Auckland

When one thinks of Auckland, NZ's largest ctiy and diverse wine region, one doesn't immediately think of wine, but perhaps one of the most recognised names in wine is Auckland based Villa Maria Estate winery. Auckland is home to over 100 vineyards and wineries, many established by pioneering Croatians, over 100 years ago and they have gone on to become some of NZ's oldest wineries. West of Auckland is a thriving wine growing area with Henderson Valley, Henderson, the Kumeu Valley including Huapia, Kumeu, Waimauku and Riverhead all offering hidden delights. Coopers Creek, Nobilo and Kumeu River are all situated here, while further north east from Auckland, we head to the boutique wine region of Matakana, while stunning Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from the CBD, deserves a page all to itself.