How to get to
Man O' War Vineyards
Man O' War sits at the far eastern end of Waiheke Island, about 45 minutes' drive from the Matiatia ferry wharf along winding, partly unsealed roads. It's one of the most beautiful places on the motu — and one of the trickiest to reach. Here's every way to get there, from flying in to letting us do the driving.
- By road: about 45 minutes from Matiatia, with a gravel final stretch
- Direct ferry: about 90 minutes from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour
- By air: helicopters land right at the vineyard; small planes fly into Waiheke's airstrip
- With us: a private tour with pick-up at Matiatia and lunch on the bay
About Man O' War
Man O' War is a family-owned farm of around 4,500 acres covering Waiheke's wild eastern end. The first vines were planted in 1993, and today it's the island's largest grower and one of New Zealand's most respected winemakers.
The range runs from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Rosé to an exceptional single-varietal Syrah and, of course, their flagship Ironclad — a Bordeaux-style blend even the French would tip their hats to. Down on the beachfront, the Tasting Room pours tastings and serves relaxed, farm-to-table shared plates and pizzas, best enjoyed in the courtyard or on the lawn looking out over the bay. Up in the trees, the Forest Flight zipline sends you soaring through the native canopy; it's a highlight of our Adventure Tour.
Opening days change with the seasons, and they are often booked out, so it's worth making lunch or tastings reservations directly with Man O' War well ahead of time.
Why it takes a little planning
Man O' War is roughly 45 minutes from Matiatia by road. The drive rolls over the hills on narrow, winding roads, and the last stretch is gravel. It's a beautiful journey, but it's a long way to come for one glass of wine — and whoever drives misses out on the tasting. That's why most visitors arrive by tour, ferry, shuttle, private boat or helicopter.
How the bay got its name
The bay takes its name from early European navigators in the late 1700s, who noted that the giant kauri growing here would make excellent masts for men-o'-war (warships). Today the wide, sweeping cove is a favourite spot to anchor up for lunch and a swim, with views across to Pakatoa and Rotoroa islands and the Coromandel Peninsula beyond.
The easy way: let us drive
Visit Man O' War on a private tour
Our Epic Far-End Tour is built around Man O' War: six relaxed hours with lunch on the bay, tastings along the way and plenty of time to take in the views. Add a gin or vodka tasting at Waiheke Distilling Co., or the Forest Flight zipline if you're feeling brave.
Unlike the shuttle, we don't go there and back the same way. We loop home along the south coast road, stopping wherever the view takes your breath away — across Awakiriapa Bay, Cowes Bay and Te Matuku Bay to the neighbouring islands.
It's just your group (up to four guests) in a spacious luxury SUV with 4WD, with pick-up and drop-off at Matiatia to suit your ferry. From NZ$599 per person, or NZ$549 each for 3–4 guests. Want the whole island in one day? Our Ultimate Freedom Tour can include Man O' War too.
Other ways to get to Man O' War
Prefer to make your own way? Here's every option, from the fastest and most glamorous to the most budget-friendly.
By helicopter
The fastest and most spectacular way in. Helicopters land right at Man O' War, so you step out a short stroll from the Tasting Room. Heli Me flies from Mechanics Bay on Auckland's waterfront, and Heletranz also runs Waiheke vineyard flights, with one-way or return transfers and lunch packages.
Flights are priced per helicopter, so they're best value shared with friends. They're also weather-dependent, so have a plan B for the trip home. Flying in one way? Ask us — we can help with the booking and meet you at Man O' War to show you the rest of the island by road.
Fly into Waiheke's airstrip
Coming from Great Barrier Island (Aotea) or the Bay of Islands? Island Aviation flies small planes around the Hauraki Gulf and can bring you straight into Waiheke's airstrip at Onetangi, skipping the Auckland traffic and the ferry altogether. Its local sister brand, Waiheke Wings, runs scenic flights from the same airstrip if you'd like to see the island from above.
Planes can't land at Man O' War itself, so you'll need a ride for the last leg. Let us know your arrival time and we'll collect you from the airstrip and make a day of it.
Direct ferry from Auckland
Explore Group runs a direct ferry from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour to Man O' War Bay, via Rotoroa Island. The trip takes about 90 minutes each way and gives you roughly three to five hours ashore, depending on the day. It runs Wednesday to Sunday through the cooler months and daily over summer, with extra weekend sailings.
It's popular, and summer weekends book out well ahead. Secure your seats early, and book your Tasting Room table separately with Man O' War.
Private charter boat
For a day on the water, charter a local boat. On The Hunt Charters is based at Matiatia Wharf and runs private charters and water taxis for small groups (up to eight on request), so you can combine a cruise or a spot of fishing with lunch at Man O' War.
Water taxi cruise from Matiatia
Already on the island? Auckland Sea Shuttles runs a relaxed 1.5-hour cruise from Matiatia around the coast to Man O' War Bay for up to 10 people. It's a lovely way to see Waiheke's northern coastline, and you can come back by boat, taxi or tour.
Hire a car (or bring your own)
Put yourself in the driver's seat. Hire a car on the island from Waiheke Auto Rentals, Go Rentals or Waiheke Rental Cars, and ask for a 4WD or SUV — it's worth it for the gravel stretch. Take it slowly on Waiheke's narrow, winding roads, watch the sharp corners and stick to the speed limits, which are low and change often. And remember, whoever drives won't get to taste the wine: police run random breath-testing checkpoints on the island, especially over the busy summer months.
Bringing your own car? The SeaLink car ferry runs from Half Moon Bay to Kennedy Point, but vehicle spaces book out fast — on summer weekends and holidays it can be full weeks ahead. Book early, or leave the car in Auckland and hire one here.
Fullers360 ferry and shuttle
The budget-friendly option. Take a Fullers360 ferry from downtown Auckland to Matiatia (about 45 minutes), then the Man O' War shuttle bus, which runs via Oneroa and Onetangi and takes around 45 minutes. It runs at weekends, with more departures over summer (October to April). At the moment it leaves Matiatia at 11.05am and heads back from Man O' War at 3.40pm, in time for the 5pm ferry to the city.
Quick answers
How far is Man O' War from the Matiatia ferry?
About 45 minutes' drive, on winding roads with a gravel final stretch.
Is there a direct ferry to Man O' War?
Yes. Explore Group sails from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour to Man O' War Bay in about 90 minutes. Book ahead, especially for summer weekends.
Can you fly to Man O' War?
By helicopter, yes: helicopters land right at the vineyard. Planes can't land there, but Island Aviation flies into Waiheke's airstrip from Great Barrier Island and the Bay of Islands, and we can collect you from there.
What's the easiest way to visit without driving?
A private tour. We meet you at Matiatia, handle the far-end roads and bring you home via the south coast, so everyone can enjoy the wine.
Planning the rest of your trip? Our FAQ covers ferries, timings and what to bring, and our guides to Waiheke destinations and where to stay will help you make the most of the island. Or just get in touch — we're locals and always happy to help.
Epic Far-End Tour
The coast road east, lunch on Man O' War Bay and far-end tastings few visitors reach. Six hours, from NZ$599 per person, or NZ$549 each for 3–4 guests.
Adventure Tour
The Forest Flight zipline at Man O' War, archery in the vines and the Stony Batter tunnels, with a tasting or two in between. A full day at the Ultimate price.
Ultimate Freedom
The whole island in a full day — seven to eight hours, five stops and a long lunch, Michelin-starred if you like. From NZ$699 per person, or NZ$599 each for 3–4 guests.
Your tour, your way
Have something else in mind? Tell us what you love — wine, food, art, walks or beaches — and we'll shape a private day around it.
