Plan a New Zealand Wine Trail Holiday

Viticulture in New Zealand is still evolving and new areas are planting vines and producing an ever-widening selection of wine varieties, often with excellent results. Wine is now one of New Zealand’s major exports.

Plan your New Zealand Wine Trail holiday and take time to spend a few days in various wine regions. Many wineries have their own restaurants and the gourmet food is often excellent, as the menus are planned to complement their wines. Some wineries have diversified the cultivation of the olive tree and/or other gastronomic specialties. Each has its own architectural style and beautiful scenic surroundings.

Many wineries are located in areas with beaches, hills or mountains, crafts, historic towns and other attractions to enjoy.

If you’re not interested in drinking and driving, join a Wine Trail Day Tour organized at each location, for a comprehensive wine experience. Or drive yourself on mini tours…tasting the wines and gourmet foods produced by many regions.

Mix it up with a Winery Cycle Tour in Hawkes Bay or the Kayaking Wine Tour to Omata Estate in the Bay of Islands, and you’ve got the makings for a wonderfully varied and exciting vacation.

I found that many winemakers love to chat and share their vast knowledge of the wines they lovingly make…because it’s a trade. New Zealanders are generally innovative and ready to try new ideas. This also shines in some areas of your winemaking.

All of the listed areas can be visited as part of a New Zealand tour. Alternatively, you can choose to tour the North Island or South Island sections. I have selected the main wine growing areas…….and a suggested route that systematically takes you through the country.

Kerikeri – Northland is not a major wine area, but there are some good wineries. Marsden Estate and Cottle Hill are two wineries worth visiting in Kerikeri. Both also have good restaurants.

Auckland – Matakana – Waiheke Island – West Auckland – Clevedon – There are many areas around Auckland where viticulture is a feature.

• Matakana is an hour north of the city and there are several good wineries here. Take a day or two and tour the area. With beautiful beaches, potteries and the township of Matakana, which has an excellent farmer’s market on Saturdays, there is plenty to fill your time between wine tastings.
• Waiheke Island has many excellent wineries with some highly acclaimed labels. Take a Day Wine Tour or spend a few days on the island with a car. Some of the wineries are a bit off the beaten path… with splendid views. You can pick up rental cars at the pier or take your car across on the Sealink ferry.
• West Auckland – is one of Auckland’s oldest wine regions with many well established vineyards planted by many Croatian families who immigrated to the area. Transportation is essential. Kumeu, Henderson and Oratia are home to some of New Zealand’s best known record labels. Artisan’s Winery – Oratia has an excellent restaurant and their wines are excellent.
• South Auckland doesn’t have as wide a variety of wineries, but there are a handful around Clevedon. – I recommend Vin Alto as an interesting winery. You can have a wine tasting or enjoy a tasting meal with wine to match which is a fabulous experience with much of the produce… even venison grown on the property. Their limoncello liqueur is delicious!

Hawkes Bay – is one of New Zealand’s premier wine-growing regions, with Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style red wines being the most widely produced. This area has wine, food, art trails and Art Deco Napier to keep any tourist happy for days! You will need transportation to get to the many wineries that are scattered around. For something different you can do a Bike Winery Tour. You’ll want to include a few visits to the many gourmet food producers as you tour the region.

Gisborne – Known as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand, Gisborne has excellent wines and wineries with the first vines planted in 1836. This is also an area that produces internationally renowned gewertztraminer at Vinoptima.

Wairarapa – Martinborough – Best known for its excellent Pinot Noir, you could plan to stay a night or two and enjoy the gourmet food and wines of the region. Martinborough is a popular destination for weekend breaks and wine tours near Wellington.

south island

Marlborough – Nelson – Sauvignon Blanc is the brand wine of this region and is considered by many internationally as the best in the world, although its Pinot Noir is also becoming a flagship wine in the area. This region has plenty to keep you here for several days if you have the time, with crafts, walks and kayaking in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and beautiful beaches.

Canterbury – The oldest wine-growing area on the South Island, Reisling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are some of the best wines from this region. Take a wine tour or drive to the Banks Peninsula or Waipara Valley. French Farm is a lovely winery for tasting and lunch.

Otago – This may be a relatively new wine-growing area, and those who were the first to plant grapes here were told they were “crazy.” However, they have had the last laugh as the region’s wines have gained international acclaim. Pinot Noir and aromatic whites grow very well on rocky slopes. A wine tour will take you to several fascinating wineries, from Waitiri Creek Winery, housed in a former church, to the Gibbston Valley with its wine cave.

With Queenstown and Wanaka at the center of the area, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery and find a plethora of exciting activities and attractions when you tire of wine tasting. Enjoy your holiday on the New Zealand Wine Trail!