Welcome to Auckland's Wine Country

Less than an hour north of Auckland lies one of New Zealand's most rewarding wine regions.

Unlike Marlborough's vast vineyards or Central Otago's dramatic mountain landscapes, Matakana offers something far more intimate.

Boutique cellar doors.

Family-owned vineyards.

Passionate winemakers.

Relaxed lunches overlooking the vines.

Contemporary art.

Country roads.

Beautiful wedding venues.

And enough variety that no two wineries feel the same.

Many visitors arrive expecting "a few vineyards."

They leave discovering an entire wine region.

Today the Matakana Wine Region is home to more than 20 boutique vineyards, each with its own personality, grape varieties and visitor experience.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a girls' weekend, a corporate outing or simply one of Auckland's best day trips, this guide will help you choose where to spend your time.

Why Matakana is different

Matakana isn't trying to compete with the country's largest wine regions.

Instead, it has developed around quality.

Most vineyards are comparatively small.

Many owners remain directly involved.

Wine tasting feels personal rather than commercial.

The experience is just as much about conversation as it is about wine.

Another major advantage is proximity.

Visitors can leave central Auckland after breakfast and be enjoying their first tasting before mid-morning.

Understanding the Matakana Wine Region

The wider region stretches across:

Matakana Village
Omaha
Point Wells
Sandspit
Snells Beach
Warkworth
Leigh
Takatu Peninsula

Rather than one concentrated strip of vineyards, wineries are scattered through beautiful countryside.

That makes driving scenic—but also reinforces why many visitors prefer organised transport.

No one has to miss out by becoming the designated driver.

Which winery is right for you?

There isn't one "best" winery.

Instead, each excels in something different.

Looking for...ConsiderContemporary architectureBrick BayItalian-style winesHeron's FlightLarge vineyard experienceMatakana EstateBoutique family atmosphereCoxhead CreekLuxury getawayTakatu Lodge & VineyardArt and wineBrick BayWedding inspirationMatakana Estate, Takatu and other vineyard venuesGroupsMatakana EstateQuiet tastingsSmaller boutique vineyards

Featured Matakana wineries

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail

Few vineyards in New Zealand combine wine, food, architecture and contemporary art as successfully as Brick Bay.

Visitors arrive for the wine but often spend several hours exploring the famous Sculpture Trail, enjoying lunch at The Glass House and relaxing beside the vineyard.

Brick Bay produces boutique quantities of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Bordeaux-style reds from its sustainably accredited vineyard.

Ideal for

Couples
First-time visitors
Architecture lovers
Long lunches
Photography
Corporate groups

Matakana Estate

One of the region's largest vineyards, Matakana Estate offers a broad introduction to the area.

The estate includes a cellar door, guided tastings, wine blending experiences, accommodation and event spaces, making it particularly attractive for groups and celebrations.

Wine lovers will find Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris among its flagship wines.

Ideal for

First-time visitors
Group tastings
Weddings
Luxury weekends
Tour groups

Heron's Flight

Heron's Flight is Matakana's original cellar door and has built an outstanding reputation around Italian grape varieties rarely found elsewhere in New Zealand.

The winery specialises in Sangiovese and Dolcetto, creating an experience quite different from most Auckland vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy build-your-own platters overlooking the vines in a family-friendly setting.

Ideal for

Serious wine lovers
Italian wine enthusiasts
Couples
Relaxed afternoons
Boutique tasting experiences

Takatu Lodge & Vineyard

Takatu offers one of the region's most peaceful vineyard settings.

Its combination of accommodation, boutique wines and elegant surroundings makes it particularly popular for romantic escapes and intimate celebrations.

Rather than feeling busy, Takatu encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the landscape.

Ideal for

Romantic weekends
Luxury accommodation
Small weddings
Quiet wine tasting

Coxhead Creek Vineyard

A boutique family vineyard producing hand-picked, single-vineyard wines that express the character of Matakana.

Its small scale reflects everything that makes the region special.

Rather than chasing volume, Coxhead Creek focuses on craftsmanship and individuality.

Ideal for

Boutique wine lovers
Returning visitors
Those wanting something different

Hidden gems of the region

Beyond the better-known names, the Matakana Wine Trail also highlights vineyards such as:

Omaha Bay Vineyard
Runner Duck Estate
Nola Vineyard
October 30 Wines
Rift Wines
Yakutin Family Wines
Speakeasy Wines
Omaha Hills
Quail Rise Vineyard
Gabion

Some have cellar doors, while others primarily supply restaurants or sell wine through specialist retailers. The diversity of these smaller producers is part of what makes Matakana such an interesting region to explore.

Beyond wine

One of Matakana's greatest strengths is that vineyards are only part of the experience.

Nearby you'll also discover:

Matakana Village
Farmers' Market
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Sculptureum
Omaha Beach
Point Wells
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Boutique shopping
Artisan food producers

That means even non-wine drinkers usually enjoy the day.

Wine tasting etiquette

If you're new to cellar doors:

Don't rush.

Ask questions.

It's perfectly acceptable to spit wine during tastings.

Drink water.

Eat between vineyards.

Purchase wine if you've particularly enjoyed the tasting.

Respect booking requirements.

Most importantly, never drink and drive.

Planning the perfect winery day

A relaxed itinerary often works best.

Morning

Coffee in Matakana Village.

Browse boutique shops.

Late morning

First vineyard tasting.

Lunch

Vineyard restaurant.

Afternoon

Second vineyard.

Brick Bay or Sculptureum.

Late afternoon

Beach stop at Omaha or Point Wells.

Vintage Views Insider Tip

One of the challenges of wine touring is that someone usually has to drive.

Our upcoming Matakana Wine Country Discovery has been designed so everyone can enjoy the experience equally.

Departing from Auckland aboard our beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster, the journey will combine boutique wineries, village life and spectacular countryside without anyone needing to watch the road or limit their tasting.

Rather than simply transporting guests between vineyards, we aim to create one of New Zealand's most memorable day trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries are in Matakana?

The Matakana Wine Region includes more than 20 boutique vineyards and wineries, ranging from family-owned producers to larger estates.

Which Matakana winery is best?

That depends on what you're looking for.

Brick Bay excels in art, architecture and dining.

Heron's Flight is renowned for Italian varietals.

Matakana Estate provides one of the region's broadest wine experiences.

Is Matakana worth visiting for wine?

Absolutely.

Its boutique scale, beautiful scenery and proximity to Auckland make it one of New Zealand's most enjoyable wine regions.

Can you visit several wineries in one day?

Yes.

Most visitors comfortably experience two or three vineyards alongside lunch and sightseeing.

Do I need to book tastings?

Bookings are recommended for weekends, larger groups and premium tasting experiences.

Is Matakana suitable for non-wine drinkers?

Yes.

The region also offers beaches, galleries, sculpture parks, cafés, restaurants and boutique shopping.

Are there restaurants at the wineries?

Some wineries offer full dining experiences, while others focus on tastings and platters. Always check ahead before visiting.

Is Matakana good for weddings?

Very much so.

Several vineyards and surrounding estates are among Auckland's most sought-after wedding locations.

Can I visit from Auckland in one day?

Yes.

Most visitors leave Auckland in the morning and return late afternoon or early evening.

Is there a guided winery tour?

Vintage Views is currently developing the Matakana Wine Country Discovery, a hosted scenic and winery experience aboard our classic London Routemaster.

Continue exploring Matakana

Continue planning your visit with our guides to:

Matakana Village
Matakana Farmers' Market
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Sculptureum
Omaha Beach
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Goat Island Marine Reserve
The Perfect Matakana Day Trip from Auckland
Matakana Wedding Venues
Auckland to Matakana Transport Guide

Whether you're searching for exceptional Chardonnay, discovering Italian-inspired reds, enjoying a vineyard lunch or simply escaping Auckland for the day, Matakana proves that some of New Zealand's finest wine experiences are found not in the biggest regions—but in the most personal ones.