Auckland Wine Tour: Muriwai Black Sand & Kumeu Tastings

Summary

North Island vineyards, black sands and gannet cliffs with tastings

You’ll wander through Kumeu’s family-run vineyards with local guides, taste crisp North Island wines straight from the cellar door, walk barefoot on Muriwai’s black sand as gannets circle overhead, and share stories over unexpected pours of Tawny Port before heading back to Auckland—leaving you with more than just flavors lingering.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve got to try the Pinot Gris,” our guide said, pouring just enough to swirl. I remember the way the cellar at Soljans smelled—like cool stone and something floral hiding behind the oak barrels. We’d barely left Auckland but it already felt like we’d slipped into a slower world. The drive out through Kumeu Wine Country was all rolling green and sheep blinking at us from the roadside. At West Brook Wines, someone’s dog wandered between our legs while we tasted Chardonnay that was sharper than I expected (in a good way). I’m not really a wine expert—I just know what tastes like summer.

The stop at Muriwai Beach caught me off guard. I’d seen photos of New Zealand’s black sand before, but standing there with wind whipping my hair and that salty tang in my nose was something else entirely. There were surfers out braving the Tasman Sea, and up on Otakamiro Point, the gannets clustered together on the rocks—so many of them it looked like snow from far away. Our guide told us they come back every year to nest; he sounded genuinely proud about it. I tried to get a photo but mostly just stood there watching them wheel around in the sky. It’s loud up there—waves crashing, birds calling—and somehow peaceful at the same time.

We ended up back among vines for one last tasting before heading towards Auckland again. Someone asked about Tawny Port and suddenly we were swapping stories about family holidays and weird food pairings (blue cheese with port? Apparently yes). The sun was slipping low by then and I realized how much I’d needed a day like this—good wine, sea air, people who don’t mind if you ask silly questions about fermentation or sheep breeds. If you’re looking for an Auckland wine tour that feels personal but not fussy, this is honestly it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and Muriwai visit

• Visit Soljans Estate winery
• Tour West Brook Wines cellar door
• Travel to Muriwai black sand beach
• Watch native gannets at Otakamiro Point
• Enjoy views of Tasman Sea and coast

Top questions

How long does the Auckland wine tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Are wine tastings included in this Auckland day trip?

Yes, tastings at Soljans Estate and West Brook Wines are included.

Is transport provided for the Muriwai wine tour?

Yes, transport is included throughout the tour itinerary.

Can children join this Auckland wine tour?

Children can join if accompanied by two paying adults; minimum drinking age is 18.

Do you visit Muriwai Beach on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Muriwai Beach to see black sands and gannet colonies.

What types of wines are available for tasting?

You can sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah blends, and Tawny Port.

Is lunch provided during this wine tasting tour?

No lunch is included; only wine tastings are part of the experience.

Are national park fees covered in this booking?

Yes, national park fees are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport from Auckland with a local guide who knows every vineyard story worth telling; all national park entry fees; guided tastings at both Soljans Estate and West Brook Wines; plus plenty of time to walk Muriwai’s wild beach before returning home with new favorites swirling in your memory.