Day Trips: Brick Bay Vineyard and Sculpture Park

With a steady stream of overseas visitor this summer it’s fantastic there are so many fabulous places to visit within an hour of Auckland.  A long time favourite is Brick Bay Vineyard and Sculpture Park, discovered a few years back when working on a photography assignment.

One sunny Friday late in January we headed north. With a little time on our hands we made a detour to Tawharanui Regional Park.  Admiring Anchor Bay’ sandy beach with its gentle rolling waves, the water looked so inticing.  The midday sun was harsh – sticky and hot as we chastised one another for not throwing our togs and towels in the car.

Anchor Bay

It was time to head to Brick Bay Wines, Snells Beach for a late lunch where you can dine in the spectacular glasshouse overlooking the pond or al fresco under the trees in the garden.  There’s even a wine tasting area – The Row if you have time and a pre-designated sober driver.

The Glasshouse

View from The Glasshouse

Wine Tasting - The Row

Take your pick from shared plates or platters, tasty sandwiches and salads, cheeseboards, and tempting desserts.  And if you’re an early bird the brunch menu looks delicious too. But to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends, don’t forget to make a booking online The Glasshouse Kitchen.  And of course it wouldn’t be a vineyard lunch without a glass of two of Brick Bay Wine – we can highly recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon-based Rosé.

Dine al fresco and indulge in a glass of Brick Bay wine

Spoilt for choice from fresh salads to chill lime squid

Salted caramel pecan slice or 'guilt free' raspberry, coconut & cashew cheese cake

For those with energy after a leisurely lunch, Brick Bay Sculpture Park is open 10am – 5pm daily.  Allow 1 hour to walk the 2km trail through native trees and enjoy more than 40 contemporary sculptures by NZ artists, all available for sale. While much of the trail is canopied with native trees, bright yellow sun umbrellas are available to protect you from the rays while walking in the open.

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Auckland, you’ll find Brick Bay at Arabella Lane, Snells Beach, click here for directions.

If you do get the chance to visit Brick Bay Vineyard and Sculpture Park would love to hear what you think.

Michelle