Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Auckland's main wine-producing area still has some vineyards owned by the ori-
ginal Croatian families who kick-started NZ's wine industry. The fancy eateries that have
mushroomed in recent years have done little to dint the relaxed farmland feel to the re-
gion, but everything to encourage an afternoon's indulgence on the way back from the
beach or the hot pools. Most cellars offer free tastings.
Eating & Drinking
Tasting Shed
TAPAS $$$
( 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 delicious 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
BREWERY
( 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.
Soljans Estate
WINERY
(
www.soljans.co.nz
; 366 SH16; mains $19-33; tastings 9am-5.30pm, cafe 9.30am-3pm)
One of
the pioneering Croat-Kiwi family vineyards, Soljans has a wonderful cafe offering
brunch, Dalmatian-style squid and Vintner's platters crammed with Mediterranean treats.
Riverhead
PUB
(
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 ambitions. Make a day of it, with a boat cruise (
Click here
)
from the city to
the pub's own jetty.
Kumeu River
WINERY
