of kiwi rock icons The Jordan Luck Band for almost two decades - as well as performing with award winning kiwi songstress Gin Wigmore & rock band Ekko Park. When Joe isn’t behind the wheel hosting you for WOW Tours, you may just see him gracing the stage at one of the many music festivals & tours going on across the globe!
Jen has carved out an adventurous & successful career in the events industry. She thrives on bringing creativity & energy to every event her team curate &
that passion shines through as we launch WOW!
Together we are thrilled to bring WOW Tours to life here on Waiheke Island!
