There are some places that remind you why New Zealand’s wine regions are so special — and Okurukuru Winery in Taranaki is certainly one of them.

Recently, the Wine Not team visited Okurukuru for lunch, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be more than just a meal. Set amongst beautiful gardens overlooking the coast, Okurukuru combines great wine, delicious food and an incredible New Zealand setting.

Wine Not team visiting Okurukuru Bistro
Wine Not team visiting Okurukuru Bistro

A View Worth Staying For

One of the first things that catches your eye at Okurukuru is the view.

Looking out across the gardens towards the ocean, the landscape stretches away beneath a dramatic Taranaki sky. The beautifully maintained grounds create a relaxed atmosphere, with winding paths, established planting and plenty of space to simply sit back and enjoy the surroundings.

It is the kind of view that makes you want to slow down, pour another glass of wine and stay a little longer.

For the Wine Not team, the setting was the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch and a chance to enjoy what Okurukuru does so well — bringing together wine, food and the beauty of the Taranaki coastline.

Okurukuru Bistro with beautiful views of Taranaki
Okurukuru Bistro with beautiful views of Taranaki

Lunch at Okurukuru

Of course, a great view is only part of the experience.

Lunch was beautifully presented and packed with colour and flavour. The dish we enjoyed was hearty, vibrant and full of fresh ingredients, with the rich sauce and generous serving making it exactly the sort of food you want to enjoy alongside a glass of New Zealand wine.

There is something special about enjoying a relaxed winery lunch. You are not simply sitting down for something to eat — you are experiencing the place, the atmosphere and the connection between the food and the wine.

And at Okurukuru, that experience comes with an exceptional coastal outlook.

Wine Not team lunch at Okurukuru Bistro Taranaki
Wine Not team lunch at Okurukuru Bistro Taranaki

More Than Just a Winery

What we particularly enjoyed about our visit was the feeling that Okurukuru is a destination in its own right.

It is somewhere to come for lunch, enjoy a wine tasting, explore the grounds, take in the views and spend time with friends or family.

For visitors exploring Taranaki, it is exactly the sort of experience that belongs on the itinerary.

New Zealand has an incredible collection of wineries, and one of the things we love about Wine Not is discovering the personalities behind them. Every winery has its own story, its own setting and its own way of showcasing New Zealand wine.

Okurukuru is a great example of that.

Wine Not Visits Okurukuru Winery the Verdict

Great wine. Delicious food. Beautiful gardens. Incredible views.

Wine Not team's visit to Okurukuru was a reminder that winery experiences are about so much more than what is in the glass. It is about the setting, the people, the food and those moments when you can sit back and appreciate where you are.

If you are exploring Taranaki, Okurukuru is well worth adding to your list.

And if you are looking for your next New Zealand wine experience, let Wine Not help you discover it.

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