Man O' War Vineyards
Man O' War Vineyards
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Restaurants
3 within 3 miles
Attractions
18 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- KevinSK9Wilmslow, United Kingdom24 contributionsBook It - Man O warHad a great trip to Man On War. Despite this being the furthest winery on the island the journey was amazing. I was collected by their amazing driver Fee. People make businesses and she would be an asset to any business. Her genuine enthusiasm was infectious. During the journey it was easy to see why. The views are out of this world. I arrived for tasting and lunch and I was blown away by the view. A bay named by Captain Cook. Great wine and great oysters. Great day.Hi Kevin Thanks so much for the review! We are so happy to hear that you had a great experience with us. We agree with you..the views are worth the journey out here! Come back and visit us soon! CheersWritten June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 2, 2023
- FunBoyOneLondon, United Kingdom486 contributionsGood winery, interesting trip across Waiheke islandWe visited the Man O’War winery on our first full day in New Zealand having caught the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke island on a rainy day. We pre-booked the wine tasting and pick up from the ferry terminal, which takes you across the island in a converted bus with some interesting commentary. We also had lunch after the tasting, which was good. The tasting was good - six wines (pinot gris, sauvignon/semillion, chardonnay, rose, merlot bordeaux style blend and syrah) for NZ$25.Hi there Thanks for taking the time to write us a review! Sounds like you had a fantastic first day in New Zealand. We are glad you were able to make it our here and enjoy some of our food and wines. Hope you had a lovely trip over here in New Zealand and safe travels home. Cheers!Written June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 4, 2023
- Voyager394152477991 contributionNice vineyard but careful on the road.We enjoyed our visit at the vineyard, the food and drinks were excellent. I have however an important comment for people planning to drive their car to the location. The road is narrow at time, it can be difficult when meeting incoming vehicles. More importantly, we somehow got a puncture on each of the passenger side tires. Being a Sunday made it more difficult to make arrangements fo towing and repairs. We were then told by locals of the particular road being commonly hard on tires.Hi there Thanks for the review. We are glad to see that you enjoyed our lovely food and drinks. Our roads can be a bit tricky at times. We do have our own Man O' War bus service that takes people out to our restaurant. In the summer, it provides multiple trips and pick-ups a day. We have also recently partnered with the Explore ferry to take passengers from Auckland straight to Man O' War Bay...no roads at all! Hopefully, this helps with navigating how to get out here for next time. CheersWritten June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 3, 2023
- Suie0515Columbus, Ohio1,585 contributionsNice beachside wine tastingMost people probably come by boat. Otherwise it’s an unpaved rd for a while to get there (but manageable). Nice tasting of good wine, and nice staff. Would recommend reserving in case of inclement weather so you get a table. Otherwise there’s uncovered picnic tables outside. But we had a rainy day and I was happy to be inside.Hi there Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so glad you were able to come out and enjoy the day with us. Our road can be a bit tricky to navigate at some times, but we hear it's worth it once your get here! Thanks againWritten June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 26, 2024
- James F25 contributionsA pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoonWe spent an afternoon at Man O' War Vineyards, and had a good time. We took the bus from Oneroa - the driver gave interesting comments about the island along the way. We had a relaxing lunch - charcuterie, lunch, wine - followed by a stroll along the water, time to read books, etc. We were able to get another table later in the afternoon to enjoy another glass of wine and some ice cream. Took the return bus. All good.Hi James Wow! Sounds like you had the full Man O' War experience. How can it get any better with lunch, wine, beach walks, book reading, and ice cream! :) Thanks for leaving us a review. Cheers to next time!Written June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Poor
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PRN
13 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We enjoyed sitting under trees having a glass of wine and eating a pizza. The atmosphere was very casual and rustic, which we very much enjoyed. It seemed ideal for families. The seas were very calm and looked more like a lake than the sea.
We were a bit disappointed that we could not taste wine whilst sitting underneath the trees and eating our pizza, that we had to change to a different table. We therefore did not do a wine tasting. We were also a bit perturbed when we were informed that we had to leave a credit card behind their bar for security reasons (we were told people leave without paying very often and that this was standard practice in New Zealand). We were not able to give them a credit card (I don't think our banks would approve), so we negotiated to pay in full before receiving our pizza. This experience would probably mean we won't return.
The drive is very long and a very rough sand and gravel road to get to the wine tasting area. A good place for a pizza though.
We were a bit disappointed that we could not taste wine whilst sitting underneath the trees and eating our pizza, that we had to change to a different table. We therefore did not do a wine tasting. We were also a bit perturbed when we were informed that we had to leave a credit card behind their bar for security reasons (we were told people leave without paying very often and that this was standard practice in New Zealand). We were not able to give them a credit card (I don't think our banks would approve), so we negotiated to pay in full before receiving our pizza. This experience would probably mean we won't return.
The drive is very long and a very rough sand and gravel road to get to the wine tasting area. A good place for a pizza though.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwinow
auckland21 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We booked for a late Sunday lunch & were looking forward to a relaxing afternoon in this lovely location. Unfortunately that’s not how it went: on arrival I approached the bar area where I was completely ignored by 2 members of staff. One of them was helping herself to a drink which she finished and then proceeded to walk away, the second person made no eye contact nor acknowledged my presence. Finally a young man who had been taking payment from another customer checked our booking with a very surly colleague and showed us to a table.
There was no shortage of staff, at least 6 or 7 were floating around doing very little. In spite of this, over 15 minutes went by and no-one appeared to offer a drink or take our order. To be frank, Man O’ War is a pain in the neck to get to from the other end of the island over crappy unsealed roads. Having made the effort we were hoping for a nice experience, but ultimately it was a long way to go for a glass of water, which is all we ended up having before leaving, still unacknowledged after 20 minutes.
Service in New Zealand can be very hit and miss, but many well established places seem to think that they can get away with this kind of poor performance. In the current climate with local patronage becoming increasingly important, perhaps it is time Man O’ War had a think about who is keeping it afloat and put some effort into recruiting and training staff who might actually give a damn.
There was no shortage of staff, at least 6 or 7 were floating around doing very little. In spite of this, over 15 minutes went by and no-one appeared to offer a drink or take our order. To be frank, Man O’ War is a pain in the neck to get to from the other end of the island over crappy unsealed roads. Having made the effort we were hoping for a nice experience, but ultimately it was a long way to go for a glass of water, which is all we ended up having before leaving, still unacknowledged after 20 minutes.
Service in New Zealand can be very hit and miss, but many well established places seem to think that they can get away with this kind of poor performance. In the current climate with local patronage becoming increasingly important, perhaps it is time Man O’ War had a think about who is keeping it afloat and put some effort into recruiting and training staff who might actually give a damn.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vedat K
Auckland, New Zealand35 contributions
Dec 2020
Don't go there for food, go for wine and the scenery if you must.
Very average "boards" and chewy crusted pizza are all you'll get. It's like they don't even care.
Our service was very poor. We had to hunt for servers every step of the way.
Ironically, our first server didn't know whether they had bubbles or not. She recommended a Rose saying it is bubbly. When she came with a good old flat Rose, we said it's not bubbles. She goes "there're some bubbles in it". All we could do was laugh it off.
It's pathetic for a winery to have someone who has no clue about wine to serve their customers.
I have a proposition for this place. How about cook it yourself bbqs? Just supply the barbecues and we'll just pay for the meat and wine and the location.
Very average "boards" and chewy crusted pizza are all you'll get. It's like they don't even care.
Our service was very poor. We had to hunt for servers every step of the way.
Ironically, our first server didn't know whether they had bubbles or not. She recommended a Rose saying it is bubbly. When she came with a good old flat Rose, we said it's not bubbles. She goes "there're some bubbles in it". All we could do was laugh it off.
It's pathetic for a winery to have someone who has no clue about wine to serve their customers.
I have a proposition for this place. How about cook it yourself bbqs? Just supply the barbecues and we'll just pay for the meat and wine and the location.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camper60670802510
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Hi,
We are big fans of Man'o'War wines, so we took the ferry to Waiheke and rented a car just to visit your restaurant and tasting room today. The service we received was unfortunately absolutely abysmal.
The service wasn't great in the restaurant, and after we ordered two steaks, we had to wait over 30 minutes for the steaks, and then the steaks were lukewarm. So we thought perhaps the restaurant was overworked, so went to try the tasting room next.
We waited over 5 minutes at the var before the guy behind the bar even acknowledged us. A woman came behind the bar before that, but said we had to wait for the man, who was in charge there. After 6 minutes, the man came over, and I said I wanted to do the $24 tasting session. He told us we would have to wait 20 minutes, as he was dealing with two large parties at the time.
Meanwhile, he seemed to take 3 - 5 minutbes for every single wine order he was receiving from other customers. Other customers who came in after me were sold bottles of wine while I waited.
Another party of 2 also requested a tasting session, after I had requested it, and they were told to wait too. After 20 minutes, the gutmy behind the bar came outside where we were told to wait, but served that other couple first. He took a lot of time doing it - at least another 5-7 minutes. At that point I just gave up! I'd already waited over 30 minutes, and hadn't received a single drink!
I've been to at least 25 wine tasting rooms in NZ, and this was by far the worst service I've ever encountered. Absolutely shocking!
We are big fans of Man'o'War wines, so we took the ferry to Waiheke and rented a car just to visit your restaurant and tasting room today. The service we received was unfortunately absolutely abysmal.
The service wasn't great in the restaurant, and after we ordered two steaks, we had to wait over 30 minutes for the steaks, and then the steaks were lukewarm. So we thought perhaps the restaurant was overworked, so went to try the tasting room next.
We waited over 5 minutes at the var before the guy behind the bar even acknowledged us. A woman came behind the bar before that, but said we had to wait for the man, who was in charge there. After 6 minutes, the man came over, and I said I wanted to do the $24 tasting session. He told us we would have to wait 20 minutes, as he was dealing with two large parties at the time.
Meanwhile, he seemed to take 3 - 5 minutbes for every single wine order he was receiving from other customers. Other customers who came in after me were sold bottles of wine while I waited.
Another party of 2 also requested a tasting session, after I had requested it, and they were told to wait too. After 20 minutes, the gutmy behind the bar came outside where we were told to wait, but served that other couple first. He took a lot of time doing it - at least another 5-7 minutes. At that point I just gave up! I'd already waited over 30 minutes, and hadn't received a single drink!
I've been to at least 25 wine tasting rooms in NZ, and this was by far the worst service I've ever encountered. Absolutely shocking!
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there
We are happy to hear that you love our wines.
But so sorry to hear about your overall experience at our restaurant.
We would love to discuss this further with you so that we can make sure this doesn't happen again in the future. You can reach out to us at Thetastingroom@manowar.co.nz
Thank you
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma L
Auckland, New Zealand12 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We are from Auckland and visit Waiheke often and have visited Man O War many times over the years and have been predominantly happy. Today was the exception sadly. Not sure if it was because it was a Monday and they had run out of food but the bread and olive oil and the squid was incredibly expensive for the serving size compared to past visits. We got 6 tiny pieces of squid for $20 and 4 small pieces of bread with a tiny dish of olive oil for $12. Will sadly not be returning given the long journey and metal road from the ferry. Expressed my disappointment to the staff who were not interested nor did they care. They should actually be looking after locals/kiwis who will be the only ones returning during Covid times. 😢
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt
Auckland Central, New Zealand8 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Notwithstanding the amazingly beautiful setting, my wife and I were so disappointed with our experience. Firstly, we booked a table online with the only one being available at 11am. We tried repeatedly (I called 7 times) to call the winery to book a bus as their website shows the first bus starting at 11am (which wouldn't work for our booking). After giving up as they never answer the phone we opted to drive.
When we go there we did some tasting and had a meal. I'm afraid to say the service was really bad. We ordered two simple dishes. One arrived and then we waited, and waited. Eventually (20 minutes later) we asked the wait staff where our food was. They apologized and said it was on the way. 15 more minutes passed and we had to ask again. We were told "sorry the kitchen burnt it and didn't want tk send it out". No one communicated with us unless we asked. We complained. The duty manager apologized and did discount our meal (which by the way when it did arrived - was burnt).
We felt like the young staff weren't really that attentive and that the service was terrible. A shame as this let down the brand perception we had. The menu was also quite basic (more like pub grub with a cheese board than a Vineyard).
In summary don't let my review out you off the amazing stunning location and the beautiful wines. It's just a shame that the service was so poor and that our experience was impacted by this.
When we go there we did some tasting and had a meal. I'm afraid to say the service was really bad. We ordered two simple dishes. One arrived and then we waited, and waited. Eventually (20 minutes later) we asked the wait staff where our food was. They apologized and said it was on the way. 15 more minutes passed and we had to ask again. We were told "sorry the kitchen burnt it and didn't want tk send it out". No one communicated with us unless we asked. We complained. The duty manager apologized and did discount our meal (which by the way when it did arrived - was burnt).
We felt like the young staff weren't really that attentive and that the service was terrible. A shame as this let down the brand perception we had. The menu was also quite basic (more like pub grub with a cheese board than a Vineyard).
In summary don't let my review out you off the amazing stunning location and the beautiful wines. It's just a shame that the service was so poor and that our experience was impacted by this.
Written January 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charliedr72
4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Beautiful spot and delicious wine, but was sadly disappointed with the platter. $55 for 3 pieces of procuitto, a slice of brie, and then a pile of cold roast veg. I've eaten most of the platters around Waiheke and this is easily the worst value, the 2 of us left hungry. I recommend eating before you get there
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1frog_11
Auckland, New Zealand15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
If it’s a beer garden type of experience you are after, this is for you.
Stunning view. Stunning location.
Got the feeling that after massive summer traffic everyone is a fad tired and dusty.
There are no extras, just tables and benches; limited care and attention which is possibly because once you have made it there, there are no other options.
No espresso coffee sadly.
No bubbles by the glass.
Would I race back? No.
Value for money? Ok
Stunning view. Stunning location.
Got the feeling that after massive summer traffic everyone is a fad tired and dusty.
There are no extras, just tables and benches; limited care and attention which is possibly because once you have made it there, there are no other options.
No espresso coffee sadly.
No bubbles by the glass.
Would I race back? No.
Value for money? Ok
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue P
Christchurch7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Gorgeous location but was very disappointed by the service and quality of food. Booked for lunch - advised by waitress the dishes were designed for sharing. We ordered and all dishes were out within 5minutes. Food not very tasty for the price paying and our lunch was over within half hour. Surcharge for public holiday made it an expensive short visit. Charged surcharge for buying wine to take away. Sadly I don’t think I will make the journey over to Man o War again has been a favourite when visiting Waiheke
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petrina Winchester
Auckland, New Zealand59 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It’s a long drive on a dirt road but once you arrive it’s worth it. Was a stunning Saturday afternoon and the place was busy with lots of people off boats. We loved it food and wine was great and the staff were very attentive.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there is the jetty repaired and in service now to moor with our boat ? We are intending to go to man o war vineyards .
Written October 25, 2020
Can't remember. Although I recall that it was not inexpensive. Neither is their wine. Have fun though, if you're going there!
Written March 10, 2020
Anyone know if it's possible to take a cab from the ferry terminal to Man o' War Winery? Trying to balance v the cost to take a car over from Auckland. Thanks!
Written March 24, 2019
Hi there,
A cab from Matiatia ferry terminal to Man O' War Bay directly takes around 45mins and is $95 each way. most taxis have that as their set price.
if you weren't fussed on driving for the day i would recommend hiring a car from waiheke rentals (5mins walk from ferry), from memory its $98 for a corolla for the day. then you have the ability to explore the island at your leisure.
hope this helps
Written March 24, 2019
kristineshand
Auckland, New Zealand
How long is the car trip from Kennedy’s point ferry to the vineyard?
Written March 10, 2019
it will take you roughly 30mins, cheers
Written March 10, 2019
Hi can we moor a boat next to your place- is there a pontoon? Thanks
Written December 28, 2016
Josh_ManOWar
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Hi Joanne
Sorry for the delay in response, I have been on annual leave.
Cheezels answer is correct, you can anchor anywhere in the bay and tender in. unfortunately the jetty is out of service as it needs repair.
Hope to see you at the cellar door sometime soon
Good Things
Written January 8, 2017
Have emailed a question but no reply yet. Have you a shuttle yet? Is rental or taxi the only way to get to you?
Cheers.
Neil, Nelson.
Written October 7, 2016
Josh_ManOWar
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Hi Neil,
Apologies for the delayed response and missing your email.
We dont have a shuttle out to Man O' War sorry.
Best way's to get to Man O' War are as follows
1.Taxi,
this will cost you around $80 each way. i would suggest coming over with a goup of mates (4 to 6) and then splitting the cost.
2.Rental car
$79 a day (5 seater)
$109 a day (8 seater)
3. Cycle
you can hire bikes from the ferry, its a 2hr ride each way and its not easy!
3. Seaplane
4. Helicopter
I hope this all helps.
Good Things
Written October 18, 2016
Hi,
We will be staying in Skycity and would like to know how to reach your place and do we need to pre book the place?
Thanks :)
Written October 7, 2016
I'll be honest Pratik, it's a bit hard to get to if you don't have a car on the island, having said that, it's stunning and well worth the trip. We hired a car on the island very easily, it's such a big place, I think you'd only see about a quarter of it if you rely on the public transport.
Written October 29, 2016
Hi How do we get to you via public transport?
Written March 8, 2015
The ferry from Auckland to Waiheke of course, but then the only way as far as I know is by taxi. Cost is around $100 each way (as at February 2016).
Written March 10, 2016
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