Volcanic Hills is a Rotorua winery, known for blending wines sourced from across New Zealand.
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.