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 premium gourmet 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.
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 as we take you to the less ventured eastern end.
•••
We start our day tasting hand-picked island grown & pressed extra-virgin olive oil.
This is paired alongside a bespoke
‘Waiheke pantry’ style tasting experience
featuring seasonal artisanal delights produced right here on the island.
•••
Our first wine tasting is at one of our absolute favourites - Jasper Ridge Estate.
Real Review named their 2024 rosé the #1 rosé in New Zealand!
Set amongst their stunning vines, you’ll be expertly guided through their world-class wine range & styles, a premium tasting on a truly beautiful island estate.
•••
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.
We think a trip out to Waiheke Distilling Co. is an absolute must.. a true gem of the island!
•••
Our next wine tasting will be at either
Awaroa Winery or Te Motu Estate.
In keeping with the ethos of our tour, having the choice here of two of our favourite venues ensures flexibility whilst also guaranteeing the premium quality & continuity of our tour offering.
Awaroa Winery is a true artisanal producer of small quantity premium organic wine. In a peaceful garden setting surrounded by the sweeping hills you’ll be guided through a 5 star tasting.
Set amongst the picturesque vines of Te Motu Estate, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Here we taste their range of complex Bordeaux style wines.
•••
And to finish… 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 a complimentary 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!
•••
At approximately 3:45pm we will depart Onetangi & return 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!
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.
*Please note all tour timings are approximate & are guidelines only
WOW’HEKE TOUR
$299NZD Per Person
Duration • 6 hrs (on Waiheke Island)
Inclusions in our WOW’HEKE TOUR
• Full guided scenic tour experience
• Visiting stunning local boutique 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
"If you want to get a taste of local Waiheke olive oil AND wine AND gin this is the tour you need to take!
I found Joe to be an amazing guide - he's friendly and professional, and most importantly he has local knowledge of Waiheke Island as someone who lives there himself.
The tour he provides gets you away from the crowds, and as well as the amazing variety of tastings he organises, you get to see some breathtaking views, and enjoy some great cuisine in a beautiful location.
Thanks Joe for providing a great day out on Waiheke Island!"
- Paul (Sydney)
“We had the most incredible day on Waiheke thanks to Joe and his small, intimate tour. Everything felt relaxed, welcoming, and beautifully organised. Joe’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the island come alive as we cruised past stunning beaches and sweeping viewpoints.
The itinerary was perfect.”
- Preeya (Dubai)
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!
