Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 09-412 6454;
www.thetastingshed.co.nz
;
609 SH16; dishes $5-24; 4-10pm Wed & Thu, noon-11pm Fri-Sun)
Complementing its rural aspect with rustic chic decor, this slick eatery conjures up deli-
cious dishes designed to be shared. It's not strictly tapas, as the menu strays from Spain,
and appropriates flavours from Asia, the Middle East, Croatia, Serbia, Italy and France.
Hallertau
( 09-412 5555;
www.hallertau.co.nz
;
1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Hwy, Riverhead; shared plates $11-15, mains
$24-31; 11am-midnight)
Hallertau offers tasting paddles ($14) of its craft beers served on a
vine-covered terrace edging the restaurant. Regular guest beers, good food, and occasional
weekend DJs and live music make it very popular with Auckland's hopheads.
BREWERY
Soljans Estate
(
www.soljans.co.nz
;
366 SH16; mains $19-33; tastings 9am-5.30pm, cafe 9.30am-3pm)
One of the pioneer-
ing Croat-Kiwi family vineyards, Soljans has a wonderful cafe offering brunch,
Dalmatian-style squid and Vintner's platters crammed with Mediterranean treats.
WINERY
Riverhead
(
www.theriverhead.co.nz
;
cnr Queen & York Sts, Riverhead; mains $20-31; 11am-late Mon-Fri, 10am-late Sat &
Sun)
A blissful terrace, shaded by oak trees and overlooking the river, makes this 1857
hotel a memorable drink stop, even if the menu doesn't quite live up to its gastropub am-
bitions. Make a day of it, with a boat cruise (
Click here
)
from the city to the pub's own
jetty.
PUB
Kumeu River
(
www.kumeuriver.co.nz
;
550 SH16; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm Sat)
Owned by the Brajkovich fam-
ily, this winery produces one of NZ's best chardonnays, among other varietals.
WINERY
Coopers Creek
(
www.cooperscreek.co.nz
;
601 SH16, Huapai; 10.30am-5.30pm)
Buy a bottle, spread out a picnic in
the attractive gardens and, from January to Easter, enjoy Sunday afternoon jazz sessions.
WINERY
Getting There & Away
From central Auckland, Kumeu is 25km up the Northwestern Motorway (SH16).
Helensville-bound buses head here from Lower Albert St (adult/child $7.90/4.50, 50
minutes), but you'll really need a car or bike to get around.
