Kumeu Wine Country

The basics

Some of Kumeu’s wineries date back to the early 1930s and the region’s unique “cellar door” experiences take travelers through the process of winemaking from harvest to fermentation. Visitors love sipping glasses of the region’s finest while looking out over the lush Muriwai Valley. A number of wine country tours are available (and are a wise alternative to driving if you plan to imbibe); some combine Auckland city or West Auckland attractions while others focus squarely on wine.

Things to know before you go

• While Chardonnay is particularly popular in the region, the terroir also produces solid pinots.
• The legal age to purchase alcohol in New Zealand is 18, although parents may give alcohol to their children, under supervision.
• If you’re planning to do a vineyard tour, wear comfortable shoes that are solid enough for walking on soil and uneven ground.

How to get there

Kumeu Wine Country is a 20-minute drive west of Auckland on the North-Western Motorway. It is also accessible via the D60x bus, which departs every 60 minutes and takes approximately one hour.

When to get there

Wine harvesting in New Zealand takes place between February and April, so if you'd like to come for the harvest, the late summer and early autumn are a good time to go. However, most wineries are open throughout the year, and the relatively temperate climate makes Kumeu wine country a year-round destination.

Kumeu Beyond Wine

In addition to exploring Kumeu’s world-famous vineyards, travelers to the region can relax at the nearby Muriwai Beach, where interesting caves and black sand result in one of the most scenic beaches in the area, or hike the well-kept trails of Woodhill and Riverhead pine forests.