Marsden Estate

Marsden Estate lies a few minutes by car from Kerikeri village, positioned on 56 Wiroa Road in the Bay of Islands, Northland. The estate is a combination of vineyard, winery, restaurant, function venue and cellar door. It has been operating since the early 1990s under the guidance of Rod and Cindy MacIvor.

History & Vineyard Activity

The first vines at Marsden Estate were planted around 1993 on what was then four hectares of vineyard land, with the first harvest in 1995. Over time, the vineyard area has expanded; it now includes approximately 3.2 hectares of vines producing under the Marsden label. In addition to growing their own grapes, Marsden provides contract winemaking services for more than 30 other vineyards and boutique wine labels in Northland.

Wines & Recognition

Marsden Estate produces a range of wine varieties including sparkling rosé, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, fume blanc, viognier, rosé, chardonnay, muscat, tempranillo, chambourcin, pinotage, merlot, vigot syrah, and port. Their wines have been awarded medals at competitions such as the International Wine Show, Royal Easter Show, Bragato Wine Awards, International Chardonnay Challenge, and the Siegelau International Wine Competition.

Dining, Tasting & Visitor Experience

Marsden Estate includes a licensed restaurant open for lunch daily, with settings both inside and a terrace shaded by grapevines overlooking gardens, a lake, and vines. Their courtyard dining offers relaxed surroundings suitable for long lunches where visitors can enjoy fresh regional produce paired with estate wines. Tasting and wine sales are offered through the cellar door, with staff available to guide visitors through their wine range.

Functions, Events & Venue Features

Marsden Estate operates as a venue for functions and events including weddings and corporate gatherings. The building and grounds are landscaped, featuring sheltered gardens, lake views, mature hedging, and private al-fresco spaces. The restaurant-function room can accommodate up to about 150 guests, supported by a full commercial kitchen.

Operational Details

• Open daily; restaurant serves breakfast (10:00-11:30am) and lunch (10:00am-2:00pm Mon-Thu, to 2:30pm Fri-Sun).
• Platters available until 4pm.
• Cellar door open from 10am daily.
• Closed on certain public holidays.

Standout Attributes

• Long-established vineyard with a diversified operation including own wine production, contract winemaking, restaurant, function venue and cellar door.
• A range of wine varietals, including less common ones, that reflect both regional DNA and viticultural enterprise.
• Setting with lake, gardens and mature landscaping providing private and picturesque dining and event spaces.
• Model of vertically integrated supply and sales, with most of its wine sold through its own channels (restaurant, function venue, tasting room).

For people travelling in the Bay of Islands region—local or overseas—Marsden Estate offers more than wine. It delivers a combined experience of wine-making, dining, scenic setting and event hosting. Whether visiting for lunch, tasting wines, or planning a special event, it is a place that connects visitor to the land, vines, and hospitality of Northland.