Romantic Auckland Sunset Tour with Winery and Thermal Pool
A six-hour journey through West Coast scenery, heritage wine country, and mineral-rich hot springs
This Auckland sunset tour combines a winery dinner, a black-sand beach at golden hour, and a thermal pool soak into a single, unhurried evening that requires nothing from you except showing up.
The Hunting Lodge winery carries genuine historical weight as the birthplace of New Zealand's original Sauvignon Blanc vines and the former country retreat of the Kerr-Taylor family. Dinner and wine tasting here are included, so you can focus on the stories rather than the bill.
Muriwai Beach on the West Coast offers a raw, cinematic backdrop as daylight fades over the Tasman Sea. Black sand, crashing waves, and the slow burn of a Pacific sunset make for photographs that rarely need a filter.
The evening closes at Palm Spring thermal pools, where mineral-rich water does the work of unwinding muscles and clearing the mind before the ferry crossing back into the lit Auckland skyline from Devonport.
Tour Highlights
Soak in warm, mineral-rich thermal pools at Palm Spring after a day of sightseeing.
Explore the historic Hunting Lodge estate, home to New Zealand's original Sauvignon Blanc vines.
Watch the sun drop into the Tasman Sea from the dramatic black-sand shore of Muriwai Beach.
Enjoy a full winery dinner and wine tasting with all food and drink costs included.
Cross the harbour by ferry from Devonport for a panoramic night view of the Auckland skyline.
Capture sweeping coastal silhouettes and, on clear nights, a possible glimpse of the Milky Way.
Itinerary
1
The Hunting Lodge Winery
Arrive at one of West Auckland's most storied wine estates, where history is woven into every row of vines. Sit down to a included dinner paired with wines from the property's own cellar and hear how this land shaped New Zealand viticulture.
2
Muriwai Beach at Sunset
Head to the rugged West Coast as the light shifts. The black sand of Muriwai and the spray off the Tasman Sea create a backdrop that changes by the minute as the sun descends toward the horizon.
3
Palm Spring Thermal Pools
Slip into naturally heated, mineral-rich water surrounded by native bush. The pools are specifically designed for relaxation, and the contrast between the cool evening air and the warm water is immediately restorative.
4
Devonport Ferry Crossing
Board the ferry at Devonport for the short harbour crossing into the city. The Auckland skyline seen from the water at night, with its lights reflected across the harbour, is a fitting and unhurried close to the evening.
What Is Included
Included
Winery dinner at The Hunting Lodge
Wine tasting with all drinks included
Thermal pool entry at Palm Spring
Transport throughout the tour
Sunset viewing at Muriwai Beach
Ferry crossing from Devonport
Professional guide throughout
Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Travel insurance
Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure this tour is the right fit for your needs and physical condition.
Duration
The full tour runs for approximately 6 hours from the meeting point departure to the final ferry arrival in Auckland City.
What to Bring
Bring a towel and swimwear for the thermal pools, a light jacket for the beach in the evening, and a camera for the sunset. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are outlined at the time of booking. Please review the policy before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
This tour is rated Easy. Some sections of Muriwai Beach involve walking on uneven sand. Guests with limited mobility should contact the operator before booking to discuss suitability.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for adults of all ages. Wine tasting is available to guests of legal drinking age in New Zealand, which is 18 years and older.
Ready to Book Your Evening in Auckland?
Secure your place on this sunset, winery, and thermal pool experience before availability closes for your chosen date.
Are food and drinks really included in the tour price? ▼
Yes. Dinner at The Hunting Lodge winery and the accompanying wine tasting are fully covered. There are no additional charges for the meal or the drinks served during the winery portion of the tour.
Do I need to bring my own towel for the thermal pools? ▼
Yes, guests should bring their own towel and swimwear for the Palm Spring thermal pool visit. If you are uncertain about what to pack, contact the operator after booking for a full packing list.
What happens if the weather is poor on the evening of the tour? ▼
The winery dinner and thermal pool sections of the tour proceed regardless of weather. In the event of very poor conditions at Muriwai Beach, the guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly and keep the group informed.
Is the ferry crossing from Devonport included in the tour? ▼
Yes. The Devonport ferry crossing forms part of the included tour itinerary and provides a night view of the Auckland CBD skyline as the final segment of the evening.
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? ▼
Yes. The winery dinner is fully enjoyable without consuming alcohol. Non-alcoholic options are available, and the history, setting, and meal itself are the primary focus of the stop.
Will we definitely see the Milky Way during the tour? ▼
The Milky Way is visible only under specific conditions including clear skies, low light pollution, and the right time of year. The operator notes it as a possibility rather than a guarantee.
This tour operates across three distinct locations in the greater Auckland region of New Zealand's North Island. The Hunting Lodge winery is situated in the Waimauku area of West Auckland, a recognized wine-growing zone approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Auckland CBD. Muriwai Beach is a west-facing black-sand beach on the Tasman Sea coastline, known for its gannet colony and dramatic surf conditions. Palm Spring thermal pools provide a geothermally heated bathing facility in the West Auckland area. The tour concludes with a Waitemata Harbour ferry crossing from the historic Devonport village on the North Shore, arriving at the Auckland Ferry Terminal in the city centre. This itinerary covers a broad geographic arc of the Auckland region, offering participants exposure to both the wild West Coast landscape and the urban harbour front within a single evening.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand | Region: West Auckland and Waitemata Harbour | Experience Type: Sunset Tour, Winery Dinner, Thermal Pool, Coastal Sightseeing | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 6 Hours | Suitable For: Couples, Romantics, Relaxation Seekers, Wine Enthusiasts | Key Landmarks: The Hunting Lodge, Muriwai Beach, Palm Spring Thermal Pools, Devonport Ferry Terminal | Season: Year-Round
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