Bay of Islands Wine & Craft Beer Tour – Guided Vineyard Tastings from Paihia
Updated: 15 th June 2026
An Afternoon of Northland Wine, Food and Craft Beer
Northland’s warm subtropical climate produces distinctive wines unlike anywhere else in New Zealand, making the Bay of Islands an unexpectedly rewarding destination for food and wine lovers.
Discover the flavours of Northland on this relaxed Bay of Islands Wine & Craft Beer Tour. Departing from Paihia and Kerikeri, you’ll visit two of the region’s boutique wineries, enjoy a delicious platter lunch overlooking the vines, and finish the day with craft beer tastings at a local brewery. With a maximum of just 11 guests, this small-group experience offers a friendly and personalised way to sample some of Northland’s finest food and drink.
Departing from Paihia and Kerikeri
Your afternoon begins with convenient pickups from the Paihia i-SITE at 1:30 pm and the BP Service Station in Kerikeri at 2:00 pm. Travelling in a comfortable small-group vehicle with a maximum of 11 passengers, you’ll enjoy a relaxed journey through the beautiful Bay of Islands countryside as your local guide shares insights into the region’s history, vineyards and artisan producers.
At the end of the tour, we’ll return you to your original pickup location or accommodation in Paihia or Kerikeri, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Bay of Islands Wine, Food & Craft Beer Experience
Marsden Estate Winery & Vineyard Lunch Platter
Your afternoon begins at Marsden Estate, one of Northland’s most celebrated wineries. Named after Samuel Marsden, who planted New Zealand’s first grapevines in nearby Kerikeri in 1819, the estate combines local history with award-winning wines. Settle into the picturesque courtyard overlooking the lake and surrounding vines as you enjoy a guided wine tasting accompanied by a generous shared platter lunch featuring a selection of local flavours. Alongside classic favourites such as Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris, you may also discover rare varietals including Pinotage and Chambourcin – wines seldom found elsewhere in New Zealand. (Dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please advise at the time of booking.)
Sovrano Estate Cellar Door Experience
The journey continues to Sovrano Estate, one of Kerikeri’s most distinctive cellar door experiences. Founded by the Loggia family, whose roots trace back to Sicily and northern Italy, Sovrano brings authentic Italian character to the Bay of Islands. Sample their latest wine releases while hearing the family’s story of bringing generations of winemaking tradition to Northland. The welcoming cellar door team guide you through each tasting, offering a more intimate and personal experience that reflects the passion and hospitality behind this boutique family-owned vineyard.
PhatHouse Brewing Co., Haruru Falls
Your final stop offers a completely different atmosphere. PhatHouse Brewing Co. in nearby Haruru Falls is a relaxed, welcoming brewery where every beer is brewed on-site using natural ingredients and served unfiltered, unpasteurised and preservative free. Choose up to four tastings from a rotating range of craft beers and ciders, from crisp lagers and pilsners to hoppy pale ales and seasonal favourites. It’s the perfect way to round off an afternoon of discovering Northland’s local flavours before returning to Paihia or Kerikeri.
Times: 1:30 pm From Paihia & 2:00 pm BP Kerikeri
On selected days
Price: $220 pp
Small Groups: 11 passengers max.
Tour Duration: Approx 4 Hours ex Paihia
Why Choose Mullarkey Wine Tours?
At Mullarkey Wine Tours, we believe the best experiences are personal, relaxed and full of memorable moments. With a maximum of just 11 guests, you’ll enjoy an intimate afternoon discovering some of Northland’s finest producers, guided by locals who are passionate about sharing the stories behind every glass.
✔ Expert Local Guides – Learn about Northland’s winemaking heritage, artisan producers and the unique character of the Bay of Islands from knowledgeable guides who know the region well.
✔ Carefully Curated Tastings – We’ve selected three distinctive stops to showcase the diversity of Northland’s food and drink scene, from award-winning wines and boutique limoncello to handcrafted local beers.
✔ Comfortable Small-Group Travel – Sit back and relax in our air-conditioned vehicle as you journey through the beautiful Bay of Islands countryside.
✔ A Personalised Experience – Smaller groups mean a more friendly and flexible tour where your enjoyment always comes first.
✔ Memories to Savour – More than just a tasting tour, this is an opportunity to connect with local producers, discover hidden gems and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Award-winning wines and a shared vineyard platter, boutique family-owned cellar door experiences, and locally brewed craft beer – all in one relaxed Bay of Islands afternoon.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious to discover Northland’s vibrant food and drink scene, this tour offers the perfect blend of flavour, hospitality and local character.
LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH - WINE
CONTACT US:
Phone: 0800 121 652 Email: [email protected]
Bay of Islands Wine Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a guided wine tour instead of driving yourself?
A guided tour allows everyone in your group to fully enjoy the wine and craft beer tastings without worrying about driving. With transport, tastings, lunch and local knowledge all taken care of, you can simply relax and enjoy Northland’s boutique wineries and brewery while someone else does the driving.
How much does the tour cost and what is included in the price?
The tour costs NZD $220 per person and lasts approximately four hours from Paihia. The price includes wine tastings at two boutique wineries, up to four craft beer tastings at PhatHouse Brewing Co., a shared vineyard platter lunch, transport, and all guided experiences.
What does the Bay of Islands Wine, Food & Craft Beer Experience include?
The experience includes visits to two boutique wineries, a generous shared platter lunch overlooking the vines, and craft beer tastings at PhatHouse Brewing Co. The tour also includes convenient pickups from the Paihia i-SITE at 1:30 pm and the Kerikeri BP Service Station at 2:00 pm, comfortable small-group transport for a maximum of 11 guests, and return transfers to your original pickup point or accommodation in Paihia or Kerikeri.
Can dietary requirements and food allergies be catered for?
Vegetarian and gluten-free options can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking.
Where does the tour depart from and what time does it start?
The tour departs from the Paihia i-SITE at 1:30 pm and the Kerikeri BP Service Station at 2:00 pm. Following the tastings and lunch, guests are returned to their original pickup location or accommodation in Paihia or Kerikeri.
Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Depending on your ship’s schedule, this afternoon tour may not be suitable for all Bay of Islands cruise visitors, as many vessels require passengers to be back on board by late afternoon. Please check your ship’s arrival and departure times before booking.
Which stops are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes Marsden Estate for guided wine tastings and a shared platter lunch, Sovrano Estate for a boutique cellar-door wine experience, and PhatHouse Brewing Co. at Haruru Falls, where guests can enjoy up to four craft beer tastings.
Is lunch included on the tour?
Yes. A generous shared platter lunch is included at Marsden Estate and is enjoyed in the winery’s picturesque courtyard overlooking the lake and surrounding vineyards.
Is this tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
Absolutely. While the tour celebrates Northland’s wine culture, the final stop at PhatHouse Brewing Co. offers a selection of locally brewed craft beers and ciders. Many guests also enjoy the scenery, food, and stories behind the region’s artisan producers.
Why choose Mullarkey Wine Tours for this experience?
Mullarkey Wine Tours offers expert local guides, carefully curated tastings at three distinctive stops, comfortable small-group travel, and a personalised experience with a maximum of 11 guests. More than just a tasting tour, it’s an opportunity to connect with local producers and experience the hospitality of the Bay of Islands.
How many people are on the tour?
To ensure a relaxed and personalised experience, group sizes are limited to a maximum of 11 guests.