Matakana Vineyard Tour: Wine, Sculpture & Lunch

Taste wine and chocolate, walk among 800 sculptures, then eat lunch overlooking a lake

A full-day private tour from Auckland to Matakana combines wine tasting at two boutique vineyards, a self-guided walk through Sculptureum's three sculpture gardens and six galleries set in native bush, a chocolate shop visit with samples, lunch at The Glass House with lake views and wine pairings, and gelato to close the day. A local English-speaking guide leads the outing. Pickup and drop-off from Auckland hotels are included. Minimum age is 12. You must be 18 with valid ID to drink alcohol.

Step-by-step itinerary

Matakana art, food, and wine tour

• Pickup from Auckland CBD
• Taste handcrafted artisan chocolates
• Explore sculpture trail and vineyard lunch
• Visit Sculptureum art and wine tasting
• Enjoy Italian style gelato or sorbetto
• Return to Auckland hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Auckland hotel and a scenic drive through the countryside to Matakana. Once there, you'll taste handcrafted artisan chocolates at a working chocolate shop in Matakana Village, watching the chocolatiers at work as you sample award-winning pieces. The route then moves through two wine regions: you'll taste from the vineyards' own boutique ranges in their settings, learning what makes each one distinct.

Sculptureum anchors the middle of the day. Over 800 artworks fill three sculpture gardens and six galleries set within native bush, wildlife, and ponds full of water lilies. A self-guided walk that lets you move at your own pace through what the operator calls an internationally unique art experience. The walk is short and optional. Your guide will know if you'd rather skip it. Lunch happens at The Glass House, a restaurant overlooking a shimmering lake where you'll eat a platter paired with wines from the vineyard. Before heading back to Auckland, you'll stop at Charlies Gelato, a local institution, for Italian-style gelato, sorbetto, or ice cream made on site.

The minibus is air-conditioned and carries WiFi. Complimentary water and refreshments are on board. Nine hours total means you leave Auckland early and return by evening. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. Comfortable walking shoes matter for the sculpture trails, and sun protection is worth bringing. The countryside has open stretches with good photo light.

What’s included

• Private minibus pickup and drop-off from your Auckland hotel.
• self-guided walks at Brick Bay sculpture trail and Sculptureum's three gardens and six galleries.
• wine tasting at two vineyards.
• lunch platter with wine pairings at The Glass House.
• chocolate shop visit with samples.
• gelato, sorbetto or ice cream at Charlies Gelato.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
• complimentary water and refreshments onboard.
• a local English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExperienceKart Luxury Travel

Is this one for you?The day involves short, optional walking trails through sculpture parks and vineyards: easy terrain, but you'll be on your feet at several stops across nine hours. Book this if you want to move through art and wine at a relaxed pace without arranging transport or planning stops yourself.

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Top questions

What exactly is Sculptureum and how much time do I spend there?

Sculptureum is an art gallery and sculpture park with three gardens and six galleries holding over 800 artworks set in native bush with ponds and wildlife. You walk it at your own pace on a self-guided trail. The walk is short and optional, so you control how long you stay.

Do I get to taste wine at both vineyards, or just visit them?

You taste wine at two locally owned vineyards in Matakana. One tasting happens at the vineyard itself. The second is at Sculptureum, which has its own onsite vineyard.

What's included for lunch, and where do I eat it?

Lunch is a platter with matching wines served at The Glass House, a restaurant overlooking a lake in the vineyard setting. The wines pair with the food as part of the experience.

Is the chocolate tasting a full stop, or just a quick browse?

You visit the chocolate shop in Matakana Village where you can taste samples of handcrafted artisan chocolates and watch the chocolatiers at work. It's a browse-and-taste experience, not a long sit-down.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup happens from your Auckland hotel in the morning, and the full day runs nine hours before drop-off back at your hotel in the evening. Exact pickup time depends on your location. The operator will confirm it when you book.

Can I do this tour if I don't drink alcohol?

Yes. Wine tasting is part of the itinerary, but you're 18 or older with valid ID to participate in alcohol tastings. The day also includes chocolate, lunch, gelato, and the art and sculpture experiences, so there's plenty to enjoy without drinking.