Auckland
Auckland
With a third of the national population, Auckland is New Zealand's major city, spread over a narrow isthmus that enjoys a moderate subtropical climate and vibrant cityscape. Vineyards are scattered around the north and south of the city, with Matakana in the north and Kumeu in the north-west the most famous vineyard areas. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are all grown here, in varying quantities. Many of the first vines in the region were planted in Kumeu with the arrival of Dalmatian settlers in the late 1800s, and the family names of some of these pioneering winemakers are still associated with many of New Zealand's biggest wineries. Half-an-hour by ferry east of the city in the Hauraki Gulf, the laid-back island of Waiheke has its own microclimate, and much lower rainfall than the mainland with longer sunshine hours. Vineyards here have found success producing dark, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot while bottles of beautiful, inky Syrah and full-flavoured Chardonnay are worth seeking out.
