New Zealand is a country of 2 halves: the North (Te Ika-a-Māui) and South Islands (Te Waipounamu). Equally as beautiful yet entirely unique—the North warmer, with subtropical regions in its far north, the South, dominated by the Southern Alps, cooler and more varied—these twin isles have become synonymous with wine production. First produced in the 19th century, when Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden made the first documented planting of grapevines in the Bay of Islands, it has expanded to a £929 million industry that welcomes travellers from across the world. Be it at one of Marlborough’s plethora of world-class wineries such as Cloudy Bay and Brancott Estate or on a guided wine and bike tour around the sun-drenched Hawke’s Bay, the most challenging part of any New Zealand wine trail will be choosing where to begin.
New Zealand is a country of 2 halves: the North (Te Ika-a-Māui) and South Islands (Te Waipounamu). Equally as beautiful yet entirely unique—the North warmer, with subtropical regions in its far north, the South, dominated by the Southern Alps, cooler and more varied—these twin isles have become synonymous with wine production. First produced in the 19th century, when Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden made the first documented planting of grapevines in the Bay of Islands, it has expanded to a £929 million industry that welcomes travellers from across the world. Be it at one of Marlborough’s plethora of world-class wineries such as Cloudy Bay and Brancott Estate or on a guided wine and bike tour around the sun-drenched Hawke’s Bay, the most challenging part of any New Zealand wine trail will be choosing where to begin.
If you’re wondering where Aucklanders go at the weekend, it’s Waiheke. Just a 40-minute ferry from the city centre and home to over 40 wineries, its laid-back island charm, platters of freshly shucked oysters and world-class wines make it the perfect antidote to days of travel.
Auckland is one of New Zealand’s oldest and largest wine regions, dating back to the early 1900s. It spans a diverse landscape, from Waiheke Island and west Auckland to the coastal haven of Matakana. Use the city as your base to explore the warm, fertile plains of Kumeū in West Auckland, known for their crisp Chardonnays and silk-like Merlot, and Matakana’s rolling hills, home to deep reds and fruity Pinot Gris. Save a day or 2 for Waiheke Island, the home of modern Auckland’s wine industry, which is known for its Bordeaux-style blends. Bask in its warm, dry maritime climate (secret to the island’s exceptional varietal expression, fruit purity and depth). Sip on long celebrated bold Cabernet blends and discover why the island is gaining equal recognition for its powerful Syrah, elegant Chardonnay and fragrant Viognier.
If you have more than a day to spare, check in to The Boatshed. Ideal for those seeking a taste of the island’s bohemian charm, the boutique hotel offers barefoot luxury across its cottages, beach bungalows and alfresco restaurants that overlook the stunning Oneroa Bay. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or hop into one of the hotel’s 4x4s for easy access to the island’s 40-plus wineries (we’re especially fond of the award-winning Tantalus Estate), ensuring no corner of the island goes unexplored.
Journey further north to tropical paradise: Bay of Islands. Scenic, versatile and beautifully understated, its network of sunken valleys is an adventurer’s nirvana. Float in swim holes, test your skills at land-based fishing from private beaches and trace ancient paths through Kauri forests with local Māori guides. The bay is also home to the very spot where New Zealand vines were first planted so it’d be rude not to sample their historic grapes.
For oenophiles who want to combine award-winning Syrahs and Chardonnays with Art Deco design and endless sun, Hawke’s Bay is the perfect blend of all New Zealand’s natural and man-made wonders.
A Great Wine Capital of the World, Hawke’s Bay needs little introduction. With more than 200 vineyards, over 70 wineries and upwards of 30 cellar doors, it’s a dream destination for wine lovers. Add in more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, and it’s easy to see why it is New Zealand’s second-largest wine region. Viniculture has thrived here since 1851 when Marist missionaries planted its first grape. Today, it’s best known for its red blends and full-bodied Chardonnay, which can be found in its coastal valleys, and year-round wine festivals. Join locals in sampling pours from 18 wineries, perfectly paired with dishes from 9 local eateries at Harvest Hawke’s Bay in November. Or, snag a ticket to January’s Bridge Pa Wine Festival, which offers a wide range of wine experiences, live music and tastings.
Stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Perched on a 6,000-acre peninsula with jaw-dropping views over the Pacific, a 50ft heated infinity pool and a championship golf course, it’s a place where every creature comfort is catered for. Expect to be wined and dined in its grain silo at lunchtime, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments come 4 o’clock and be on the hunt for the elusive kiwi on the hotel’s nightfall kiwi discovery walk.
No trip to Hawke’s Bay is complete without a visit to Napier. Rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake, the city’s adoption of Art Deco architecture makes it one of the most complete and impressive collections of its kind anywhere in the world. Get your Gatsby on along its scenic Marine Parade or head up to Bluff Hill to admire the city from above.
If you’re heading north, Rotorua is the obvious destination before Auckland. A hub of culture and adventure, it’s renowned for its dramatic geothermal landscapes—steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools and soothing hot springs. It’s also a stronghold of Māori heritage, where traditions have flourished for nearly 200 years. Experience manaakitanga (hospitality) firsthand and witness the powerful haka in captivating cultural performances.
Best for beginners, Marlborough is New Zealand’s flagship wineland. Come for its iconic wineries and stay for its diverse landscapes, especially over the Marlborough Sounds, which boasts 1500 kilometres of winding coastline, secluded bays and marine reserves.
You’d be far from alone if your knowledge of New Zealand’s wines begins and ends with Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blancs. Putting New Zealand wines on the map with their distinct grassy and acidic style of fermentation in stainless-style tanks, it is now the country’s flagship wine region. This is mostly thanks to the region’s climate, which is hailed one of New Zealand’s most sunny and dry regions. With low rainfall and fertile soil, it creates ideal conditions for a wide range of grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, Riesling and Chardonnay. In fact, one of its subregions, the Wairau Valley, is so sun-blessed the Maori call it ‘Kei puta te Wairau’ – ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’. Oenophiles wont want to overlook its other subregions either: the Southern Valleys and Awatere Valleys, where 168 wineries nurture its clay-rich soils and hilly terrain.
Explore wineries such as Framingham Winery and Hans Herzog Estate (among several others) by guided tour, bike or foot; choosing between more than 30 cellar doors. Or stay closer to home (if you choose to stay at the likes of The Marlborough), which boasts its own working vineyard, tennis courts and swimming pool. Wineries aside, the region is also home to the Marlborough Sounds. Spend a day hiking and kayaking in its long sheltered inlets, hop on 2 wheels round part of the Queen Charlotte Track, and reward your efforts with regional specialties such as green-lipped mussels at local restaurants. Or, for a truly indulgent experience, board Cloudy Bay’s Sip & Sail Away tour on the Sound. Sail around the beloved sailing region and enjoy a private wine tasting aboard a luxurious 16-metre vessel.
Stay local in Abel Tasman National Park, marvelling at its native forest-fringed beaches from kayak or coastal bushwalks. Or venture further south to Christchurch, New Zealand’s vibrant art capital, where street art, galleries and lively bars bring the city’s vibrant spirit to life.
Consider Central Otago if you prefer to pair your Pinot Noirs (for which the region is known for) with outdoor adventure. Linger for a few days in Matakauri Lodge, considered New Zealand’s perennial luxury lodge, and enjoy the 1.5 hour drive to the valley where 143 wineries await.
Any visit to Queenstown (the so-called ‘adventure capital of the world’) requires a visit to nearby Central Otago. Even if its winelands aren’t the draw, the iconic Remarkables, a striking saw-toothed mountain range skirting Lake Wakatipu, should be reason enough. Fortunately, its vineyards are equally alluring. Hugged by mountains and interlaced with lakes, its wineries serve up world-class grapes with otherworldly views. Pinot Noir is their speciality, producing a number of expressions in the valley’s various subregions. Chardonnay and aromatic varieties closely follow, with regions like Burgundy—just 2 degrees of latitude apart—often drawing comparisons due to their similar growing conditions. If you’re peckish, exceptional dining options abound. Start at Carrick Winery Restaurant, which boasts a seasonal and Pedal and Pour menu. Or, opt for Gibbston Valley’s Lodge Restaurant and its pairing menu.
When you’re not wine tasting, there are a million other things to do. Adrenaline junkies can soar over the Southern Alps on a fixed wing plane, canter on horseback through Queenstown’s river systems or speed through canyons on gravity-defying swings. History buffs can visit historic miner’s cottages in picturesque Arrowtown while wellness fiends can soak in hot pools surrounded by charming alpine views.
If you haven’t arrived via Queenstown, consider it your next destination. Offering the quintessential Kiwi experience, it’s authentic, laid-back and brimming with outdoor adventure. Continue north to Wānaka, an old gold mining town, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park where dramatic alpine landscapes, glacier-fed rivers, 4×4 adventures and scenic hiking trails invite exploration.
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