If you’re exploring Auckland and want a taste of New Zealand’s renowned wine regions alongside some breathtaking scenery, this Vineyards Honey and Black Sand Beaches Tour might just be what you’re looking for. Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 93 reviews, it’s clear this experience hits the spot for many travelers.
But, as with all tours, it’s worth unpacking what you’re really getting—what works well, and what might be less ideal for your plans.
What we love about this tour is how seamless it makes visiting three different wineries, all while including tastings and a tasty lunch—no need to worry about driving or planning logistics. Plus, the chance to finish the day at Muriwai Beach, with its striking black sand, really elevates the overall experience.
John is an expert! He really knows his stuff and you learn so much from the tastings and him. Due to his expertise and relationship, our tastings felt elevated and accessible. The food was phenomenal and the honey was a fun treat. Highly recommend.
John was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable about not just the wines but how the wines are made. Visited three wineries and great overlook of the black sand beach. Lunch was really, really great fish and chips with the greatest wine. Totally enjoyable tour, we can't recommend this tour enough. .
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. John was an excellent tour guide and was extremely knowledgeable. Not only about wine but about everything relating to Auckland. He gave us a lot of tips about other areas in New Zealand as well. I highly recommend this tour and this tour guide.
The other perk? It’s a cozy, small-group vibe (max 11 guests), with hassle-free hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minivan.
The only consideration? For some, the day might feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen on soaking in the scenery at each stop or exploring more than just the highlights. But if you’re after a well-organized, informative, and enjoyable introduction to Auckland’s wine and coast, this tour could be just right.
This experience works best for those who want to combine wine tasting with scenic views in a relaxed setting—great for couples, friends, or travelers who appreciate good wine and stunning landscapes without the stress of driving.
Key Points
- Hassle-Free Experience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Auckland locations, making logistics one less thing to think about.
- All-Inclusive: Wine tastings and a delicious lunch are included, offering good value for the price.
- Small Group: Limited to 11 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate vibe.
- Diverse Stops: From renowned wineries to iconic black sand beaches, the day covers both wine and scenic spots.
- Expert Guides: Many reviews praise the guides, especially their storytelling and local insights.
- Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned minivan makes the day comfortable, no matter the weather.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Auckland.
The Winery Visits and Tastings
The tour kicks off at Kumeu River Wines, where you can expect a behind-the-scenes look at a family-owned operation with a long-standing reputation.
This was an excellent tour, informative, fun, comfortable and a nice selection of wine to taste. John was the perfect guide with lots of information about the wine and winery but also about New Zealand in general. Highly recommended
This was a fantastic experience. We got a behind the scene tour of the wineries and we got to try lots of different wine on this small group tour. Best of all we didn’t have to plan anything!
This was the best organized tour that we've taken. John was an exceptional guide and very knowledgeable. We were the only two people on the tour and he made us feel very special.
The Brajkovich family’s winery is a pioneer in New Zealand winemaking, and the tasting experience here is enhanced by the chance to see their fermentation process in French Burgundian barrels. One reviewer highlighted this as a standout moment, noting the guide’s knowledge and how it elevated the experience.
Next, you’ll stop at Westbrook Winery, situated in the picturesque Ararimu Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy sampling estate wines and Marlborough varietals, with the winemaker James Rowan’s extensive experience shining through. The reviews speak highly of this stop, with visitors mentioning how stunning the setting is and how much they appreciated the personal insights from the winemaker himself.
The third winery, Soljans Estate, offers a broader tasting palette, from reds and whites to rose and sparkling wines. They also feature a 10-year aged Tawny Port, which many port lovers find delightful.
The included lunch, often described as “fantastic” and “one of the best in NZ,” is served at Soljans and adds a leisurely touch to the day. Some reviews mention the vintage Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine here, which is a real highlight.
John M., our wine tour guide and owner of this Auckland wine tour was perfect! First off he was able to pick us up at our hotel not too far away from the Sky Tower which was prearranged and messaged before the tour started. This wine tour
The transportation to and from was comfortable. We were picked up from our hotel which was very convenient. John was an excellent driver and very knowledgeable about New Zealand’s wine industry. The locations we visited were very nice and the lunch was excellent.
Picked up from the port on time, wineries were really great. Lunch was fast and beautiful fresh snapper terrific. Generous tasting and very informative.
Muriwai Beach and Scenic Views
The last stop is at Muriwai Beach, famous for its black volcanic iron sand and rugged coastline—an absolute must-see for nature lovers. You’ll have around 30 minutes to soak in the views, with an optional ice cream (on travelers’ expense). Many travelers love how stunning the beach is, with some noting that weather can impact the experience (rain is possible), but the views are still memorable.
The Transport and Group Size
Travelers love the convenience of being picked up directly from their Auckland hotels and being transported in an air-conditioned minivan. With a maximum of 11 participants, the tour maintains a cozy, friendly atmosphere, avoiding the feeling of a large, impersonal bus trip.
The flexibility and personal attention are often praised, with many considering the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm as the tour’s biggest asset.
Value for Money
At roughly $183 per person, the tour provides quite a bit — three winery visits, tastings, a full lunch, scenic beach stop, and transport. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed the inclusions, describing it as good value considering the personalized experience and high-quality wines.
This experience was top-notch. The operator who took us around the vineyards was very knowledgeable and made it interesting. I still give him a five star review, even though his phone went black and had to deal with that situation all day.
Great tour with a very knowledgeable guide. Soljans was the star for those who love port but each winery was unique
Fabulous trip! We stopped at 3 different wineries and had an absolutely delicious lunch! John is extremely knowledgeable and made the tour even more special. Highly recommend!
What Could Be Better?
One recurring theme in the reviews is that the tour can sometimes feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen on exploring each location thoroughly. Also, weather at the beach can impact the scenic value, so packing a raincoat might be wise if the forecast calls for rain. A few travelers noted some initial confusion regarding pickup times, but these issues seem to be rare and largely resolved.
Who Should Book This Tour?
If you’re someone who appreciates good wine, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed, well-organized trip, this tour is a strong choice.
It’s particularly suitable for visitors who want an overview of West Auckland’s wine scene without the hassle of planning multiple visits or driving themselves. It also suits those who enjoy learning from enthusiastic guides and prefer smaller groups for a more personal touch.
While it’s not specifically geared toward families with children, the tour is great for adults with an interest in wine, nature, and local scenery. It’s a day that combines education, leisure, and stunning views, making it ideal for couples or friends celebrating a special trip.
We had an incredible day visiting several wineries outside Auckland. Our guide, John, was an excellent host, He made the trip that much better by sharing his vast wine knowledge and experiences. The lunch at Soljans was great and Muriwai Beach was beautiful. We highly recommend this excursion.
Great day! with John who is very knowledgeable about the region and its wines. Very much enjoyed it.
John gave us a great tour. The winery stops were excellent, lunch one of the best in NZ and the beach awesome. John is truly knowledgeable of the NZ wine regions and was the best guide ever!!
FAQs
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is included from select Auckland hotels. You’ll want to confirm your pickup location when booking to ensure smooth arrangements.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, starting at 10:30 am and returning to the original meeting point.
Do I need to pay extra for tastings and lunch?
No, all tastings and a full meal are included in the price, so you won’t need extra cash for those.
What are the main attractions?
You’ll visit three wineries for tastings, enjoy a delicious lunch, and finish at Muriwai Beach with its iconic black sand and coastal views.
Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 11 travelers, the tour offers a more intimate experience and personalized attention from the guide.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, giving you flexibility.
Vineyards Honey and Black Sand Beaches from Auckland
Final thoughts
This Vineyards Honey and Black Sand Beaches Tour from Auckland offers a well-rounded day of wine, scenic beauty, and local culture—all in a comfortable, small-group setting.
The included tastings and lunch make it a good value, especially considering the quality of the wineries and the stunning coastal views. Many travelers praise the guides and the personalized approach, which makes the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
While it might feel a bit rushed for those wanting to linger longer at each stop, if you’re after a hassle-free way to sample some of Auckland’s best and see its natural beauty, this tour is a solid pick. It’s great for couples, friends, or singles who want a glimpse into New Zealand’s wine country without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
In all, this tour provides a fantastic balance of wine, scenery, and education—ideal for those new to Auckland or anyone wanting a memorable day out in this beautiful part of New Zealand.
