Auckland: Kumeu Vineyards, Honey & Muriwai Black Sand Beach Tour

Summary

Wine country tastings, west coast black sand and local flavors near Auckland

You’ll taste estate wines in Auckland’s oldest vineyards with local guides who know every barrel by name, enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant (menu is open), walk barefoot on black sand at Muriwai Beach, then sample artisan honey before heading back—little moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left New Zealand.

What’s the experience like?

You step out of the van in Kumeu and there’s this cool, earthy smell—like wet leaves and old barrels. Michael (our guide, born here) grinned and waved us over to the Brajkovich family winery. I remember someone was already laughing about how early it felt for wine, but honestly, that first Chardonnay tasted like sunlight after rain. Michael told us about fermenting in French barriques—he even let us peek at the barrels. There’s something humble about a place that’s been making wine since 1944 but still feels like a family kitchen. I tried to say “Gewürztraminer” right; Michael just smiled.

Lunch at Soljans was noisy in the best way—clinking glasses, people debating Pinot Gris vs Pinot Noir. I ordered something vegetarian (can’t remember what now), but it came with this peppery olive oil that made everyone reach for bread to dip. The menu wasn’t included in the tour cost, which surprised me for a second, but honestly it gave us freedom to pick whatever looked good. After lunch we drove through rolling farmland—sheep everywhere—and headed west toward Muriwai Beach.

The wind hit hard at Muriwai. Black sand stuck to my shoes and the ocean sounded rougher than I expected. Some locals were watching the gannets nesting on the cliffs (except from May to July when they’re gone). It smelled like salt and seaweed and something metallic from the iron sand. We didn’t stay long—just enough time for photos and one quiet moment looking up the coast where everything felt bigger than me.

Last stop: The Hunting Lodge Lawn Bar. I picked the wine board—four little glasses lined up like a tasting parade—but someone else went for craft beer instead (no judgment). The sun was lower now; people were lounging outside, laughing softly. Before heading back, we tried spoonfuls of Manuka honey—sticky, herbal-sweet—and Arataki too. You could buy jars if you wanted but honestly I’m still thinking about that taste weeks later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tour, lunch, beach and tasting

• Tour and taste at Kumeu River Wines
• Taste wines and lunch at Soljans Vineyard
• Visit Muriwai black sand beach
• Enjoy wine or beer board at Hunting Lodge
• Taste Manuka honey samples

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Auckland vineyard tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Auckland.

Are lunch costs included in the Kumeu wine tour?

No, lunch and drinks at Soljans Vineyard Restaurant are not included; you pay separately based on your menu choices.

How many wineries do we visit during this day trip from Auckland?

You visit three wineries: Kumeu River Wines, Soljans Vineyard Restaurant, and The Hunting Lodge Lawn Bar.

Can vegetarians find options for lunch on this tour?

Yes, Soljans offers vegetarian options on their à la carte menu.

Is there time to walk on Muriwai black sand beach?

Yes, there is free time allocated to explore Muriwai Beach and view the coastline.

When can you see gannets at Muriwai Beach?

The gannet colony is present except from May to July when they migrate elsewhere.

Are children allowed on this Auckland wine & honey tour?

No, participants must be at least 18 years old for this tour.

What types of wines are included in the tastings?

You’ll try Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, sparkling wines and more depending on each winery’s selection.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Auckland hotels, guided transport by air-conditioned minivan through Kumeu Wine Country and out to Muriwai Beach, all scheduled wine tastings (and beer if preferred) at three different venues plus bottled water along the way. Entry fees are covered; lunch is not included so you can choose freely from Soljans’ menu before returning to Auckland in the evening.