About this tour
When Em from our BugBitten team ran this Auckland-based wine tour, we kicked off with a behind-the-scenes look at Kumeu River Wines—established in 1944 and serious about their Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. From there it's a leisurely swing through Westland farmland to Soljans Vineyard for lunch (your shout), then a detour to Muriwai's dramatic black sand beach overlooking the Tasman Sea, and a final honey and wine tasting at The Hunting Lodge Lawn Bar. Six and a quarter hours, small minivan groups, and a proper taste of wine country north of the city.
Highlights
- Behind-the-scenes fermentation tank walk at a 1944-founded winery
- Taste Kumeu River's flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases
- Farmland drive reveals rolling green valleys and rural Northland character
- Muriwai black sand beach — dramatic coastal views, few tourists
- Manuka honey tasting from Arataki and Manuka Doctor
- Relaxed pace allows proper time at each stop, no rushing
What to expect
The day starts with a morning pickup and drive north to Kumeu River Wines, where the guide walks you through their barrel room—it's genuinely informative if you like the technical side of winemaking. Tastings are generous and the staff know their stock. Then you're driven to Soljans for lunch; budget time to order from their à la carte menu (they do vegetarian), grab a seat, and eat at your own pace.
Afternoon takes a scenic turn through genuine farmland—not manicured tourist country—before hitting Muriwai beach. The black sand is striking and it's refreshingly quiet compared to city beaches. Final stop is The Hunting Lodge Lawn Bar, where you taste Manuka honey and can sip wine or beer. It's a wind-down moment rather than a finale. The whole tour reads as low-key and exploratory rather than tick-box.
What travellers say
- Proper winery access — fermentation rooms, not just a tasting counter
- Relaxed pacing lets you savour each spot without clock-watching
- Muriwai beach adds coastal drama to a wine-focused itinerary
- Manuka honey tasting is a genuine point of difference
- Small minivan keeps groups intimate and transport comfortable
- Lunch costs hidden; budgeting surprise for some visitors
- Six-plus hours in a minivan not ideal for fidgety travellers
- Not accessible to those with spinal injury or cardiovascular concerns
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 enjoy wine and don't mind driving, this is a solid taster of the Kumeu region without the pretension. The Manuka honey tasting is quirky and genuinely interesting—medical-grade stuff if you're keen on that angle. Lunch at Soljans is well-executed and you get real choice on the menu. The black sand beach is worth the detour; Muriwai feels worlds away from Auckland in 45 minutes.
Lunch and drinks with lunch are absolutely not included, which catches some travellers off guard—budget £15–25 for food. The tour's not suited to anyone with serious back or heart issues, or if you're pregnant. Early starts and six-plus hours in a minivan mean it's not for the restless. Peak season (Dec–Feb) can mean busier stops. Hotel pickups only work for selected Auckland hotels, so check if yours is on the list. Minimum group size is two, and you'll be sharing the minivan with other visitors.
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.