Welcome
New Zealand born Tour Director John McFarlane has worked in hospitality and tourism for 35 years, with over a decade and half in the wine industry.
From the Glengarry Wine Merchant chain and traveling the world, John went on to become a Winery Promotions Manager before establishing New Zealand Wine Promotions Ltd in Auckland in 2002.
His first client was Alingi, the 2003 Swiss Syndicate Americas Cup Winner, but John doesn’t believe wine should only be enjoyed by the elite.
“Auckland and New Zealand Wineries have so much to offer both Oenophiles and Newcomers to the wonderful world of wine.” – John McFarlane
Awards and Recognition
Tripadvisor Five Star Certificate of Excellence 2012 – 2019
TripAdvisor’s Number 1 ranked Wine and Food Tour in Auckland
Winner Best New Zealand Wine Tour Operator 2016 – 2018 Luxury Travel Guide Holiday and Tour Specialist Awards
Winner Best Australasian Wine Tour Operator 2017
Most Luxury Wine Tasting Experience 2017 Auckland
APAC New Zealand Business Awards Winner Luxury Wine Tasting Experience 2017
Most Luxury Wine Tasting Experience 2017 Auckland
Highly recommended – Viator
Highly recommended – Lonely Planet
Highly recommended – Fodors New Zealand Travel Guide
Highly recommended – Wine Destinations Magazine
Highly recommended – Frommers Guide
Highly recommended – The New Zealand Complete Residents Guide
Approved Department of Conservation Tour Operator
NZWINEPRO – Auckland Wine Tours is also an approved Department of Conservation tour operator. This means we pay yearly membership and visitation fees for each person when taking clients to some of our most protected areas like the Muriwai Takapu colony and other protected forest reserves that might include endangered or rare flora and fauna.
We operate to a specific code of conduct to ensure that we not only minimise our impact on these special areas, but contribute to the cost of the care and upkeep with regard to the great work that New Zealand Department of Conservation rangers and field officers do on a daily basis.