Volcanic Hills Winery

Fancy drinking locally made wines with a view of Mokoia Island in the background? Yes, we thought so — you best make your way up the gondola to visit Volcanic Hills Winery. The tasting room set up high on the hill has become a renowned place to settle in for a few hours and enjoy the peace of a contemporary space where drinking wine for lunch is actively encouraged. Pair it with an antipasto platter, cheese board or bread and dips and take the time to try a variety of wine you might otherwise shy away from.

Grapes are delivered from the best wine-growing regions around the country and transformed into their respective drops once they make it to Rotorua. You won’t find Volcanic Hills products at any old supermarket either, and that’s because the boutique spot is happy for the tasting to be a niche experience that happens under the guidance of their super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Send the young ones off to the luge and sit back on the luxe leather couches while you sip a glass of wine and enjoy the restful environment — there’s no rush to leave this spot and there’s plenty of tasting to do after all.