There’s a certain magic to arriving at Cable Bay Vineyards. As the ferry glides into Waiheke Island and the city slips from view, the air softens, the pace slows, and the horizon stretches wide to meet the endless blue of the Hauraki Gulf. A short, scenic walk from the terminal brings you to a place where wine, food, art and architecture come together in perfect harmony. This is where moments are meant to be savoured.

Cable Bay’s modernist glass-fronted pavilion — a celebrated design by Fearon Hay Architects — offers sweeping, uninterrupted views across the water. Light floods through the space, blurring the line between indoors and out, creating an atmosphere that feels open, elegant, and free. Step outside and the experience unfolds across rolling lawns, sculptural installations, and the surrounding vineyards. Works by leading New Zealand artists, including Phil Price, Virginia King, Anton Forde, and Konstantin Dimopoulos, are thoughtfully placed throughout the estate. As you wander with a glass in hand, these pieces reveal themselves one by one, turning a simple walk into a quiet discovery.

Inside, the Verandah restaurant carries an effortless warmth. Here, conversation flows easily, glasses catch the light, and long lunches unfold slowly as the afternoon drifts by. The menu celebrates the estate’s gardens and its connection to the land — fresh ingredients gathered daily, honey from the onsite hives, and produce from trusted local growers. Each dish is crafted with seasonality at its heart and designed to be shared, creating an experience that is at once refined and relaxed.

The wines are at the centre of it all. From Waiheke Island’s elegant Syrah and Chardonnay to the crisp Sauvignon Blanc of the Awatere Valley, each vintage reflects a commitment to low yields, sustainable practices and minimal intervention. These are wines of character and place — expressive, balanced, and beautifully suited to lingering afternoons. Whether it’s a single glass or a full tasting flight, every pour carries with it the essence of the land. What truly sets Cable Bay apart is the way it holds space for connection.

A spontaneous day trip with friends, a birthday celebration, a romantic escape or a languid afternoon in the sun — whatever the reason, the estate has a way of making ordinary moments feel special. Guests relax into the rhythm of the day, often staying to watch the sun set over the gulf, a final glass of Syrah in hand. This is the vision of Loukas Petrou, who has brought together art, architecture, wine, and food in a way that feels both considered and deeply accessible.

Cable Bay isn’t just a destination. It’s an experience — one that invites you to pause, to connect, and to delight in the beauty of the moment. 

Opening hours:

Cellar Door:
Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Verandah:
Monday – Thursday, 12 pm – 7 pm
Friday, 12 pm – late
Saturday, 11 am – late
Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm

cablebay.nz