West Auckland’s wine industry has thrived for decades, but it hasn’t always offered much in the way of outstanding restaurants for enjoying the wines it produces. Not so anymore. The Hunting Lodge in Waimauku is an exceptional pasture-to-plate restaurant serving up seasonal wine and food experiences that are the match of anything across the Auckland region - if not all of New Zealand.
Housed in a historic building set amongst grape vines and gardens producing fresh fare for the restaurant, The Hunting Lodge’s kitchen is home to one of Auckland’s very best executive chefs - Des Harris, formerly of legendary inner city dinner spot Clooney and Wellington's Logan Brown Restaurant. Harris’s focus is firmly on quality. As he says, “you have to respect the ingredients first and foremost.” And critics and foodies agree, catapulting The Hunting Lodge into Metro magazine’s prestigious Top 50 Restaurant list. Harris is also passionate about sharing his knowledge with his kitchen team and his divine dishes with visitors to the restaurant.
While The Hunting Lodge has become an in demand destination for diners across the region, it hasn’t forgotten the local community. Every Wednesday night is Local’s Night, with an ever-changing menu and handpicked wine specials.
For homebuyers looking to move to Westgate Gardens, the prospect of one of Auckland’s top restaurants just 15 minutes up the road might be a temptation that’s impossible to resist.