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 Guided wine tasting tours |
11 Pentland Avenue, Mount Eden Auckland 1003 New Zealand +64 9 630 1540 http://www.winetrailtours.co.nz/ |
This tour company allows you to see the countryside, as well as taste and purchase some of the finest wines in the country and the world. There are three tours - a full-day excursion to Matakana (north of Auckland) and half and full-day trips out to West Auckland, visiting four and six vineyards respectively. All of the tours are relaxed and informative, with the opportunity to have a winery lunch at an extra cost along the way. Group discounts are available and bookings are essential. Prices also vary by season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Long-established Auckland winery |
Babich Road Henderson Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 833 7859 http://www.babichwines.co.nz |
This West Auckland vineyard is less than half an hour from the city but you would swear you were out in the country. Established in 1916, this company now exports to at least 14 countries worldwide. Tours can be organised by arrangement. Wine tasting for groups over 15 must be booked in advance. Casual tasting is also offered for one or two people at a time. There is a picnic area, a petanque terrain, and a well-stocked wine shop at which to purchase some of the product. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coopers Creek Vineyard |
35kilometres north-west of Auckland Huapai and Kumeu, PO Box 140 Auckland 1006 New Zealand +64 9 412 8560 http://www.cooperscreek.co.nz/ |
This is a fine place to taste some top quality West Auckland wines. Group tasting is by appointment only, up to 25 people at a time. The tasting room has an open fire in the winter months. Other than the wine, the vineyard has a playground for the children, barbecue and picnic areas, and a petanque terrain. Although no tours are offered, visitors are invited to look around the vineyard grounds, but not the winery (for safety reasons). Wine can be purchased at the shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Get your English-style bitter here |
2 Mt Eden Road Grafton Auckland 1003 New Zealand +64 (0)9 379 3557 http://www.alehouse.co.nz/ |
This small brewery and ale house is set in Grafton's former library building. Their brews have great English-sounding names such as Bob Hudson's Bitter, Bellringer's Best Bitter, Grafton Porter and Bitter and Twisted. They also stock many other specialist ales and lagers—both on tap and bottled, New Zealand and imported wines, and a large range of single malt whiskies. The Ale House draws a mixed clientele from all around Auckland and has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Their publicity boasts "Sorry, no poker machines, pool tables, loud music or Lion Red!" They do, however, offer great pub food! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New Zealand wine |
45 Station Road, Huapai P. O. Box 471, Kumeu Auckland 1006 New Zealand +64 9 412 6666 http://www.nobilo.co.nz/ |
Established in 1943, this company has been recognized for pioneering new developments in the New Zealand wine industry. Now, they are able to export to no less than 17 countries. Nobilo and Selak wines are available for purchase and tasting in the shop. There is a picnic area for the family to enjoy lunch. Vineyard and winery tours are not yet available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Small friendly vineyard |
48 Dysart Lane, P.O. Box 167 Kumeu Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 412 7575 http://www.kerrfarmwine.co.nz/ |
This is a small, but friendly vineyard in Kumeu - a family business that has been around for quite a few years. Groups of up to ten for tasting are accepted by appointment only, and vineyard tours can also be arranged. A small store sells whatever wine you may be after - Chardonnay, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, or Sauvignon Blanc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: shewhoeats |
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Wine tasting and tours |
550 State Highway 16 Kumeu Auckland 1454 New Zealand +64 9 412 8415 http://www.kumeuriver.co.nz/ |
Set in rural West Auckland, this vineyard and winery has been in business since 1944. The beautiful grounds, with their rows of grapevines, bear testament to the hard work put in each year. Wine tasting for groups of up to 35 is available, by appointment only. They also offer tours on Saturdays, and wine tasting is included in the price. Bookings are essential. Bottles of the local product can be purchased in the wine shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasting, tours, functions |
130 Lincoln Road Henderson Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 838 6944 http://www.lincolnwines.co.nz/ |
On Lincoln Road, only five minutes from Henderson and 15 minutes from Auckland City, sits this delightful vineyard. Wine tasting and tours can be arranged by appointment for up to 20 people at once. The tour includes tasting as well. Private functions can be held in the cellar/cask hall, with prior notice. There is a picnic area for the family to enjoy, and a small wine museum. Wine can be purchased from the vineyard store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pig out |
204 Quay Street, The America's Cup Village Viaduct Basin, PO Box 106 191 Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 366 6491 http://www.loadedhog.co.nz/ |
With its prime location right on Viaduct Harbour, the Loaded Hog could serve pigswill and still draw a decent crowd. However, the food and beer are excellent and as a result the place is always busy. It has giant paintings of famous New Zealanders, and antique farm implements on the walls. The Loaded Hog is comfortable and never too smoky. The beer is brewed on-site. Hog Gold Lager, Hog Draft, Hog Wheat and the especially tasty Hog Dark Ale are all available on tap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mick Yates  |
 Photo: Timothy L Jones |
 Photo: Shawn Connally |
 Photo: Susan Mckay |
 Photo: Amy Gustafson |
 Photo: Melissa Harrington |
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Wine, history and plenty of activities |
Matakana (an hour north of Auckland) Auckland 1241 New Zealand +64 9 425 9081 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.matakanacoast.com/ |
Matakana is a fast-developing region rich in history, wine and recreational activities. Warkworth, a venerable port on the Mahurangi River, has interesting art, craft and antique shops. Northeast, you come to the delightful old river town of Matakana. Here new wineries, olive groves and kiwi fruit farms are developing. Cafés such as the one at Morris and James Pottery Tileworks dot the landscape. At Omaha there is a beautiful white sand beach. Past the fishing village of Leigh, is Goat Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling and scuba diving. During the summer take a Glass Bottom Boat trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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More than just a vineyard |
Waikoukou Valley Road Waimauku Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 411 8301 http://www.matua.co.nz |
This vineyard and winery is more than just that. It not only offers group wine-tasting (by appointment), there is also the Hunting Lodge in vineyard cottages. For the family's day out, this place offers beautiful picnic areas, gardens, a children's playground, and courts for croquet and petanque. The wine shop is full of fine Matua Valley Wines, some of New Zealand's finest, available for tasting and purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: shewhoeats |
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Dine in an island paradise |
Church Bay Road Oneroa, PO Box 130 Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 372 9050 http://www.mudbrick.co.nz/ |
Here at Mudbrick, top-end cuisine is served amongst grapevines and the view takes your breath away. Beautifully crafted out of "mud bricks", the restaurant and winery blend in with the vineyard and landscaped gardens. The interior successfully evokes the style of European winemaking culture. Head Chef Carsten puts his many years of experience in European kitchens to excellent use. Accompany your meal with a glass of Mudbrick Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, one of many local wines on the list. A cellar shop operates at weekends with tours and tastings, and Mudbrick also caters to functions and conferences. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Perry |
 Photo: redking |
 Photo: Adam Oliveira |
 Photo: Adam Oliveira |
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Taste and buy wines |
90 McLeod Road Henderson Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 838 9578 |
This vineyard in suburban Henderson, 15 minutes from downtown Auckland, makes for an ideal day trip. Tasting for groups of upto 20 is by appointment, as are the tours. There is a picnic area to ensure that you relax with the family or with friends. The wine store is well equipped to meet your desires: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet merlot, riesling, and gewurztraminer are all on offer. The tasting takes place within the shop itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Family-Run Vineyard |
438 Orapiu Road RD1 Auckland 1971 New Zealand +64 9 372 7257 http://www.passagerockwines.co.nz |
Favored by locals for its laid-back atmosphere, this is a perfect place to take the family on a sunny day and enjoy a wood-fired pizza, complemented by great views and excellent wine. While the vineyard is situated a distance from Island transport hubs, it makes a perfect stop-over point for those on a scenic driving tour around the Island. If you're after more than a casual glass of wine, sample the mixed menu, which contains seasonal-themed dishes featuring fresh, quality produce. The vineyard has won awards for its wines and produces around 4000 cases – visitors are welcome in the cellar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Henderson Valley Winery |
322 Henderson Valley Road Henderson Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 838 8857 |
This winery, in the serene and beautiful Henderson Valley, is about half an hour west of downtown Auckland. Bookings are needed for groups (up to 20) for tasting. The wine store is well stocked and ready for your purchases, while tasting is permitted in the shop. There is also a café, which is only open Sunday. This is the place to come for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Port and Sherry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Brewing on the shore |
134 Hurstmere Road Takapuna Auckland 1309 New Zealand +64 9 486 6330 http://www.rtoto.co.nz/ |
R'Toto has a great atmosphere and ambience and brews excellent beer on site. Lava Lager is the most popular, with a clean crisp taste. Crater Ale is a bit heavier and more colourful, while Black Rat Dark Ale provides the full-bodied taste and texture one would expect from the name. They also brew a Raspberry Rat and a Lava Lite as well as other speciality beers. The bistro-styled food is equally excellent and imaginative, from the seafood pizza to market fresh fish of the day in hollandaise, pesto or apricot dipping sauce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fruit-based wines, handcrafted beers |
1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway 28 Kumeu Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 412 8595 |
Riverhead Estate offers complimentary tasting of their unique fruit-based wines and handcrafted beers. This is the home of Pilot Bay 100% naturally brewed beer. Glennie's Restaurant, open for brunch, lunch and dinner, features casual dining and drinking in a relaxed atmosphere. With a cosy fireplace and mulled wine in winter, and dining on the al fresco terrace in summer, the Estate caters to variable weather. Function rooms are available for groups of up to 70 people. Traditional hearty fare is the focus of the menu at Riverhead with a full selection of meat dishes, seafood, salads and desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Watering hole for beer lovers |
61 Albert Street Corner of Wyndam & Albert Streets Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 373 5396 http://www.shakespearehotel.co... |
Drawing an eclectic crowd including staff from the nearby New Zealand Herald offices, the Shakespeare is loud, casual and a whole lot of fun. A pioneer of the boutique-brewery industry, the Shakespeare brews 10 of its own beers on the premises, and serves from 3 different bars. This is a traditional English-style pub with unpretentious decor. Downstairs there is a bar, a few booths and some tables. The function room is upstairs with a lovely terrace for outdoor dining and drinking. The décor is unpretentious. The beer is the attraction, with regular brews and other specialties as per the whim of the brewer, beer drinking is nowhere better. Their ales are especially tasty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Grape vines and olive groves |
80 Onetangi Road Waiheke Island Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 372 8822 http://www.stonyridge.co.nz/ |
Overlooking vineyards and pastures the cafe provides a relaxing vista to compliment your lunch. Vineyard and olive grove tours/tastings are available to the public at weekends by arrangement. The cafe is equipped with casual garden-style furniture. International dishes are cleverly infused with a taste of New Zealand. Choose from Stonyridge Vineyards Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Merlot wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Denise Burchell |
 Photo: Yat Wan Yeung |
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World class wines |
Lincoln Road and Henderson Valley Henderson Auckland 1008 New Zealand |
West Auckland has been making wine since the 1902 vintage at Pleasant Valley. Today the area is home to many wineries that turn out internationally acclaimed vintages. Try Soljan's Pinot Noir. Almost all the wineries are open during the day and encourage tastings. If you go during the week, when it is less crowded, you can really get to know the wines. The two main clusters are in Henderson, along Lincoln Road and the Henderson Valley, and further north around Kumeu. On weekends and during the summer, the Hunting Lodge Matua Valley Wines estate does a great lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |