Beer & wine experiences in Auckland

CHEERS!

Auckland is home to three wine regions, all promising exquisite wines and gorgeous views.

1. WEST AUCKLAND

In West Auckland, Kumeū is Auckland’s oldest wine region, dating back to the 1930s. You’ll find some of the best-known names in New Zealand wines such as Soljans Estate Winery, Coopers Creek Vineyard, Westbrook Winery and The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant, as well as smaller boutique producers.

2. MATAKANA

Matakana is a beautiful spot one hours’ drive north of central Auckland. Many producers focus on red varieties such as merlot and cabernet sauvignon, but it’s known for whites, too. Wine is complemented by art, and at Brick Bay Wines the two collide: there is both a boutique vineyard and a sculpture trail.

Attached to many of Waiheke’s wineries are restaurants that show off spectacular island views from architecturally inspiring environments.

3. WAIHEKE ISLAND

Waiheke Island is a self-contained bubble of viticulture just 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Many wineries produce a world-renowned range of reds and whites.

© Villa Maria Estate, South Auckland

New for summer 2020, New Zealand’s most awarded winery, Villa Maria Estate, has transformed its former restaurant into The Tasting Room. Limited to 10 guests, unique wine experiences are combined with contemporary small plates and platters to highlight the flavours of each wine varietal.

AUCKLAND'S ALE TRAIL

Follow the Ale Trail for Auckland’s best craft beers.

1. Urbanaut Brewing Co.

Open for tastings and cellar door tours, with an on-site off-license.

2. Garage Project

With just as many hipster-vibes as hops, this creative cellar also boasts a ‘crowler’, a colossol 1L can.

3. Brothers Beer

Five bars across Auckland complemented by a Juke Joint barbecue. For the main brewery, head to their hidden Mt Eden division.

4. Little Creatures NZ

Housed in a former seaplane hangar, this micro-brewery, food and beer hall fronts Catalina Bay in Hobsonville.

5. Hallertau

Beer garden, brewery and restaurant in Riverhead open for tastings, tours and bistro dining. Family friendly with a small playground.

6. Hallertau Clevedon

In 2020, the original Hallertau crew opened a second beer garden close to the Hunua Ranges.

7. 16 Tun

On Wynyard Quarter, this suave establishment is stocked with ten rotational tap beers.

8. The Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room

Drive one-hour north to Matakana for fine ales and Kiwi cuisine.

9 . Urban Craft Beer Tour

Jump on the ‘Brewbus’ for an urban craft beer tour. The company’s philosophy is to ‘take the people to the beer!’