The tastings start before you even get off the bus — your sommelier pours the first tasting right there on the top deck while the island rolls past beneath you on your way. Ocean on one side, vineyards on the other, wine in your hand. It's a pretty great way to begin.

The main event starts at Batch Winery, the highest point on the island. You'll step off and sit down with a special glass of wine and a charcuterie board, with panoramic views stretching out in every direction. From there it's down to the beach for a proper wander around, grab an ice cream, shoes off, sand between your toes, that deep exhale you've been saving up. Then off to Oneroa Village — grab a coffee, duck into the boutique shops, soak up the little-town energy that makes Waiheke feel like Waiheke.

The grand finale is Mudbrick Vineyard, the most iconic vineyard on Waiheke. A final tasting with the Hauraki Gulf sparkling below you, and one of those moments where you just look around and think, "Yeah. This is it."