About Us
“We love taking trips around the country exploring the history of the area and when we told our friends we were coming to Waimauku, they laughed. But this area is so beautiful and rich in Maori and European history, they were shocked when we told them. We love the collections of artifacts around the property and in the cottages. It is very special. Thank you.” Dennis and Lois Nash
.Your Hosts
Barry White and Elle Armon-Jones
Run by husband and wife team Elle Armon-Jones and Barry White, Vineyard Cottages is a delightful haven just 35 mins from Auckland CBD. Elle is also the owner of The Big Foody Food Tours, and has worked in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the UK, Europe and New Zealand for over 20 years.
Along with the human, canine and feline crew, they welcome you to Vineyard Cottages.
History
North West Auckland
The North West Auckland Region is rich in farming, growing and fishing history with many of the early settlers creating their wealth in the felling of the thick Kauri forests and exporting the timber out through the Kaipara Harbour. The plot of land where Vineyard Cottages sits once belonged to Auckland businessman Allan Kerr-Taylor. Kerr-Taylor purchased 1000 acres in the Waikoukou Valley. A keen hunter and well known for his social events, he built a property that went onto be The Hunting Lodge restaurant.
Vineyard Cottages was orginally built by New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc pioneer Bill Spence and his wife Eileen. The property was part of the block of land Bill and brother Ross established as Matua Vineyards.
Today Vineyard Cottages is a popular destination for those wanting to have an Auckland staycation, romantic night away or attending local weddings.
What To Do In The Area
Food and Wine Tours
If you’re a foodie and love exploring through your taste buds, check out our sister company The Big Foody Food Tours . Vineyard Cottages owner Elle has run The Big Foody since 2011 and loves to show off the producers, artisans, growers and providores in the area.
Vineyard Cottages can provide local wine and beer tours for you too.
Pubs
The historic Riverhead Tavern and Hallertau are the closest pubs and bars.
Restaurants
The closest restaurant to Vineyard Cottages is a three minute walk across the vineyard to The Hunting Lodge. The restaurant is open from Wednesday Night to Sunday Afternoon. The lawn bar at The Hunting Lodge provides platters and quick snacks.
Hallertau Brewery is a 10 minute drive from Vineyard Cottages and has fantastic food.
The Woodsman in Kumeu is one of our favourite eateries in the area. Fun, local, family eating.
The Tasting Shed is fantastic for all occasions. We highly recommend you book if you are coming to stay. We are happy to drop you down to the restaurant and they will (on arrangement) bring you back to Vineyard Cottages.
Sight Seeing
Vineyard Cottages is in one of the most beautiful areas in the Auckland region. Muriwai Beach has magical black sands and huge surf waves. The Kaipara Harbour is the largest of the three Auckland Harbours. Ask for our “scenic highlights” guide on check in.
Outdoor & Adventure
Muriwai Beach, Riverhead and Woodhill Forrests have a multitude of activities including golf, mountain biking, surf school, hiking, orienteering and much more.
Day Trips
From Vineyard Cottages, you can easily reach Warkworth, Matakana, The North Shore, Auckland City and Waiheke Island for day trips. Ask us when you check in for some day trip ideas.
Art & Culture
On State Highway 16 heading towards Wellsford we are very lucky to have Gibbs Farm and the Kaipara Sculpture Gardens within 30 mins of Vineyard Cottages.
The North West region has some fabulous galleries and artists based in the region. Ask us when you check in what is on and feel free to check out the art work of local artist Donna Massey that hangs around the lodge.
In the VC shop we have a number of local art and crafts for sale.
Relaxation and Wellness
There are a number of local pilates, yoga and meditation classes. Please ask us for recommendations on check in.
We can arrange a mobile spa to visit your cottage during you stay. Treatments include hot stone massage, reiki and reflexology.
Checkin & Checkout
Check in is from 2pm. We respectfully ask you to vacate the cottage by 10am unless . you have one of our late check out packages.
While we do our very best to accomodate early check ins, we are only able to offer them if the cottage is vacant the night before. Please enquire on reservation.
Cancellation Policy
Outside 90 days prior No Charge
90-31 days prior $150.00 transaction fee
30-14 days prior 50% charge for the room nights cancelled
Inside 14 days 100% charge for the room nights cancelled
Reviews
“See you again next month!”
Rees, Carla and Tom
Stay in Auckland’s hidden gem
Local food, local produce and freshly roasted coffee
“We loved our Vineyard Cottages welcome platter so much, our friends are bored of us talking about it!”