Wine & Vineyard Auckland

Matakana Discovery

Wine, food, art and countryside aboard a classic London double-decker
Leave Auckland behind for a relaxed full-day escape to Matakana with Vintage Views. Travel aboard Dorothy, our historic red London Routemaster double-decker, and enjoy a day combining coastal scenery, boutique wine, good food and outdoor art.
With return transport, wine tasting, lunch and selected experiences included, you can settle in and enjoy the day while we take care of the driving.

A scenic journey north

Your day begins outside the Mövenpick Hotel in central Auckland. Climb aboard Dorothy and head north via the Ōrewa coast, watching the city give way to beaches and rolling countryside.
Take a seat upstairs for those distinctive double-decker views, or enjoy the character of the downstairs cabin. Dorothy is fully enclosed, so you can enjoy the scenery whatever Auckland’s weather brings.

Wine tasting at Heron’s Flight

Our first stop is Heron’s Flight, a boutique Matakana vineyard specialising in the Italian grape varieties Sangiovese and Dolcetto.
Enjoy a hosted tasting and discover wines with a distinctive local story. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious to try something different, it’s an inviting introduction to Matakana wine country.
Any bottles you choose to purchase are at your own expense.

Lunch and free time at Matakana Country Park

Next, we visit Matakana Country Park for a light lunch and an included drink at Smiths.
After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the estate. Browse boutique shops, discover local art, take photographs or simply relax and soak up the country atmosphere. Individual activities and additional purchases are at your own expense.

Sculptureum’s outdoor sculpture garden

Our final stop is Sculptureum, where you’ll explore the included outdoor sculpture garden, discovering artworks set among landscaped surroundings.
You’ll also enjoy an included drink and a gourmet food sample from Rothko’s kitchen.
Our tour includes the sculpture garden only out front of the venue. Admission to Sculptureum’s indoor galleries and back garden are not included.

A relaxed return to Auckland

Then it’s back aboard Dorothy for the journey home. With the driving taken care of, you’re free to relax and enjoy the final stretch of your Matakana day out.

What’s included

• Return transport from central Auckland aboard Dorothy

• Scenic journey north via the Ōrewa coast

• Hosted wine tasting at Heron’s Flight

• Light lunch and one drink at Smiths

• Free time at Matakana Country Park

• Admission to the included Sculptureum outdoor sculpture garden

• One drink and a gourmet food sample at Sculptureum

What’s not included

• Sculptureum’s indoor galleries

• Additional food and drinks

• Wine purchases, shopping and souvenirs

• Optional activities at Matakana Country Park

Before you travel

Departure point: Outside Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, Customs Street East. Please follow the departure time and joining instructions supplied with your booking.
Duration: Full day. (7-8 hurs depending on traffic)
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a weather-appropriate layer, sun protection and your camera. Part of the experience takes place outdoors.
Dietary requirements: Please advise us when booking so we can discuss arrangements with our venue partners.
Non-drinkers: Non-alcoholic alternatives can be arranged. Please let us know when booking.
Access: Dorothy is a historic vehicle with steps to board and stairs to the upper deck. Please contact us before booking if you have mobility or access requirements.
Private groups: Planning a birthday, staff outing or special occasion? Contact Vintage Views about a private Matakana departure.