Kumeu Wine Day, BBQ Lunch

A Place At Our Table, Kumeu Food And Wine Day

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from NZ$375 per adult

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: About 5.5 hours, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Group: Minimum 2, maximum 20
Meeting point: Auckland CBD pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meals: Farm shop stop, Kumeu tastings, BBQ lunch on the deck, Muriwai Beach stop
Alcohol: Tastings included, 18+ only
Run by: The Big Foody

Overview

This day trip trades Auckland's city streets for Kumeu wine country, roughly five and a half hours door to door, running from about 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The Big Foody runs it in a Mercedes Sprinter, collecting passengers in Auckland CBD and heading west. The first proper stop is a farm shop, where the group gets coffee and a classic Kiwi morning slice and picks up fresh produce for the barbecue later in the day.

From there the route takes in Muriwai Beach, with its black sand and gannet colony, before arriving at Vineyard Cottages. That is where most of the day happens. Tastings cover local wine, beer, and for the willing, gin and whisky. The host, Elle, walks guests through the vines and explains how she revived the property and why this region matters to New Zealand wine. There are also preserves, olive oil, cheeses and sourdough to sample while lunch is prepared, and guests can help in the kitchen or simply sit back.

Lunch is a barbecue served on the deck, followed by dessert, which the operator makes a point of. Depending on the season, there may be chances to pick olives or plums. The return to the city is unhurried, with stops possible for locally made gifts. It suits travellers who want food, wine and scenery combined in one guided day without driving themselves.

NZ$375adult from-price, operator figure

5.5 hoursduration

20travellers at most

What's Included

Included

Wine, beer, gin, and whisky tasting at Vineyard Cottages is all included
A knowledgeable local guide sharing many stories about NZ and the local culture

Not Included

Any additional purchases, such as souvenirs, are not included in the price

DurationAbout 5.5 hours, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Run byThe Big Foody

Itinerary

Pickup in Auckland CBDThe tour begins at about 9:30 am with pickup in Auckland CBD and the drive out toward Kumeu in a Mercedes Sprinter.
Farm shop stopCoffee and a classic Kiwi morning slice at a local farm shop, plus a chance to stock up on fresh local produce for the barbecue.
Muriwai BeachA scenic stop to take in the gannet colony and the black sand beach.
Vineyard CottagesTastings of wine, beer, gin and whisky, a walk through the vines with the host, and samples of jams, chutneys, olive oil, pickles, cheese and bread.
Barbecue lunch on the deckA local barbecue with salads, followed by dessert. Guests can help in the kitchen or relax. Seasonal fruit or olive picking may be possible.
Return to AucklandThe Sprinter heads back at a leisurely pace, arriving around 3:00 pm, with opportunities along the way to buy locally made gifts at your own cost.

Town ShuttleIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this particular day out.

Getting there. Pickup is included and the meeting point is Auckland CBD, so no self-driving is needed. The whole day runs in the operator's Mercedes Sprinter. Total time is about five and a half hours.
Food and drink. All food at the stops and at Vineyard Cottages is included, along with the wine, beer, gin and whisky tasting. The only things to budget for separately are souvenirs or other purchases you choose to make.
Pace and terrain. The listing describes a stroll through the property at Vineyard Cottages, so comfortable everyday shoes are enough. The return drive is taken at a leisurely pace. Helping in the kitchen is optional.
Outdoor stops. The Muriwai Beach stop is outdoors, with the beach and gannet viewing in the open air. Time at Vineyard Cottages also includes garden and vineyard strolls.
Language and guiding. The tour runs in English with a local guide who shares stories about New Zealand and the region's culture and wine history. The vineyard host also explains the property's history and approach in English.
Gifts and extras. There are preserves, jams, chutneys, olive oil and pickles at Vineyard Cottages, plus gift chances on the drive back. Any purchases are at your own expense and not covered by the tour price.

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. The listing is upfront that souvenirs and any additional purchases are not included in the price, so anything bought at the farm shop or vineyard comes out of your own pocket. The seasonal activities such as olive or plum picking only happen at certain times of year, so they cannot be guaranteed on any given date. The day also involves a fixed schedule, about 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, which may not suit travellers wanting a late start. Accessibility details are not stated in the listing, so anyone with mobility concerns should check with the operator before booking.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport in a Mercedes Sprinter, all food at the stops and at Vineyard Cottages, and the wine, beer, gin and whisky tasting are all included. A local guide accompanies the day. Souvenirs and any other purchases are not included.

Is Pickup Provided, And From Where?

Yes, pickup is included and the departure point is Auckland CBD. The tour starts at about 9:30 am and returns around 3:00 pm.

How Long Is The Tour?

About five and a half hours, running from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm according to the operator's listing.

Is Lunch Included, Or Do I Pay Extra?

Lunch is included. It is a barbecue served on the deck at Vineyard Cottages, with salads and dessert to follow, alongside tastings of local cheeses and sourdough. No food costs are extra.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

The listing states you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Language Is The Tour In?

The tour is conducted in English. The guide shares stories about New Zealand, and the vineyard host explains the property's history in English as well.