Since the pioneering Goldwater Estate (now Goldie’s) planted the first grapevines on Waiheke in 1978 the wine industry on the island has burgeoned. Now more than 25 boutique vineyards offer a mouth-watering range of award-winning wines and a wine tour is the perfect way to enjoy some of them. A half-day tour includes tastings at three vineyards as well as a micro-brewery and a tasty platter lunch at one of them. A full-day tour also includes the tastings along with a scenic tour of the island and a two-hour lunch stop at one of the award-winning wineries (lunch is at own cost). All tours are accompanied by an expert guide who will comment on both the wine history and cultural history of the island.