Muriwai Scenic Gannet & Wine Experience

When you think of wine-tasting trips in New Zealand you imagine scenic drives through Marlborough, Otago, Hawkes Bay and Nelson. But the good news for those living in the north land is there are some impressive wineries much closer to home than you might realise - some of the best cellar doors are within half an hour from the Auckland CBD. 

Kiwis are known to be avid winemakers and drinkers and with more than 500 wineries throughout the country, it would be hard to not indulge in our top-quality vino. Visiting one of the many wineries within New Zealand is a must-do and now more than ever would be a great support to our local tourism industry. As central Auckland falls away, it gives way to suburbs, then motorways, then the low-lying industry of car yards and forklift hires. Finally, the paddocks and tractors and fruit trees of the countryside, only 25 minutes from town.

We are pulling out their rare, unique or just plain fun tasting experiences for this day. We offer casual or group wine tastings, café and restaurant dining through to picnic options, all set within picturesque surroundings along with welcoming nature.

Our first spot for wine tasting at Coopers Creek Winery has been a true pioneer in New Zealand. All the wines are expertly crafted from grapes grown with care and dedication in New Zealand's best winegrowing regions. Here you can enjoy a generous tasting of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Arneis, barrel fermented Chardonnay as well as regional Pinot Noirs, a Hawkes Bay Syrah and Cabernet based blends – A rustic setting with a flare for innovation and classic varietal wines.

Next to tempt the taste buds is located in the picturesque Ararimu Valley, Westbrook Winery's skilled winemakers produce iconic hand-crafted wines using time-honoured traditional and innovative techniques. Experience a guided tour of the vineyard and look into the winery with a special tasting of one of our special cellared library wines. Then enjoy a tasting of a selection of our current release wines. 

Within 5 minutes’ drive The Hunting Lodge sits pretty in Waimauku. Just around the corner from Kumeu, it’s surrounded by breath taking vineyards, forest and farmland. You’ll feel a million miles away from the city, even though it’s just a 30-minute drive. The stunning destination restaurant, Cellar Door & Lawn Bar, and its incredible setting will woo your heart (and taste buds) time and time again. Enter the historic villa restaurant and you’ll find a mouth-watering all day menu. Inspired by the seasons where the wine and food experience evolves throughout the year. Award winning Executive Chef Des Harris has created a fresh dining experience that will have you feeling at ease. Enjoy a three course meal with matching wines.

After satisfying your taste buds, next you visit one of the region’s special places. Relax with a side trip through beautiful traditional rolling sheep and cattle country to visit the Muriwai black sand beach. We make a stop to get amazing views along the coast and talk about what makes the west coast Auckland beaches unique. Though the waves are thundering and the sand a unique shade of black, Muriwai is one of the best New Zealand beaches to kick off you shoes, feel the sand between your toes and watch the world go by. The expansive landscape that reaches as far as the eye can see, and swell gushing in from the Tasman Sea, allows you to feel the true force of natural New Zealand. See Gannets nesting and flying over rock outcrops and black sand beaches. The gannet colony is in residence from August to March. Here you get a close-up of the gannet colony without disturbing their environment.

A big treat to our eyes and your taste buds makes this experience worthwhile.