Vineyards Honey and Black Sand Beaches

Visit the winery of historic Kumeu River Wines owned and operated by the Brajkovich family. Pioneers in New Zealand winemaking since 1944 they specialize in producing world class Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Methode Traditionelle only from grapes grown on their own ten Kumeu and Huapai Vineyards. They also now have vineyards in Hawkes Bay providiong grapes for their “Rays Road” Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Pioneers in New Zealand winemaking since 1944, Kumeu River  specialize in producing Estate Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir  and Methode Traditionelle  from grapes grown on their own ten Kumeu and Huapai Vineyards. Mate’s barrique fermented Chardonnay is considered one of the best wines in the country. After gaining his bachelors degree in Oenological Science in Australia the wine maker Michael Brajkovich MW became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine and has been a Chief Judge of the Air New Zealand Wine Competition.

Next enjoy the wines and cuisine at Soljans Vineyard Restaurant where there is a comprehensive and innovative menu including fish, steak, lamb, chicken, vegetarian and other dishes served fresh daily.

Established in 1937, they produce Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a small amount of Pinotage from their Kumeu Vineyard. As well there is Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Marlborough and Cabernet Blends and Syrah from Hawkes Bay. Their coveted sparkling Muscat is always popular on a hot summer afternoon and their Tawny Port is one of the best in New Zealand and fabulous in winter.

Relax with a side trip through beautiful traditional rolling sheep and cattle country to visit the Muriwai black sand beach. See the rugged West Coast & regional Park meeting the Tasman Sea. See green rolling hills & stunning farmland. See Gannets nesting and flying over rock outcrops in the distance. (NB please note access to the Muriwai Department of Conservation Gannet lookout remains inaccesible due to cliff instabilty caused by the February 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle. Gannets are migratory birds and the colony has few if any birds between May and June )

In the afternoon visit West Brook Wines for a generous selection of varietals and blends in the cellar door shop. West Brook Wines is a family owned wine company established in 1935 in New Zealand and produce excellent Waimauku Estate and Marlborough award winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Rose`, Pinot Noir and Malbec. The Wine maker James Rowan is a multi award winning wine maker.

Try a range of native flora Honeys including Rewarewa, Alpine Blue Borage and Pohutukawa. Then try some Manuka UMF 10 honey. This special honey is made from the native NZ Tea Tree (Sperma Scoparium) and contains the powerful antibiotic Methyglyoxal. This particular honey is unique to New Zealand and comes with 20 years of University research into this extraordinary phenomenon.

Cancellation

100% refunds are acceptable within 2 days prior to the tour dates 50% refunds are acceptable between 48 hours and 24 Hours from Departure. See Cancellation Policy in the Terms and Conditions at the foot of the page.