Tuapae Vineyard is renowned on the island for its environmentally conscious practices and beautifully balanced wines.

Vanessa and Luke became vineyard owners after a yearning to spread their wings on a lifestyle block. Vanessa’s two tamariki are born and bred Waihekeans, who are now regulars in the vineyard.

Luke hails from Northern Ireland, but has now lived on Waiheke long enough to be considered a local! Vanessa and her children acknowledge their whakapapa to the whenua and the moana through their iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, a maritime people of Tikapa Moana, with lines of descent from Te Tini ō Maruiwi & Te Tini ō Toi, Ngāti Huarere and Te Waiohua.

Tuapae is planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot across a 3 hectare block.

Owners Vanessa and Luke embrace the Te Ao Māori concept of ki uta ki tai – the understanding that what starts on or is done to the land, will run to the tide or the sea.

The property is fortunate to have a stream running at the bottom of the hill. This stream originates at Awaawaroa and continues through the native ngahere, joining the cascades before running out into Te Marae-o-tai. Kōkopu, tuna and kōura live in the stream.

The family take on the role of kaitiaki of the whenua and the surrounding moana, and have only used organic inputs on the vineyard since December 2021. The goal is to become certified organic after a transition period.

​Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata…When the water is well, when the land is well, the people are well…

Services and Offerings Tuapae offers tastings of their signature Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard is committed to sustainable viticulture.

Location and Getting There Tuapae is located in Onetangi, reachable by car or if you are athletic a walk up Trig Hill.  I highly recommend a trip to the top of the Trig for spectacular views and there is a lovely bush walk here to – just beyond Tuapae – make the walk into the Casades.

Booking and Contact Information Bookings are by appointment via their website.

Why Visit? This is a great choice for eco-conscious visitors seeking exceptional wines in a serene setting.

Customer Experiences Guests value the vineyard’s commitment to the environment and the quality of the wine.