Drive up through the Henderson Valley for spectacular elevated views of the Waitakere Ranges from the Aratkai Visitors Centre. This protected regional reserve was originally used for extracting native timber in colonial days as Auckland was being settled in the 1860’s.
We then visit the beautiful West Coast black sand surf beach settlement of Piha. Take walks on both North and South Piha beaches. Enjoy a 25 min stroll through the Rainforest. Take photos of ‘Lion Rock’
After a 50 minute drive through rain forest, taste wine and take an open menu one course lunch at Soljans Vineyard Restaurant. Established ion 1937, Soljans provide an innovative menu with a range of local fresh fish, steak, lamb, chicken, vegetarian and other dishes.
In the afternoon we visit pictureque West Brook Winery where they have a unique portfolio of varietal whites and reds which you can enjoy overlooking the vineyard.
There are three Hotel location pickup points, including M Social Hotel 196-200 Quay Street by the port for cruise ships
Let us know your accomodation and we will let you know the closest pickup point for you. If bookings permit we may be able to collect you from up to 12 major hotels
If your hotel or accommodation is not one we collect from the standard meeting point is Sky City Hotel and Casino. This is located in the drive-through that runs between Federal Street and Victoria Street West ( 10 meters opposite the base of the sky tower)
Piha is a west Coast Surf beach settlement 50 km from Auckland with a population of around one thousand residents. It is isolated without public transport and is popular for surfing, nature and hiking. Considered one of the jewels in Auckland's crown it is a great day trip for people to swim surf, hike, camp or just relax on the black sand beaches and take in the stunning forest and scenery.
Soljans Estate is a fifth generation Croatian family of winemakers. Taste wines from their Auckland Vineyard they and varietals from grapes grown in Hawkes bay and Marlborough. They also have an excellent award winning vineyard bistro where you will enjoy and open menu one course lunch.
Pioneers in New Zealand winemaking since 1944, Kumeu River specialise in producing Estate Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Methode Traditionelle from grapes grown on their own ten Kumeu and Huapai Vineyards. Mate’s barrique fermented Chardonnay is considered one of the best wines in the country. After gaining his bachelors degree in Oenological Science in Australia the wine maker Michael Brajkovich MW became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine and has been a Chief Judge of the Air New Zealand Wine Competition. You will enjoy a tutored tasting of five wines in the cellar door then go on a fascinating behind the scenes tour through the actual winery where you will be shown first hand the process to create barrel fermented Chardonnay. From the start to the end of the process, pressing grapes then down into the barrel room and finally back through the tank farm and bottling line. No other tour company can show you this.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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