Mills Reef, Tauranga (2024) - Images, Timings

Mills Reef, Tauranga Overview

Mills Reef is a famous winery and restaurant located in the suburbs of Tauranga city in New Zealand. It is well known for the premier quality wine produced in the region. Mills Reef is considered to be the first stylish winery in New Zealand. Other than the loyal customers, several people visit the attraction to experience the glamour, majesty, food and the variety of wine produced at Tauranga.

The Preston Family founded Mills Reef in 1989. Initially, it was a humble facility located at the foot of the Kaimai Mountain Range in Tauranga. They produce quality Hawkes Bay wines that are handcrafted with utmost care. However, as the business grew, they had to relocate to a bigger and more modern setup to accommodate the growing team and requirements. The new winery was thus founded in 1995. With about 30 years of experience in winemaking, Mills Reef has won the Champion New Zealand Winemaker award twice to date and has attained the status of one of the best wine producers in the world.
Their products are enjoyed locally as well as globally. This place is excellent for a quiet brunch or lunch with family or a date. Parts of the estate can also be booked for special occasions.

Timings

Breakfast - 09:30 AM onwards (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Brunch/ Lunch - 11:30 AM onwards (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Wine Tasting - 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on public holidays)

Best Time to Visit

Mills Reef can be visited any time of the year. The place is open all days of the week except on public holidays. So, people can choose which day they would like to visit the attraction.
Autumn
For the tourists, the best time is during the autumn season which begins in March and lasts till May.
Springtime and Summer
Spring and summer (from September to February) can also be a great time of the year, especially for Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Fall Season
During Fall, the temperature of the region hovers between 24ᵒC and 16ᵒC. During summer, it remains between 22ᵒC and 26ᵒC while during spring, it fluctuates between 22ᵒC and 15ᵒC.

Events and Activities at Mills Reef

Wine Knowledge
At Mills Reef, travellers can explore the vineyards and visit the winery. Here, one can get to see how wine is made and talk to experts to learn more about their history. Visitors are also taken through the process of cellaring. The tour includes a visit to their cellar where they store their wine to let it mature.
Seasonal Attractions
The attraction also hosts events like Christmas, New Year’s Eve etc. Private functions can also be held here on prior bookings. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings etc. can be hosted here. They provide complete services with a choice of décor, ambience and food and drinks menu. Mills Reef staff can also arrange for entertainment upon request.
Mills Reef Estate Restaurant
The Mills Reef estate also consists of a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a nice lunch, brunch or breakfast. Daily wine tastings are also held at the restaurant. The menu is A La Carte, perfect to go with the wine they produce. They also have a separate list for children.

How To Reach Mills Reef

Mills Reef is located at 143 - Moffat Road, Bethlehem, in the outskirts of Tauranga, New Zealand.
People can reach Tauranga by busses, taxis, self-driven vehicles or domestic flights. From the drop point, they can use public transportation (local buses, airport shuttles or cabs) to reach Mills Reef, which is located about 7 kilometres away from the city centre.
The Course of the Tour
The attraction is accessible via Elizabeth Street - SH 2 (towards Auckland or Bethlehem) - Moffat Road - Winemakers Drive. Mills Reef is about 250 metres ahead.