About this tour
When Charlie from our team ran this 4-hour tour out of Auckland, it ticked two boxes nicely: wine and coastal scenery. You'll spend time at Soljans Vineyard in the Waimauku, Kumeu and Huapai regions — proper wine country on the North Island — then head to Muriwai to spot native gannets nesting on the black sand cliffs. The drive itself is pleasant, the guide knows the area, and you'll taste a few local drops (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and others) at two wineries. It's a solid half-day if you're keen on a mix of vines, wildlife, and coastal views without committing a full day to it.
Highlights
- Gannets nesting at Otakamiro Point — genuinely striking against black sand cliffs
- Two separate winery tastings — enough to form actual opinions on the local styles
- Scenic drive through Kumeu and Huapai valleys between stops
- Transport sorted — no navigating hire-car roads after wine tasting
- Small-group format means guides chat properly, not megaphone stuff
- National Park fees already in the price — no surprise charges at Muriwai
What to expect
The day starts with a pick-up and a drive north to Soljans Vineyard, where you'll do your first tasting. The guide will walk you through what's on the board — expect a mix of local Pinot, whites, maybe a Riesling. It's not a deep-dive masterclass; it's a proper tour-pace introduction. You'll chat with cellar staff, get a feel for what the region's known for, then head back to the van.
From there, it's a scenic cruise through the wine country valleys before landing at Muriwai. The main event here is the gannet colony at Otakamiro Point — you'll stand on the black sand beach and watch them wheeling around the rock outcrops. Weather permitting, it's genuinely lovely. Then you'll visit a second winery for more tasting and a chance to grab something if your stomach's rumbling (though there's no lunch included, so plan accordingly). The whole thing wraps in around 4 hours.
What travellers say
- Two winery tastings — genuine variety, not rushed
- Gannet colony is a real wildlife moment, not just scenery
- Transport included — no drink-driving worries
- Scenic drive through proper wine valleys between stops
- Guide handles National Park fees — simplifies logistics
- No lunch included — you'll be hungry by afternoon
- Not suitable if you have spinal or cardiovascular concerns
- Muriwai weather can be cold and blustery even in summer
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're a wine drinker or even just curious, this works. The two tastings give you a real taste of North Island styles without being snobby. The Muriwai gannet stop is a genuine highlight — not a quick photo op, you actually get time to watch them. Transport is handled, which removes the stress of driving after wine.
Lunch isn't included, so you'll be peckish by the second winery — bring snacks or eat beforehand. The tour isn't recommended if you've got spinal issues, poor cardiovascular fitness, or you're pregnant; be honest about fitness. Early start means you're not sleeping in. It can be windy and cool at Muriwai even when Auckland's warm, so layers matter. Minimum drinking age is 18. Children must have a paying adult with them. Best to book ahead; peak times (weekends, summer) fill up. Public transport is nearby if you need it, but the tour itself includes all transport.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.