The Volcanic Hills range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Blanc de Blanc, Syrah, Pinot Noir and a seasonal Rosé. The grapes are sourced from New Zealand’s premium wine-growing regions of Marlborough, Central Otago, and Hawkes Bay.

Perched on top of Mount Ngongotaha overlooking Lake Rotorua, the Volcanic Hills Tasting Room is only accessible by gondola. While no grapes grow in Rotorua, grapes are sourced to produce some of NZ’s best wines – bringing the wine to the people!

Volcanic Hills is probably most memorable for it’s great service, unique wine tasting experience and that stunning view over Lake Rotorua.

The knowledgable staff provide a guided yet casual tasting of Volcanic Hills best wines. Make sure you find a table by the window to take in the view and take your time sipping on Volcanic Hills wines.

Anytime is a good time to go to visit Volcanic Hills. But when planning a visit to Rotorua, I suggest using your time wisely going on a rainy day or rest day. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Don’t be fooled and pre-purchase the buffet meal next door, Volcanic Hills offer some simple, yet delicious tasting plates and cheese boards.

Volcanic Hills caters for corporate functions and private events

Located on Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua you’ll see the Volcanic Hills display house for purchasing wine at the foot of Mount Ngongotaha. To do a tasting though, you’ll need to take the Skyline Rotorua Gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha.

The atmosphere here is geared more towards a chilled out tasting experience for the adults. However if you have to take kids, there’s one lounge in amongst a room of stooled chairs.

Other than a few basics, there’s not a lot of options for non-wine drinkers – it is a winery after all!

Check out the Volcanic Hills website and for more on NZ wine, check out my Wineries page.

The post Nz Winery – Volcanic Hills, Rotorua Winery appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

Five hours east of Auckland or 4 hours north of Wellington, a trip can easily work into any North Island adventure. In order to carefully plan a Hawke’s Bay visit, here are 5 of the best Hawke’s Bay wineries. These should be included when visiting Napier and the Hastings area.

Mission Estate Mission Estate restaurant

Without a doubt, Mission Estate needs to be part of any Hawke’s Bay winery experience. As New Zealand’s oldest winery and birthplace of New Zealand wine, its’ iconic in many ways. Mission Estate is known for its restored seminary building which also features of the winery’s label. The picturesque setting of the Taradale Hills, offers the goods in terms of views over the vineyards and coast beyond.

Formal wine tastings in the cellar door are offered daily. It’s highly recommended to plan a visit around lunch. The on-site restaurant offers a fine dining experience showcasing Napier’s local seafood. This can be paired with some of the wineries favourites.

Church Road
Church Road cellar Church Road outdoors

Church Road is of the oldest wineries in New Zealand with over 120 years in the business. No surprise as it’s located next door to Mission Estate. With extensive wine making experience, Church Road has an impressive selection of wine for tastings in the cellar room.

A winner of many Hawke’s Bay Tourism Awards. Church Road was recognised as ‘cellar door of the year’ in 2017 and ‘winner of experience award’ in 2018.

Tours run daily at 11am and 3pm providing the opportunity to discover the team’s innovation for wine marking or learn about the history of Church Road.

Church Road’s platters and cheese boards are paired perfectly with their wine and a sunny spot in the sunshine.

Moana Park

Moana Park is best known on an international scale for its’ organic and plant based wines, specialising in Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnays. This small winery is by no means basic. Moana Park is all quality. Catering to all tastes from the fruity easy-drinking summer favourites to the more full-bodied premium wines.

This winery isn’t one to do things by the book and by no means a traditional winery. The wine makers of Moana Park constantly push the boundaries of tradition in order to deliver outstanding wine.

Moana Park is special for their approach to wine making. Bring a rug and picnic and enjoy their wines overlooking the vineyard.

Elephant Hill Elephant Hill restaurant waiting area

Elephant Hill is another of one of the best Hawke’s Bay’s wineries. With a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious wine making, Elephant Hill blends traditional wine making in a contemporary setting.

From the moment you drive into Elephant Hill, the date palms perfectly frame the entrance, making a statement of grandeur. The Elephant Hill restaurant positioned to take in views of the Pacific Ocean as well views over the vineyards, delivers a truly luxurious experience.

Elephant Hill Lodge provides accommodation onsite overlooking the vineyard that adds to the luxurious winery experience.

by Craggy Creek

Last but certainly not least, Craggy Range was named 11th in the world’s top 50 wineries to visit in 2019. Craggy Range has three vineyards across New Zealand. But it’s their Hawke’s Bay winery located on the coastline at Te Awanga where the climate is ideal for the development of intense Chardonnay flavours.

The Craggy Range restaurant at Hawke’s Bay was awarded two hats at the 2019 Cuisine Good Food Awards. Coupled with award winning wines, Craggy Range is a no-brainer for the list of best Hawke’s Bay wineries.

For more on New Zealand wine, check out the Wineries page.

The post 5 Of The Best Hawke'S Bay Wineries To Visit appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

The Hunting Lodge

Kumea region, Auckland

The Hunting Lodge’s approach to wine making reflects seasonality allowing the grapes to evolve with the season. Sourcing grapes from around the country allows The Hunting Lodge to showcase  NZ’s best.

The grapes grown on site

Is there any place like The Hunting Lodge? Well, the most accurate response is, there’s not enough places like The Hunting Lodge! This winery is the perfect place to set in for an afternoon of good food and wine with friends or celebrate any special occasion. More than just a winery, The Hunting Lodge offers a unique relaxed and memorable winery and dining experiences for all.

The Hunting Lodge – outdoor setting

Doing things differently. Their fresh take on a winery experience makes The Hunting Lodge a destination is itself.

Wine paddles

There are options for everyone here, from formal tasting in the Cellar or an informal tasting paddle with your meal on the lawn. Beer tasting paddles are also available for those who prefer beer.

The Hunting Lodge also offers a Grape vs Grain package for $25 per person as an interactive group activity sampling two wines and two beers and food matching (see above).

One of Cuisine’s top 100 restaurants with award winning Executive Chef Des Harris

The lawn

Any time! Sunday sessions on the lawn make The Hunting Lodge the ideal way to spend a sunny Sunday in Auckland.

Wine paddle and wood fired pizza

Offering two dining experiences the Restaurant (below) provides a more formal dining experience and the Cellar Door and Lawn Bar a relaxed dining experience (above). Both menus are inspired by the seasons taking a pasture-to-plate approach producing local sourced, quality food.

The Hunting Room restaurant

Set menus with complementary wine offered for lunch and dinner Wednesday though Friday and A La Carte menu offered Thursday through Saturday. 

Cellar Door and Lawn Bar – choose one of the tasting platters to share or Wood fired pizzas with all locally sourced ingredients.

The Hunting Room’s onsite veggie garden

Like everything else at The Hunting Lodge, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to events. Throughout the year, The Hunting Lodge hosts all the usual events like weddings, private functions plus music festivals and meet the maker – an opportunity to speak to the wine makers, learn and ask questions.

Venue for events

35 min drive from Auckland CBD

Helipad available for those arriving by chopper

Yes. Kids menu and kids zone featuring games like twister, jenga and more.

The kids will love resident red retriever Codie, she’s a beauty.

There’s plenty of choices for everyone from 10 beers on tap, ciders, kombucha, sparkling water, soft drink to coffee and tea.

More coming soon on NZ wineries.

The post Nz Best Wineries – The Hunting Lodge appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

Five hours east of Auckland or 4 hours north of Wellington, a trip can easily work into any North Island adventure. In order to carefully plan a Hawke’s Bay visit, here are 5 of the best Hawke’s Bay wineries. These should be included when visiting Napier and the Hastings area.

Mission Estate Mission Estate restaurant

1. Mission Estate Winery

Without a doubt, Mission Estate needs to be part of any Hawke’s Bay winery experience. As New Zealand’s oldest winery and birthplace of New Zealand wine, its’ iconic in many ways. Mission Estate is known for its restored seminary building which also features of the winery’s label. The picturesque setting of the Taradale Hills, offers the goods in terms of views over the vineyards and coast beyond.

Formal wine tastings in the cellar door are offered daily. It’s highly recommended to plan a visit around lunch. The on-site restaurant offers a fine dining experience showcasing Napier’s local seafood. This can be paired with some of the wineries favourites.

Church Road
Church Road cellar Church Road outdoors

2. Church Road Winery Cellar Door and Restaurant

Church Road is of the oldest wineries in New Zealand with over 120 years in the business. No surprise as it’s located next door to Mission Estate. With extensive wine making experience, Church Road has an impressive selection of wine for tastings in the cellar room.

A winner of many Hawke’s Bay Tourism Awards. Church Road was recognised as ‘cellar door of the year’ in 2017 and ‘winner of experience award’ in 2018.

Tours run daily at 11am and 3pm providing the opportunity to discover the team’s innovation for wine marking or learn about the history of Church Road.

Church Road’s platters and cheese boards are paired perfectly with their wine and a sunny spot in the sunshine.

Moana Park

3. Moana Park Winery

Moana Park is best known on an international scale for its’ organic and plant based wines, specialising in Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnays. This small winery is by no means basic. Moana Park is all quality. Catering to all tastes from the fruity easy-drinking summer favourites to the more full-bodied premium wines.

This winery isn’t one to do things by the book and by no means a traditional winery. The wine makers of Moana Park constantly push the boundaries of tradition in order to deliver outstanding wine.

Moana Park is special for their approach to wine making. Bring a rug and picnic and enjoy their wines overlooking the vineyard.

Elephant Hill Elephant Hill restaurant waiting area

4. Elephant Hill

Elephant Hill is another of one of the best Hawke’s Bay’s wineries. With a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious wine making, Elephant Hill blends traditional wine making in a contemporary setting.

From the moment you drive into Elephant Hill, the date palms perfectly frame the entrance, making a statement of grandeur. The Elephant Hill restaurant positioned to take in views of the Pacific Ocean as well views over the vineyards, delivers a truly luxurious experience.

Elephant Hill Lodge provides accommodation onsite overlooking the vineyard that adds to the luxurious winery experience.

by Craggy Creek

Craggy Range

Last but certainly not least, Craggy Range was named 11th in the world’s top 50 wineries to visit in 2019. Craggy Range has three vineyards across New Zealand. But it’s their Hawke’s Bay winery located on the coastline at Te Awanga where the climate is ideal for the development of intense Chardonnay flavours.

The Craggy Range restaurant at Hawke’s Bay was awarded two hats at the 2019 Cuisine Good Food Awards. Coupled with award winning wines, Craggy Range is a no-brainer for the list of best Hawke’s Bay wineries.

For more on New Zealand wine, check out the Wineries page.

The post 5 Of The Best Hawke'S Bay Wineries To Visit appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

The Hunting Lodge

Wine region + wines

Kumea region, Auckland

The Hunting Lodge’s approach to wine making reflects seasonality allowing the grapes to evolve with the season. Sourcing grapes from around the country allows The Hunting Lodge to showcase  NZ’s best.

The grapes grown on site

Why it’s one of NZ best wineries?

Is there any place like The Hunting Lodge? Well, the most accurate response is, there’s not enough places like The Hunting Lodge! This winery is the perfect place to set in for an afternoon of good food and wine with friends or celebrate any special occasion. More than just a winery, The Hunting Lodge offers a unique relaxed and memorable winery and dining experiences for all.

The Hunting Lodge – outdoor setting

Best known for

Doing things differently. Their fresh take on a winery experience makes The Hunting Lodge a destination is itself.

Wine paddles

Tasting approach

There are options for everyone here, from formal tasting in the Cellar or an informal tasting paddle with your meal on the lawn. Beer tasting paddles are also available for those who prefer beer.

The Hunting Lodge also offers a Grape vs Grain package for $25 per person as an interactive group activity sampling two wines and two beers and food matching (see above).

Awards

One of Cuisine’s top 100 restaurants with award winning Executive Chef Des Harris

The lawn

Best time to go

Any time! Sunday sessions on the lawn make The Hunting Lodge the ideal way to spend a sunny Sunday in Auckland.

Wine paddle and wood fired pizza

Food

Offering two dining experiences the Restaurant (below) provides a more formal dining experience and the Cellar Door and Lawn Bar a relaxed dining experience (above). Both menus are inspired by the seasons taking a pasture-to-plate approach producing local sourced, quality food.

The Hunting Room restaurant

Restaurant

Set menus with complementary wine offered for lunch and dinner Wednesday though Friday and A La Carte menu offered Thursday through Saturday. 

Cellar Door and Lawn Bar – choose one of the tasting platters to share or Wood fired pizzas with all locally sourced ingredients.

The Hunting Room’s onsite veggie garden

Special events

Like everything else at The Hunting Lodge, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to events. Throughout the year, The Hunting Lodge hosts all the usual events like weddings, private functions plus music festivals and meet the maker – an opportunity to speak to the wine makers, learn and ask questions.

Venue for events

How to get there

35 min drive from Auckland CBD

Helipad available for those arriving by chopper

Kid friendly?

Yes. Kids menu and kids zone featuring games like twister, jenga and more.

The kids will love resident red retriever Codie, she’s a beauty.

For the non- wine drinkers

There’s plenty of choices for everyone from 10 beers on tap, ciders, kombucha, sparkling water, soft drink to coffee and tea.

More coming soon on NZ wineries.

The post Nz Best Wineries – The Hunting Lodge appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

Ferry to Waiheke Island

The easiest way to get to Waiheke Island is to take the ferry. The ferries depart from Auckland City harbour typically about every half hour and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

Waiheke hop-on hop-off

The easiest way to get around Waiheke Island wineries for the day is to take the hop-on hop-off bus. Purchase your combined ferry and bus ticket through the website. The bus departs the Waiheke Island Ferry Terminal every half hour in summer and every hour in winter. It operates on a circuit and stops at the townships, wineries and other cultural and local sights.

My tip would be to plan your day accordingly – particularly in winter when the bus comes every hour. Also be prepared for changes in timetable, it isn’t uncommon during summer for the winter timetable to be used instead.

Views from Waiheke Island

There are 17 stops on the hop-on hop-off bus route. As the island is 20 km in length, it would be impossible to visit each stop off point, even in the summer months. It would also be an injustice to each stop to rush through and not enjoy all it has to offer.

Our focus for a day on Waiheke Island was to sample the best local food and wine. A number of New Zealand’s top 30 wineries are located on Waiheke Island which helped to focus our stops for the day.

Using the winter timetable we had a minimum of an hour at each location. Deciding we wanted to finish the day closer to the ferry terminal to reduce stress of getting back to make the ferry, we decided to start across the island to stops 6 and 7, Wild Estate and Tantalus Estate. We’d then make our way back for lunch at the renowned Cable Bay Vineyard and stopping to visit Mudbrick before heading back to Auckland.

Here you’ll find how to plan a day and all the things to do in Waiheke Island.

Wild on Waiheke

Starting from the Matiatia Bay, the hop-on hop-off bus meets at the ferry terminal. Travel through the township of Oneroa, winding passed the local arts and craft stores and taking in glimpses of the emerald water below in Oneroa Bay.

Wild on Waiheke is a family owned vineyard creating a unique and quality experience for all ages and occasions.

Not your typical winery, Wild offers a modern winery experience of activities for the whole family from giant chess, archery, claybird shooting and volleyball to name a few.

Its’ relaxed style tastings allow you to sample a number of the wines in a laid back setting on the lawn amongst the grapes or inside in the winery restaurant. Wild on Waiheke is the perfect winery to sit outdoors for activities and enjoying a wine amongst the grapes or  cooler days by the fire place don’t sound too bad either. 

Wine tasting at Wild on Waiheke

The wine list draws from the Wild Estates in Marlborough and on-site at Waiheke Island. Between the two wine estates, Wild provides a variety of whites and reds to everyone’s liking.

For the beer lovers, the Waiheke Island Brewery provides freshly brewed beer onsite. They include a variety of beers from wheat beer, pilsners, pale ales, APA and even a cider.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic options for the young and young at heart.

Simple yet delicious cheese boards and antipasti platters can be enjoyed on the lawn. While inside in the restaurant, choose from the el a carte menu or from one of the gourmet pizzas.

Archery at Wild on Waiheke

Wild on Waiheke offers the ultimate relaxed setting for multi activity venue, perfect for events like hens/bucks or bachelor/bachelorette parties or family gatherings. 

Tantalus Estate

Next door to Wild on Waiheke is Tantalus Estate. It is a one of Waiheke Island’s most renowned vineyards. Set on over eight hectares, Tantalus is a destination offering visitors exceptional fine wine, food and beer all produced on site in a grand yet welcoming setting.

Located along Vineyard Alley on Onetangi Road, makes Tantalus a popular place to stop. There are more wineries concentrated in this area than anywhere else on the island. We planned our visit to include Wild on Waiheke and Tantalus Estate given their top 30 status in wineries across New Zealand.

The most special thing about Tantalus is that it caters well for diverse groups – wine, beer, cider or food lovers. And it does each of these things really well.

Formal wine tastings can be taken at the bar (see above). Beer tastings from Alibi Brewers Lounge are also available which you can do while watching the beer being brewed (see below). The restaurant and outdoor area are all class, making for a special wining and dining experience.

In addition to their world class food, wine and beer tasting experiences, you could easily settle in for the day. The grounds also feature olive groves, macadamia trees, apiary, kitchen gardens, native trees and boardwalks.

Alibi Brewing Lounge at Tantalus Tantalus restaurant Tantalus outdoor space + helipad

For something a little more special and extra, Tantalus has a helipad available for those extra special events and entrances.

Mud brick

Crossing over the road at Tantalus Estate we caught the bus back towards the ferry terminal exiting at Mudbrick vineyard. Mudbrick is the cherry on top of the cake to what is a really memorable day.

We were very strategic in leaving Mudbrick and Cable Bay (winery 4) until last. Mostly to allow plenty of time to enjoy our lunch. We had lunch at Cable Bay (winery 4), but Mudbrick had a great relaxed atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. The menu looks to cater for a variety of options so choice is yours!

Mudbrick caters to all wine tastes with a number of red and white grape varieties grown on site. They also serve wine from their other Mudbrick locations across New Zealand.

Traditional wine tastings are offered in the bar inside (see photo below). However if you sit outside on the terrace and order by the glass, you can take in the views over the island (as shown above).

Reflecting back over the day on Waiheke, one thing that stands out in my memory is the level of service, kindness and unpretentious knowledge shown from staff at Mudbrick. It’s worth spending a bit of time here if you can.

Mudbrick provides options for both casual and fine dining. While their seven course degustation menu looks heavenly, from the bistro menu there are plenty of options including four sampler boards – cheese, meat or plant based. Obviously, perfectly paired with Mudbrick’s finest wines.

Mudbrick formal tasting room

Leaving Mudbrick, you can follow the path through the vines to walk next door to Cable Bay. You’ll notice Mudbrick’s Airbnb cottage on the top of the hill overviewing the views as you leave.

Cable Bay

Arriving at Cable Bay, our first difficult decision was casual or formal dining. We opted for the formal.

With wineries on Waiheke Island and in the Marlborough region, Cable Bay produce Pinot Gris, Viogner, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Syrah (Shiraz), Merlot and Malbec.

Situated on the west coast of Waiheke Island, the Cable Bay estate boasts some of the best views over Auckland’s skyline.

Awarded Metro Magazine’s Best Winery Experience  in 2018, Cable Bay offers the choice between two restaurants both sourcing freshly harvested, seasonal produce grown on site.   Restaurants include a bistro for “elegant and contemporary cuisine” and dining on the verandah for “Mediterranean style cuisine” both designed to share. 

Cable Bay restaurant

Cable Bay is located on the hop-on hop-off bus route but it’s also just a 15 minute walk or 2 minute taxi ride from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. This makes it a very convenient place to end your day, with an easy exit to make the last ferry.

A helipad is also available for those wishing to make a grand entrance and exit.  

I hope you enjoy reading about the best wineries on Waiheke Island. For more on planning your New Zealand adventures click here.

For more on planning your adventures to wineries and vineyards click here.

The post The Best Wineries On Waiheke Island To Visit? appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

Ferry to Waiheke Island

How to get to Waiheke Island?

The easiest way to get to Waiheke Island is to take the ferry. The ferries depart from Auckland City harbour typically about every half hour and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

Waiheke hop-on hop-off

How to get around Waiheke Island?

The easiest way to get around Waiheke Island wineries for the day is to take the hop-on hop-off bus. Purchase your combined ferry and bus ticket through the website. The bus departs the Waiheke Island Ferry Terminal every half hour in summer and every hour in winter. It operates on a circuit and stops at the townships, wineries and other cultural and local sights.

My tip would be to plan your day accordingly – particularly in winter when the bus comes every hour. Also be prepared for changes in timetable, it isn’t uncommon during summer for the winter timetable to be used instead.

Views from Waiheke Island

How we planned a day on Waiheke Island?

There are 17 stops on the hop-on hop-off bus route. As the island is 20 km in length, it would be impossible to visit each stop off point, even in the summer months. It would also be an injustice to each stop to rush through and not enjoy all it has to offer.

Our focus for a day on Waiheke Island was to sample the best local food and wine. A number of New Zealand’s top 30 wineries are located on Waiheke Island which helped to focus our stops for the day.

Using the winter timetable we had a minimum of an hour at each location. Deciding we wanted to finish the day closer to the ferry terminal to reduce stress of getting back to make the ferry, we decided to start across the island to stops 6 and 7, Wild Estate and Tantalus Estate. We’d then make our way back for lunch at the renowned Cable Bay Vineyard and stopping to visit Mudbrick before heading back to Auckland.

Here you’ll find how to plan a day and all the things to do in Waiheke Island.

Wild on Waiheke

Winery 1: Wild on Waiheke

Starting from the Matiatia Bay, the hop-on hop-off bus meets at the ferry terminal. Travel through the township of Oneroa, winding passed the local arts and craft stores and taking in glimpses of the emerald water below in Oneroa Bay.

What makes it special?

Wild on Waiheke is a family owned vineyard creating a unique and quality experience for all ages and occasions.

Not your typical winery, Wild offers a modern winery experience of activities for the whole family from giant chess, archery, claybird shooting and volleyball to name a few.

Its’ relaxed style tastings allow you to sample a number of the wines in a laid back setting on the lawn amongst the grapes or inside in the winery restaurant. Wild on Waiheke is the perfect winery to sit outdoors for activities and enjoying a wine amongst the grapes or  cooler days by the fire place don’t sound too bad either. 

Wine tasting at Wild on Waiheke

Wine and drinks

The wine list draws from the Wild Estates in Marlborough and on-site at Waiheke Island. Between the two wine estates, Wild provides a variety of whites and reds to everyone’s liking.

For the beer lovers, the Waiheke Island Brewery provides freshly brewed beer onsite. They include a variety of beers from wheat beer, pilsners, pale ales, APA and even a cider.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic options for the young and young at heart.

Food

Simple yet delicious cheese boards and antipasti platters can be enjoyed on the lawn. While inside in the restaurant, choose from the el a carte menu or from one of the gourmet pizzas.

Archery at Wild on Waiheke

If you had longer

Wild on Waiheke offers the ultimate relaxed setting for multi activity venue, perfect for events like hens/bucks or bachelor/bachelorette parties or family gatherings. 

Tantalus Estate

Winery 2: Tantalus Estate 

Next door to Wild on Waiheke is Tantalus Estate. It is a one of Waiheke Island’s most renowned vineyards. Set on over eight hectares, Tantalus is a destination offering visitors exceptional fine wine, food and beer all produced on site in a grand yet welcoming setting.

Located along Vineyard Alley on Onetangi Road, makes Tantalus a popular place to stop. There are more wineries concentrated in this area than anywhere else on the island. We planned our visit to include Wild on Waiheke and Tantalus Estate given their top 30 status in wineries across New Zealand.

What makes it special?

The most special thing about Tantalus is that it caters well for diverse groups – wine, beer, cider or food lovers. And it does each of these things really well.

Formal wine tastings can be taken at the bar (see above). Beer tastings from Alibi Brewers Lounge are also available which you can do while watching the beer being brewed (see below). The restaurant and outdoor area are all class, making for a special wining and dining experience.

In addition to their world class food, wine and beer tasting experiences, you could easily settle in for the day. The grounds also feature olive groves, macadamia trees, apiary, kitchen gardens, native trees and boardwalks.

Alibi Brewing Lounge at Tantalus Tantalus restaurant Tantalus outdoor space + helipad

For something a little more special and extra, Tantalus has a helipad available for those extra special events and entrances.

Mud brick

Winery 3: Mudbrick vineyard

Crossing over the road at Tantalus Estate we caught the bus back towards the ferry terminal exiting at Mudbrick vineyard. Mudbrick is the cherry on top of the cake to what is a really memorable day.

We were very strategic in leaving Mudbrick and Cable Bay (winery 4) until last. Mostly to allow plenty of time to enjoy our lunch. We had lunch at Cable Bay (winery 4), but Mudbrick had a great relaxed atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. The menu looks to cater for a variety of options so choice is yours!

What makes it special?

Mudbrick caters to all wine tastes with a number of red and white grape varieties grown on site. They also serve wine from their other Mudbrick locations across New Zealand.

Traditional wine tastings are offered in the bar inside (see photo below). However if you sit outside on the terrace and order by the glass, you can take in the views over the island (as shown above).

Reflecting back over the day on Waiheke, one thing that stands out in my memory is the level of service, kindness and unpretentious knowledge shown from staff at Mudbrick. It’s worth spending a bit of time here if you can.

Food

Mudbrick provides options for both casual and fine dining. While their seven course degustation menu looks heavenly, from the bistro menu there are plenty of options including four sampler boards – cheese, meat or plant based. Obviously, perfectly paired with Mudbrick’s finest wines.

Mudbrick formal tasting room

Leaving Mudbrick, you can follow the path through the vines to walk next door to Cable Bay. You’ll notice Mudbrick’s Airbnb cottage on the top of the hill overviewing the views as you leave.

Cable Bay

Winery 4: Cable Bay

Arriving at Cable Bay, our first difficult decision was casual or formal dining. We opted for the formal.

With wineries on Waiheke Island and in the Marlborough region, Cable Bay produce Pinot Gris, Viogner, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Syrah (Shiraz), Merlot and Malbec.

What makes it special?

Situated on the west coast of Waiheke Island, the Cable Bay estate boasts some of the best views over Auckland’s skyline.

Awarded Metro Magazine’s Best Winery Experience  in 2018, Cable Bay offers the choice between two restaurants both sourcing freshly harvested, seasonal produce grown on site.   Restaurants include a bistro for “elegant and contemporary cuisine” and dining on the verandah for “Mediterranean style cuisine” both designed to share. 

Cable Bay restaurant

Back to the ferry

Cable Bay is located on the hop-on hop-off bus route but it’s also just a 15 minute walk or 2 minute taxi ride from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. This makes it a very convenient place to end your day, with an easy exit to make the last ferry.

A helipad is also available for those wishing to make a grand entrance and exit.  

I hope you enjoy reading about the best wineries on Waiheke Island. For more on planning your New Zealand adventures click here.

For more on planning your adventures to wineries and vineyards click here.

The post The Best Wineries On Waiheke Island To Visit? appeared first on Follow The Sun Seeker.

The Volcanic Hills range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Blanc de Blanc, Syrah, Pinot Noir and a seasonal Rosé. The grapes are sourced from New Zealand’s premium wine-growing regions of Marlborough, Central Otago, and Hawkes Bay.

What makes this Rotorua winery special?

Perched on top of Mount Ngongotaha overlooking Lake Rotorua, the Volcanic Hills Tasting Room is only accessible by gondola. While no grapes grow in Rotorua, grapes are sourced to produce some of NZ’s best wines – bringing the wine to the people!

Best known for

Volcanic Hills is probably most memorable for it’s great service, unique wine tasting experience and that stunning view over Lake Rotorua.

Tasting approach

The knowledgable staff provide a guided yet casual tasting of Volcanic Hills best wines. Make sure you find a table by the window to take in the view and take your time sipping on Volcanic Hills wines.

Best time to go

Anytime is a good time to go to visit Volcanic Hills. But when planning a visit to Rotorua, I suggest using your time wisely going on a rainy day or rest day. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Food

Don’t be fooled and pre-purchase the buffet meal next door, Volcanic Hills offer some simple, yet delicious tasting plates and cheese boards.

Events and special functions

Volcanic Hills caters for corporate functions and private events

How to get there

Located on Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua you’ll see the Volcanic Hills display house for purchasing wine at the foot of Mount Ngongotaha. To do a tasting though, you’ll need to take the Skyline Rotorua Gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha.

Kid friendly

The atmosphere here is geared more towards a chilled out tasting experience for the adults. However if you have to take kids, there’s one lounge in amongst a room of stooled chairs.

Non- wine drinkers

Other than a few basics, there’s not a lot of options for non-wine drinkers – it is a winery after all!

How to plan your visit?

Check out the Volcanic Hills website and for more on NZ wine, check out my Wineries page.

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This Auckland based winery has vineyards in every wine region across New Zealand. This means that Villa Maria is able to source over 28 grape varieties and the best grapes in NZ!

Views over the amphitheatre

Villa Maria’s Auckland winery sits in the rim of a volcano, not far from the Auckland airport meaning it’s a great place for a lay over. Use the lay over time to sample some of New Zealand’s best, walk the 2km walking trail and stretch the legs. 

Auckland winery – Villa Maria

As an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is best known for making bold moves. A pioneer in the industry, Villa Maria was one of the first wineries to switch to 100% screw caps, and implement sustainable practices in every aspect of company.

This Auckland winery is also known for its organic approach to wine making, producing the first organically grown and biogro certified Merlot winning gold at the New Zealand International Wine Show.

Tasting approach

Villa Maria offers traditional, guided tastings with a choice between premium and standard tasting range. The premium range is worth a sample (AMAZING!). Wine is also available to sample over lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

Setting them apart from many other wineries, Villa Maria offers winery tours that depart daily at 11am and 2pm. Winery tours include a history of the winery and understanding of the wine making process, all for $5. 

Villa Maria has won many awards and judging by their titles it’s safe to say that this winery is worth the hype!

Awards include:

• New Zealand Wine Company of the Year – 2016 (for the 15th time)
• Supreme winner  – Sustainable business network award 
• Supreme winner – Green ribbon award winner 2012
• Sustainability champion – Sustainable business network awards 2010
• New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year – International Wine & Spirit Competition UK – 2009, 2007, 2006 & 2004
• One of the World’s 50 Great Wine Producers by Wine Spectator Magazine (USA – 2004). 

Villa Maria is perfect to visit on a layover at Auckland airport or on the final day of a holiday before heading home.

Views from the Villa Maria restaurant

The vineyard restaurant is the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch or share plate with views over the Ilhumatao Vineyard and lake. 

The winery is just a 7 minute cab ride from Auckland airport or a 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland.

While no facilities or entertainment is provided for children, under 18s are welcome in the restaurant.

Non-wine drinkers would be best to spend their time in the restaurant.

Villa Maria

Check out the Villa Maria website and for more on NZ wine, check out the sun seeker Wineries page.

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