Australia & New Zealand | Destination Guides

The Kerikeri Vineyards in the Bay of Islands

Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 03:25 pm

Consisting of more than 140 subtropical isles, the Bay of Islands are an enticing diversion from New Zealand’s North Island, drawing people in with their natural beauty, heritage and outstanding local cuisine. No one place epitomises this more than the small historical town of Kerikeri. In addition to being a centre for artisanal produce, the town and its surrounding land are becoming increasingly known for the boutique wineries that lie amidst flourishing vineyards.

Between Kerikeri’s white sand shores, historic monuments and lush scenery, with the cascading Rainbow Falls also close by, grapes are cultivated by an enclave of family-run wineries, which each offer intimate cellar door tastings and scenic vineyard tours.

Kerikeri Vineyards

Far from being a new phenomenon, Kerikeri’s wine scene has roots dating back to the early 1800s. It was at this time that local Maori chief Hongi Hika allowed European missionaries to stay on the island. New Zealand’s oldest standing European buildings, the Stone Store and Mission House, were built in Kerikeri by these missionaries, and can still be visited today. It was Reverend Marsden who led the first missionaries here, a man who is believed to have planted New Zealand’s first grapevines. His good work was then continued by British resident James Busby, who went on to plant vines he’d collected from France and Spain. Today, wine is produced on a number of boutique estates in and around Kerikeri, garnering awards for their most outstanding vintages.

Kerikeri Vineyards

Named after the missionary who started grape cultivation here, Marsten Estate Winery lies just outside the small town, producing wine from their own grapes, as well as for other local vineyards. Tours of the estate’s verdant vineyards and tastings of the award-winning wines are there for the taking, with an onsite restaurant serving up regional, locally sourced cuisine. After taking a look around, tuck into seasonal plates in the courtyard dining space, while looking out across the estate’s lake and vines.

One of the estates whose wines are made by Marsten is Pukeko Vineyard. Owned by Kel and Chris Mowat, Pukeko produces Syrah, Pinot Gris and Chambourcin grape varietals, which thrive in the region’s rich soil. Tastings of their wines are given at the vineyard’s Cellar Door.

Kerikeri Vineyards

Drawing people in for its award-winning labels is Cottle Hill Winery, which owners Michael and Barbara Webb started in 1996 after falling in love with Kerikeri (having sailed to New Zealand from San Diego). Join a tasting session at the winery while looking out across the vineyards from its hillside vantage point.

Family-run Ake Ake Vineyard organically cultivates grape varietals such as Chambourcin, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Chardonnay, Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc. The bistro-style restaurant here, which is situated amidst the vines, has become known for its exceptional seasonal cuisine, with dishes like crumbed nobashi prawns, seafood chowder and cocoa-dusted venison sirloin. Visitors are welcomed in for wine tastings, as well as to set out along a signposted Vineyard Trail.

Kerikeri Vineyards

Another intimate wine cellar to step into is at Kapiro Vineyard, where visitors can taste the vineyard’s own sweet Pinot Gris, a light blush Merlot rosรฉ, or a Syrah for notes of dark berries and spice. And, while you’re in Kerikeri, drop by the boutique chocolate factory Makana โ€“ which is set up in the style of a winery cellar door โ€“ to see how the chocolate is made and taste some of their moreish handmade truffles.

As these vineyards and wineries reflect Kerikeri’s heritage, natural riches and vibrant local life, what better way could there be to discover this small town and its surrounding land.

Visit the Kerikeri wine region by joining the Northern Discovery, Northern Discovery including Farmstay, Best of New Zealand, and Best of New Zealand including Farmstay trips with Trafalgar.

Image credits: Cover photo ยฉย iStock / dane-mo. An aerial view of the Bay of Islands ยฉย iStock / George Clerk. The waterfall in Kerikeri ยฉย iStock / Irina88w. Theย Stone Store ยฉ Flickr / Julie. The Kerikeri countryside ยฉย Flickr / Florian Bugiel.

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