Auckland Food and Wine Tours

Discover Great Taste Food and Wine Tours around the Matakana and Kumeu regions, just a short trip from Auckland. If you're looking for an enjoyable way to spend the day as a tourist visiting the Auckland region or with family, friends or work colleagues, then this a "must do" activity. Our guided tours have proved very popular and are excellent value.

You'll experience beautiful, picturesque scenery visiting some of the region's best award-winning wineries and see fabulous sightseeing locations. Our guests tell us how much they've enjoyed the tour and would recommend others to take advantage of the Auckland wine regions by contacting Great Taste Tours.

Matakana Wine Country

The Matakana region is situated less than one hours drive north of Auckland.

In the past this has been a red wine region with classics reds. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese are to be enjoyed. Now you'll find outstanding white wines such as, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

In addition to the local premium wineries like Brick Bay Wines, Ransom Wines, Ascension Vineyard, Hyperion Wines, Omaha Bay Vineyard and Heron's Flight, we can take you to see other local famous attractions. Matakana Farmers market is a place where you can stroll around soaking up the atmosphere. Puhoi Valley Cheeses for delicious cheese tasting... yummmm. Morris & James Pottery where you'll see a range of individually handcrafted pots, wall art and sculptural pieces is also a popular visit for locals and international tourists.

Kumeu Wine Country

The Kumeu region is a half hour trip to the West of Auckland where you can sample wines from some of New Zealand's longest established award-winning wineries. You visit attractive winery buildings and lovingly kept vineyards that are nestled in the gently undulating countryside. Soljans Estate Winery, Constellation NZ, West Brook Winery, Matua Valley Wines and Kumeu River are among the most established in the region.

The food and wine of the region is complimented by a visit to the stunning ruggedness of Muriwai Beach and the Takapu Gannet Colony. Situated at the southern end of the beach it is an established breeding area for gannets where thousands gather at certain times of the year.

A visit to BeesOnline who strive to produce organic, GE free, 100% Pure NZ honey products to enhance your wellbeing can be enjoyed by all.

Great Taste Tours

Great Taste Tours offers so much more than simply shuttling you from one tasting room to the next. Owner/operator Andrea opens the door to more than just a food and wine tour experience you can't get anywhere else. The tours provide excellent photo opportunities so don't forget to bring your camera.

The luxury mini bus is well appointed so you will be quite comfortable with seating for up to 11 people. It provides a better viewing opportunity of the countryside and offers easy access in and out. Smaller groups are also welcome with a minimum of 2 people.

Auckland Food and Wine Tour Pickup

We can arrange to pick you up and drop you back into Auckland city or pick up and drop off is available from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula or the Orewa Township.

If you require further information don't hesitate to contact Andrea on (021) 982 895 or (09) 424 1741 to discuss your requirements or alternatively you can use the contact form here on the website under the 'Contact' tab.

Welcome to Great Taste Tours

As the owner and operator of Great Taste Tours, I welcome the opportunity to be your host for the day and take you to a few of my favourite places and the best that the region has to offer. As an avid traveller and lover of fine wine and food, I would love to share my local knowledge with you and let you experience the great tastes of this wonderful region.

I specialise in providing a leisurely day in the comfort of a luxury air-conditioned mini-bus, with ample space to stretch your legs, and large windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

A short drive west or north of Auckland leads you to picture-postcard countryside and coastline, so typical of New Zealand. There are many opportunities for you to take photographs and capture lasting memories of the places that you visit.

I aim to make your day as enjoyable as possible and should you have any special requests or dietary requirements, please make them known to me and I will endeavour to accommodate your needs.

I have developed a selection of tours to suit all tastes and have incorporated easy walks in a number of them, as I believe that immersing oneself in nature helps one to truly experience a place. The Sculpture Trail walk is suitable for all ages and I have allowed a comfortable, one hour for this walk, giving you the opportunity to take your time and admire the art. Another short walk, 40 minutes return to the lookout at Shakespear Park, is also well worth it for the breathtaking views from the top. I would recommend that you wear flat comfortable shoes and perhaps bring a spare set should it be wet. There is ample room in the mini-bus for your personal luggage and any purchases that you may make during the day.

If you are unable, or do not wish to walk too far, there are tours offered where you only need to walk as far as the bar or restaurant that we have parked outside!

Cheers!

Andrea
Tour Director