Auckland
wine tasting tours and winery visits

Not only is Auckland the biggest city and most significant international transport hub in New Zealand (although not to be mistaken for the country’s capital city, which is in fact Wellington) it’s also a region of plenty and prosperity which ensures that incoming visitors receive the warmest kia ora as soon as they step off the plane. It’s a place where an exciting urban sprawl sits comfortably shoulder-to-shoulder with tranquil paradise islands and rugged, dramatic coastal vistas where the west coast meets the Tasman Sea. In fact, the Māori name for this region of New Zealand is Tāmaki Makaurau – it means ‘the maiden desired by a hundred lovers’ and was chosen because of the region’s bounteous natural resources.

You’ll find everything here, from some of the biggest names in winemaking to exceptional cuisine, great nights out, exhilarating experiences (more on that later) and peaceful, isolated beaches where it’s easy to just kick back and relax with a bottle of your favourite Kiwi wine. It’s no surprise that the city of Auckland regularly wins awards for the quality of life here – it’s currently rated third most liveable city in the world (joint third, actually, along with Vancouver and Munich) on the Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking, and is a place universally adored by inhabitants and guests alike.

As you might expect from such a cosmopolitan region, the food scene in Auckland is fabulous. Stylish bars and restaurants abound in all areas of the city, with harbourside spots such as Viaduct Harbour particularly popular for grabbing a bite in full view of the city’s glorious marinas. Elsewhere, organic and gourmet local produce tend to be the order of the day, and wherever you go in the region you are almost guaranteed to happen upon a farmer’s market offering an abundance of local treats. Guided food tours around the region are common and an extremely popular way of getting immersed in Auckland’s culinary delights. 

Auckland is also a fabulous place to indulge your creative side. As well as being a UNESCO City of Music thanks to its diverse, innovative music culture (you’re equally as likely to stumble upon a Metallica concert as you are traditional Māori music) there is a plethora of fascinating museums and galleries to be discovered by those interested in New Zealand’s enthralling history. Before taking in an evening concert, try the New Zealand Maritime Museum in central Auckland, which recounts the hundreds of stories that make up the nation’s rich seafaring heritage. The Auckland Museum, meanwhile, houses an unrivalled collection of historic artefacts from Māori tribes and other settlers, alongside some wonderful natural history exhibits.

Whilst central Auckland of course dominates the region, there are numerous other pretty, friendly towns within a stone’s throw of the city centre which provide a little light relief from hectic urban life. It’s all about rural bliss in these small towns – Helensville and Clevedon are both idyllic country boltholes set in beautiful surroundings. Rolling hills and serene beaches abound, and there is nowhere better to seek a calm respite.