Matakana Market and Wineries Tour from Auckland City

Matakana Market and Wineries Tour from Auckland City

Uncover the treasures of the Matakana region, Auckland's food & wine-growing region. Just 45 minutes north of Auckland CBD to experience the farmers' market (Saturdays only), 2 vineyards, honey sampling and so much more. We drive through beautiful farmer countryside, stunning beaches, local fishing villages and quirky shops. Our tours are informal, full of variety and there is something for everyone here, it's not only a winery tour. The star attraction is Auckland's latest must do, Sculptureum. Take a walk through the amazing indoor and outdoor sculpture garden galleries - think art meets fantasyland! Morning coffee, a kiwi styled picnic lunch of fresh fish & chips (alternate options available) down on the beach are all also included. Optional stop-offs can include a craft alehouse, cheese-makers, or maybe try an artisan chocolate tasting to finish the day in style before we head back to the city for a late afternoon finish.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Tour Shop, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand

We head north over the Harbour Bridge and wind our way up the scenic coastline of the East Coast to our first stop at the Honey Centre where you will enjoy a fresh cup of coffee (or tea/juice) and sample manuka and other varieties of our local honey. We then make our way to Matakana village and the first of our wine sampling stops.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ascension Wine Estate Matakana Auckland, 480 Matakana Road, Matakana, Auckland 0985 New Zealand

We visit two wineries for tastings on our Gold Tours. We usually include Ascension winery but we may select from Runner Duck, Omaha Bay Vineyard, Brick Bay Winery or Matavino depending on wine preferences. Matakana is famous for its boutique wines with its focus on traditional European grape-growing methods and lesser-known varietals produced with NZ winemaking skills. Expect to try Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Pinot Gris, and complex Bordeaux blends often only available to purchase from the winery direct. 3-5 tastings per winery visit.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Sculptureum, 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana, Auckland 0986 New Zealand

The Sculptureum Experience is edgy, fun and simply quite fabulous. Made up of three sculpture gardens and six art galleries spanning over 1.5km of flat paths, take an easy stroll through this inspirational space consisting over 700 artists works, bird aviary and rabbits. Visit the award-winning restaurant, and sample from their top-rated extensive wine list.

Admission to Sculptureum only included for all Gold Tours

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Matakana Village, 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana, Auckland 0986 New Zealand

On Saturdays, we visit the local farmers market, held weekly in the heart of the village centre. This is the place to experience fresh produce, dozens of food stalls, live entertainment, and to meet the interesting locals.

(Please note the market is only open on Saturdays)

Duration: 1 hour