The Village Winery is a richly stocked liquor store that was originally a working winery. Now they…read morestock a large selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines, along with a selection from France, Chile and Spain. They also provide port, whiskey and some boutique beers. The staff are obviously very experienced, if a bit reserved, but offered bread and dipping oil while I was browsing. Another exciting aspect of the business is the upstairs tasting room, which you can receive invitation to via their newsletter, be it for wine or whiskey tasting or an exhibition they may have on. And the bus stops directly outside.

I normally wouldn't write about a chain wine store, but I want to write about a series of…read moreexperiences I had at Glengarry Parnell in 2012. I used to head in there once or twice a week in the evenings to get wine, and was always greeted by a staff member (whose name I can't unfortunately remember) who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He was a tall long drink of water and a dab hand at finding the right wine for me - he taught me how to enjoy different notes in the wines I was drinking, and after a few visits to the store, I got a little bit more adventurous and got out of my comfort (Sauvignon Blanc) zone and tried a few Rieslings, unoaked Chardonnays and even a Gewurztraminer. I've been back to the store a couple of times this year and haven't seen him. I hope he hasn't moved on, but if he has, I hope Glengarry Parnell has replaced him with a few equally knowledgeable and helpful staff!

This is a beautiful winery! We visited Waiheke on our honeymoon and stayed overnight, and our…read moreAirbnb host recommended this vineyard as well as Mudbrick, so we visited both. Tantalus was the better of the two by far. The atmosphere is amazing; the grounds are landscaped beautifully and the decor inside is cozy but also incredibly modern. I would hire their interior designer for my home if I could! We had a great lunch sharing both the duck and lamb rump. The food tasted delicious but light, and we had very attentive and friendly service. Moving on to the wine tasting, our server was really friendly and knowledgeable. We both tasted the reserve reds and took home a bottle of Evoque 2014, and my hubby got himself a polo shirt as well. The only downside is everything was quite pricey, and we saw the Evoque for sale at several stores in town for $10NZ less, but oh well! When in Rome, right? Plus, we really enjoyed everything about this place.

This place is very appealing visually. I did the reserve wine tasting, which should have been the…read morebest of the best, but they were merely okay, unfortunately. Their reserve syrah had a VERY off-flavor to it. We brought this up to the server, and he quickly ran off to check with someone. When he returned, he said something like "oh, that's the typical floral something or other". We've experienced this before, and it turned out then that the cork was bad. This was likely the same situation. At the very least, I would have expected Tantalus to pour another taster for us to make sure there was nothing wrong with the first pour. That didn't happen though. The reserve chardonnay was good.

When talking with beer people about the Auckland Beer Mile, one place listed rarely came up as…read morerecommended but it ended up being one of the best dining and beer experiences of my entire trip. Galbraith's Alehouse is a brewery, pub, and restaurant all wrapped up into one. It's on Mt. Eden and just a quick walk from many other excellent beer places - don't skip this one. The exterior looks like a historic meeting house; inside feels like an English pub with high ceilings, wood door and glass windows, carpet, and a big old bar. On entering to the left is the bar and restaurant area, to the right is the working brewery, restrooms, and quieter tables for those interested in conversation over whatever is playing on TV. The night I came I was so excited to see their tap list of their own beers, all with a traditional focus on British styles and serving methods. They had two tasting trays listed, one all their hand pull cask styles, and one of their more popular contemporary styles like IPAs on draft. For those from the USA reading, hand pull casks are served more close to room temperature using gravity or muscle power to pump the beer, it's not the effervescent beer you're used to but the soft mouthfeel imparts different flavors. I absolutely loved getting to try four different styles all done in this method. The staff here were extremely friendly, happy to explain their beer and business, and always checking on me. I sat at the bar as that night a World Cup match was on and it was loud and exciting inside. I ordered their shepherd's pie which was one of the best meals I ate on my entire trip - especially soul warming on a cold and rainy evening outside. Following my meal and cask ales, I ordered the contemporary flight and loved all those beers as well. Everything was well made and delicious. I also appreciated not being chased out immediately after they closed - a few people like me quietly finished our drinks before heading out. If you're in Auckland for beer or exploring the Beer Mile, this is a must-visit place; come hungry and thirsty.

The former Grafton Library makes a gorgeous pub full of character…read more My partner loved his craft beer "DOUBLE DRY HOPPED HAZY HAZY PALE ALE", describes it was wet and tangy lol. I usually drink Sol, Corona or white wine. The Bar staff recommended for I try "HEIDELBERGER PREMIUM GERMAN PILSNER" and found it very tasty!

Spotted a banner stating oldest brewery in Auckland from my hotel room window... Well, say no more,…read moreI am on it. Especially since I was hungry from travel anyway. I didn't quite understand the set up, but there seems to be a brewery on the ground floor and a restaurant upstairs and a hotel too? Since I was still in my travel clothes, I decided to just stay in the brewery part. Ordered a nice cold beer and fish and chips. Now I have read the other reviews and I must say, I liked the beer, the bar tender was helpful and friendly and I did not have to pay as I went. The fish and chips I received were the best of my life. A huge portion, lightly breaded, fried crisp, the fish in the middle nice and moist. Crinkle fries along with it, also done very nicely. There was a small serving of salad that came with it and that too was delicious. House made tartar sauce and a side of lemon. I found it to be a delight.

One of those things we came to do just cuz, AND it was conveniently located across from our hotel…read more Their beers brewed in house aren't bad, pretty decent. What I HATE when it comes to pubs (now anyways lol) is a pay as you go format. Maybe it's because they're worried about people skipping out on their checks. I've never come across a pub where you pay as you go. Or maybe this is just something that's common in New Zealand? Anyways, it's got a weirdly old yet modernish feel. Like it feels like they are trying to maintain their old feel but the vibe just doesn't match. They have typical bar food like burgers, fries and fish & chips. I must say though that their fries (chips) are well executed. Thick cut, crisp on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, paired with a nice aioli.

Day was beautiful. Had a tasting out on their patio…read more This was our 4th wine tasting in the same day, I was feeling pretty spent from the wine tastings from the 3 vineyards before. I did tiny sips and wasn't ingesting anymore liquids down, only tasting them. It's a nice vineyard. Since I had so much to tastes by the last stop. I was feeling pretty mellow and chilled. I just sat under the protection of the shading on the patio and watched everyone else continue their tastings. My friend was still going strong. I was out. I spent the rest of the wine tour hour taking in the vineyard estate.

Obsidian was our first stop in New Zealand off the plane from the US…read more We landed in Auckland at dawn, dropped our bags at our hotel, boarded the Waiheke ferry, took the bus to Onetangi, walked the length of the beach, hiked up the hill, and found our way to the cellar door. All you need to know about the wine is that it was worth that effort. The winery is situated in a hollow (American for small valley) and housed in a Quonset hut. We enjoyed our tasting on a shaded outdoor patio. Our hosts were friendly, which in New Zealand is basically assumed. Obsidian is perhaps the most remote of the Onetangi wineries, which made it the perfect place to start our day. We spent the rest of the day working our way back toward the main road - stopping at Casita Miro and Te Motu - before catching the bus back on Onetangi Rd. back to Oneroa and the ferry.

I love love love Poderi Crisci…read more Situated on Waiheke Island, about a 25 minute drive from Kennedy Point Wharf, you will find Poderi Crisci, a vineyard and Italian restaurant owned and run by Antonio Crisci and his family. Surrounded by rolling hills and immaculate gardens, together with a stunning setting including an Italian style kitchen, displays of Italian cheeses and cured meats, and copper pots and utensils, you will feel like you are in Tuscany. I dined here for my birthday with my family and it was a very memorable meal... and day overall. Everything was exquisite - from the surrounds and views, to the alfresco dining and beautiful food and wine. The service is also very welcoming, professional and friendly. For starters, we enjoyed a glass of prosecco, accompanied by three platters, all of which were beautifully presented and each dish was savoured: - Pane & Olio (selection of homemade grissini, Italian inspired bread and olives with Poderi Crisci olive oil) - Contorni (selection of Antipasti style side dishes, including free range egg frittata, braised capsicums with smoked olives, chargrilled eggplant and garden zucchinis) - Affetato (traditional Italian selection of cured meats, Mozzarella cheese, olives, grissini and truffle paste) For the main course, I loved their Gnocchi alla Norma - Homemade potato gnocchi with buffalo mozzarella, garden eggplant, cherry tomatoes and basil. It was dreamy and melt in your mouth. My parents also enjoyed their mains, which included the Agnello - Hawke's Bay lamb rump served with potato and sage, zucchini, garlic sauce and jus and the Salmone Marinato - Home-marinated King Salmon served with almond and rocket pesto, mustard dressing and garden herb salad. And of course, dessert. You simply cannot dine at an Italian restaurant without ordering tiramisu. I think Poderi Crisci makes the most superb Tiramisu in all of the land - think Savoiardi sponge fingers with espresso and Italian liqueur, layered with mascarpone sabayon and dusted with rich dark cocoa powder. Dreamy...! And the best part? It arrived at our table with a lit candle, while all the staff sang 'Happy Birthday'. The Tiramisu was divine and it made for a very memorable lunch and birthday. Food aside, service was excellent - the waiters were attentive, welcoming and very knowledgeable about the menu and wine. I would happily re-visit Poderi Crisci in a heartbeat... and I think you should too! Note: If you can't get over to Waiheke, head to Non Solo Pizza (NSP) in Parnell as it shares the same owners as Poderi Crisci. Their food is heaven.

Honestly. I was shock....I went because I check some reviews in Yelp. I am not a fan of Italian…read more Because I always feel the food doesn't really fill the stomach hahaha. Anyway I am amazed by the food and wine they offer in here. The only think I needed to complaint is 1. The road to drive in is terribly bumpy 2. The Menu we toke is dirty as now the COVID-19 Pandemic we are very caution of anything we touch ! But the food the service and the environment will melt you and the love one you bring along :) just go and you won't regret

My wife and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary by…read morecatching the Sea Link car ferry from Half Moon Bay Marina to Waiheke. I had never thought of Waiheke as a weekend break let alone holiday destination. We stayed at the Cross Trees Chalet, conveniently located in the property adjacent to the Te Whau Estate. After two weeks of windy, rainy and cold weather, we were blessed to have clear, still weather on this jaunt. Arriving at Te Whau, we were stunned at the view. The restaurant is located atop a hill, and looks down at its vineyard. Across the small inlet, one can see the Kennedy Point Ferry terminal. And what a marvellous view made all the more spectacular by the fading azure blue skies and the sun painting the skyline above Auckland City a burnished gold. Just spectacular. We started with the entree of Seared Kingfish and my wife had scallops. I can't really say much other than superb. For my main, I had Gnocchi wrapped in aubergine while my wife had the lamb. Again, both dishes were just superb. For dessert, I had a cheddar cheese with a glass of Semillon. My wife had the sticky date pudding. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to get the cheese platter because I just wanted more. The sticky date pudding was the best I have ever eaten in the world. The flat white (coffee) she had with it was the best flat white she'd ever had. And she can drink coffee! ;-) This has been the best dining experience I have had in a long time. The service was great. Tony and Moira have really set the bar high with their care and attention to detail. It's easy to see why they have done very well with awards over the years. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely stunning view of Auckland and Waiheke Island, with a fantastic restaurant and tasting…read moreroom. The quality of the food and wine is easily matched with amazing service. I arrived at 2.50pm for lunch, which ends at 3pm. They were more than willing to accommodate my needs, and served me a fantastic lunch of pork and pistachio terrine (see photo). I will be back next time I'm in Auckland!