The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant
The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant
The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant
4.5
Thursday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Our unique 80 acre estate is located just 35mins drive from the CBD in the heart of Auckland's wine country. With a Cellar Door & Lawn Bar, roaming gardens, event spaces and our Restaurant, as well as a fully functioning winery and bottling works, The Hunting Lodge has it all. The history of the Hunting Lodge goes back to 1868, so almost everyone in the area has a yarn from over the years. The current owners’ story goes back to the 1970’s, seeing their children grow up amongst the vines. They’re proud to be able to share this beautiful site with you and let the stories continue. So whether you choose to play petanque in the Family Zone surrounded by the olive grove and kids play area, or find a romantic spot amongst the vines, this vineyard garden is all about truly delicious wine and food that can be enjoyed in a backdrop that makes memories of any occasion.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
38
Average
16
Poor
9
Terrible
2
Lisa B
New Zealand220 contributions
Jan 2020
The Hunting lodge has several eating areas. I haven't been to the main restaurant but recently visited the lawn bar which offers pizza.
It is quite an unusual layout with one restaurant merging with another and so can be quite confusing.
When we visited it was a lovely sunny day and sitting on the lawn area having a pizza was quite pleasant. We live in the area and have tried almost all the restaurants around Waimauku. This was a little disappointing, to be honest as staff were less than tidy, friendly or fast even though it wasn't very busy. I would prefer to go to Hallertau for a relaxed atmosphere dining experience however will try the main restaurant to see if it stands up to its high rating. Overall a little disappointing. Quite noisy with kids running around and jumping in mud puddles but to be fair this is a parents duty to control, before staff.
It is quite an unusual layout with one restaurant merging with another and so can be quite confusing.
When we visited it was a lovely sunny day and sitting on the lawn area having a pizza was quite pleasant. We live in the area and have tried almost all the restaurants around Waimauku. This was a little disappointing, to be honest as staff were less than tidy, friendly or fast even though it wasn't very busy. I would prefer to go to Hallertau for a relaxed atmosphere dining experience however will try the main restaurant to see if it stands up to its high rating. Overall a little disappointing. Quite noisy with kids running around and jumping in mud puddles but to be fair this is a parents duty to control, before staff.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review. Its good to have constructive feedback like this and we apologize that your experience with us did not live up to your expectations. This has been raised with the Lawn Bar manager and can assure you that it will be addressed. In only our third year of operations, we're always looking for ways to improve.
For when you do decide to come in to the restaurant, please get in touch with our Head of Hospitality, Philip Stack, and he will look after you. You can reach him on philip.stack@thehuntinglodge.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Anna
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rick M
Auckland Central, New Zealand23 contributions
Feb 2020
I have dined several times at The Hunting Lodge for special occasions because it's a special place. Always expensive but exquisite food. Ironically the prices are lower now, but the menu choice and quality of food has been compromised. I used to savour the venison but was now limited to a lamb dish / steak / fish / seafood. The lamb was nicely cooked but came with a single long chip of some potato or other. A little more green and colour surely would be not too much to ask. Ambience is still the same, so is the service, pity about the limited menu...would rather pay more to get more.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Hanwright
Kumeu, New Zealand5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
A beautiful dining experience in a breathtaking setting. We chose the trust the chef option with wine pairing which was a great way to try a variety of items from the menu. The food was superb, and the wine pairing was very accurate and really highlighted the flavours in the dishes. The wait staff were friendly and knowledgeable, it was also great to have a discount when purchasing wine after dining. Highly recommend, very well priced for what was offered
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eve
5 contributions
Sept 2020
We came with huge expectations based on its history and prior experiences. The best part of our evening was our waiter who was very friendly and helpful. The small set price menu while it offered variety, was underwhelming and they'd run out of one of the four mains as options. The vegetable side was the highlight of the night. The deserts which are usually my favourite part were a let down.
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raelene S
Auckland, New Zealand71 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
What a beautiful location, with a wonderful relaxed ambiance.
We came with friends for a relaxed Sunday lunch. We didn’t have a booking and they were busy due to Akld finally having a sunny weekend. Staff very kindly found a table for us, and apologized in advance for any delays as they were 8 staff down.
Our order was taken within 10 mins, drinks arrived promptly and pizza’s and the mixed platter not long after. The food was tasty, with generous sizing, 4 hungry adults didn’t finish everything. The platter was so good, humus, 2 cheese, olives, gherkins & other pickled items and 3 cured meats. Really good size platters and luckily we only ordered one.
The staff were friendly and efficient but not intrusive. At no time did we feel forgotten or ignored.
We will definitely return for another relaxing tasty afternoon.
We came with friends for a relaxed Sunday lunch. We didn’t have a booking and they were busy due to Akld finally having a sunny weekend. Staff very kindly found a table for us, and apologized in advance for any delays as they were 8 staff down.
Our order was taken within 10 mins, drinks arrived promptly and pizza’s and the mixed platter not long after. The food was tasty, with generous sizing, 4 hungry adults didn’t finish everything. The platter was so good, humus, 2 cheese, olives, gherkins & other pickled items and 3 cured meats. Really good size platters and luckily we only ordered one.
The staff were friendly and efficient but not intrusive. At no time did we feel forgotten or ignored.
We will definitely return for another relaxing tasty afternoon.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PortWaikatoTraveller
Port Waikato, New Zealand29 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Our first visit and we decided to go with Trust the Chef with matching wines. With an allergy to seafood the chef was able to adapt his menu for me and every course of the 6 courses was devine. The wines were excellent and beautifully matched. Very friendly staff and beautiful setting.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marica F
Dunedin, New Zealand17 contributions
Feb 2020
Absolutely love this little gem of a restaurant! The food was some of the best we've had in Auckland, beautifully presented and very unique flavours. Particularly enjoyed the charcuterie we had to begin, still thinking about it!! Lamb was cooked to perfection and just the right portion size. Took a bottle of their wine home with us, divine!
Super professional service with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
The restaurant itself is gorgeous, perfect for special occasions or a weekend destination lunch on their verandah. We will most definitely be back!!
Super professional service with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
The restaurant itself is gorgeous, perfect for special occasions or a weekend destination lunch on their verandah. We will most definitely be back!!
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blincs1
Auckland Central, New Zealand33 contributions
Mar 2023
We enjoyed a Sunday Long Lunch in the restaurant at the Hunting Lodge recently, to celebrate a significant borthday. We arrived to find we had lmost a private room for the 12 of us, which was fantastic. As a shared lunch, the food was plentiful for each course, and so delicious.
Accompanying wines were excellent and also great coffee to finish.
The waiting and supervisory staff were so welcoming, friendly and attentive.
The Hunting Lodge is on to a winner with their Sunday Long Lunch and we will definitely return for another, hopefully in the winter months.
Amazing value for money and highly recommended.
Accompanying wines were excellent and also great coffee to finish.
The waiting and supervisory staff were so welcoming, friendly and attentive.
The Hunting Lodge is on to a winner with their Sunday Long Lunch and we will definitely return for another, hopefully in the winter months.
Amazing value for money and highly recommended.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick J
UK9 contributions
Jan 2023
The location is perfect if you want to get out of the city in 30 minutes and have a great vineyard setting. We got a table at the front of the restaurant so were looking out onto the front vineyard.
The staff were attentive and very helpful with the menu. The food was excellent, great flavour and well arranged.
Would recommend this place.
The staff were attentive and very helpful with the menu. The food was excellent, great flavour and well arranged.
Would recommend this place.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Couples
We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Hunting Lodge. Overall the experience was good, the waiter was warm and friendly and helpful with menu selections. The standard of the food was good and we felt the pricing was also fair, all mains were under $40 which is becoming less common now. Drink prices were at the upper end but the wine selection was good and their own lager was very nice.
We were there for a 7pm start, unfortunately there was also a grizzly baby there too, certainly not the hosts problem but babies and adult eating don't really go together. It didn't ruin what was a lovely evening but it was noticeable enough for us to be distracted from our conversation.
Would we return.....yes, probably for lunch so we can enjoy the day time views.
We were there for a 7pm start, unfortunately there was also a grizzly baby there too, certainly not the hosts problem but babies and adult eating don't really go together. It didn't ruin what was a lovely evening but it was noticeable enough for us to be distracted from our conversation.
Would we return.....yes, probably for lunch so we can enjoy the day time views.
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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