About Plume
Situated just an hour’s drive from Auckland or Whangarei, Plume, the vineyard restaurant, Matakana is a must visit destination on any Matakana wine or food journey – we are all about fabulous local New Zealand wine and produce which together can celebrate “culinary diversity.” Plume is a small town, rural, rustic restaurant with friendly service from locally employed staff. It is a great change from the starchy fine dining service of a big city like Auckland yet is in a class of its own.
Purpose
At Plume we believe a great meal is not just about the food and wine, we believe it is a complete sensory experience.
People
Farida Cooper
Farida, as Owner/Director, has an overview of the Plume Collection companies; namely Plume Restaurant, Villas and the Cellar Door of Runner Duck Wines – and has a fine team under her comprised of the managers at each of these units.
Farida’s focus is on maintaining an extremely high level of service and meeting overall budgets. Farida’s personal commitment to the group’s experience along with her love for food and wine and hospitality ensures guests who choose Plume Collection products leave happy.
Sebastian Milles
Sebastian came to New Zealand nearly two decades ago from a background of managing bars and restaurants both in his homeland Germany and Ireland. Sebastian works closely with the Executive Chef ensuring our customers of the Restaurant are well looked after.
Sebastian supports the groups IT needs hands on besides also being a great “jack of all!” When not at Plume, Sebastian is likely to be pursuing his love for deep sea diving and fresh seafood as well as gardening and living on his own garden produce.
Anil Kumar
Anil Kumar is our Head Chef from March 2025. Anil has over 35 years experience in Cheffing mostly in regional kitchens and in stadiums and arenas catering for dinner for the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce .
Anil loves to cook lamb shanks, steaks more specifically Scotch Steaks and Cheesecakes of all types!
You will often find Anil coming out of the kitchen and visiting tables and meeting our guests – but watch out – he loves to talk!
Plume Villas
Nick and Denise manage the day to day functions of Plume Villas and report to the Owner Directors. They have multi-faceted experience in the Hospitality business managing one of New Zealand’s first bakeries, then moving onto their own cafes and then into accommodation management.
Nick keeps the property neat and clean and manages the facilities, while Denise handles the office work and ensures customers are well looked after!
The Plume Difference: Luxury Dining & Accommodation in Matakana
Legacy of Culinary Excellence
At Plume Restaurant Matakana, we offer a unique experience among Matakana restaurants, blending a rustic fine-dining experience with the charm of our Matakana winery. Our chefs are the heart and soul of our culinary journey, crafting dishes that are not just meals but a symphony of flavors. As the best among Matakana Restaurants, our vineyard restaurant showcases fresh, local ingredients perfectly paired with our homegrown wines, making it a standout as the Best Restaurant Matakana for an exceptional dining experience.
Integrated Luxury: Plume offers the top luxurious accommodation in Auckland, perfect for a relaxing getaway, alongside venue hire options ideal for weddings and special events. Our enchanting surroundings offer a tranquil escape, allowing you to wake up to breathtaking views and celebrate special moments with the stunning New Zealand landscapes as your backdrop. Experience the best of comfort and elegance at Plume Villas Matakana.
Memories that Last: At Plume, we are in the business of crafting memories. From your first meal with us to the day of your event, we strive to make every moment unforgettable. As a premier Wedding Venue in Auckland and a Conference Venue for Auckland companies, you’ll discover our relentless dedication to ensuring your event is nothing short of exceptional.
Sustainability Matters: From farm-to-table sourcing in our restaurant to eco-friendly practices in our villas, we take responsibility for the environment we deeply cherish.
With a friendly team and inviting ambiance, we make you feel like part of the Plume family. Plume is more than just one of the top Matakana restaurants; it’s an experience and an opportunity to create timeless memories. It’s the Matakana region’s one and only exclusive experience destination. Come, let us welcome you to our world of integrated luxury, where every moment is an exploration of New Zealand’s beauty, culinary wonders, and the art of hospitality.