New Zealand has made a name for itself around the world for many reasons, not least being the amazing wines produced across the country. From Central Otago Pinot Noir to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, these wine regions and wineries across the North Island and South Island need to be on your must-visit list. A winery tour offers a great day of exploring, sight-seeing and conversation with fantastic winemakers.
Ready to stroll through the vineyards and soak up the sunshine with a glass of Pinot? Here’s our list of the must-visit wine regions in New Zealand.
1. Central Otago
The mountains, stone fruit trees, quaint townships and home to some of the best wine producers in the world. Central Otago is a must-visit wine region in New Zealand, and has fostered an incredible reputation for New Zealand Pinot Noir. Wineries to enjoy a tasting or two at include Terra Sancta and Mt Difficulty in Bannockburn, and Mt Rosa and Gibbston Valley Winery in the picturesque Gibbston Valley, just a 20 minute drive from Queenstown. A Central Otago wine tour is a convenient and hassle-free option, or explore the wine region by bike along the Central Otago Rail Trail.
Skip over to Queenstown and indulge in The 7 Best Spots for Dessert in Queenstown!
2. Marlborough
This is New Zealand’s largest wine region, with a huge variety of world-renowned wineries on its doorstep. Marlborough wine is plentiful, with vineyards spanning from Blenheim and the Wairau Valley to the mountain ranges in the Awatere Valley. Expect to see plenty of Sauvignon Blanc in this region. Spots to check out include Cloudy Bay and Villa Maria Estate. The cellar doors of Fromm Winery and Wither Hills are ultimate Marlborough wine tasting spots too. This region is beaming with things to do, so be sure to fill your days and explore the local museums and scenic bays while you’re at it!
3. Auckland
Add the Auckland region to your New Zealand wineries list. When we say Auckland, we mean Matakana, Waiheke Island and Kumeu. There’s a fantastic range of vineyards in this North Island region. Catch the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island to soak up the atmosphere at wineries like Cable Bay and Man O’ War. Head north of Auckland to the laid back lifestyle of Matakana for wine tasting at Matakana Estate. Escape to the rolling hills for a weekend in Kumeu and check out Westbrook Winery for a riesling or two.
Why not carry on the day’s activities into the evening at some local bars. Check out our list of the Top 14 Auckland Bars.
4. Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is dubbed the food and wine country of New Zealand. Here you’ll not only find award-winning wines and restaurants, but fantastic outdoor hiking and cycling and art deco buildings too. Wineries are dotted around Napier, Hastings, Central Hawke’s Bay and Havelock North (Craggy Range is a must-visit here!). Te Mata Estate is the spot to indulge in some Cabernet and chat to these North Island winemakers. Add on a few extra days and branch out to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions for many more wineries to visit.
5. Wairarapa / Martinborough
This is the spot to enjoy some very fine wines alongside some very delectable grazing platters. Martinborough is the destination for food and wine in the vines. You’ll find plenty of fantastic Pinot Noir in this region. There are many wineries within close proximity to each other, and most of them are family owned. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate place to enjoy a wine tour?! Nestle in the grape vines for the day at Colombo Martinborough, or enjoy some wine in the Wairarapa sun at Te Kairanga. Keep the good times rolling and stay at the beautiful Poppies for a night.
6. Waitaki Valley
The Waitaki Valley is a boutique wine region in comparison to Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, but is equally worth a visit. With the Southern Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, this unique wine region produces beautiful Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and more. Waitaki has plenty to offer, being on the cusp of both Canterbury and Otago and enjoying lovely, hot summers. Come for the wine, stay for everything else. River-T Wines near Kurow will tickle your taste buds with their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
7. Northland
Many Northland wineries are tucked along the east coast in the Bay of Islands and the Karikari Peninsula. This makes for some stunning scenery. Paroa Bay Winery is a small vineyard with everything you’d hope for from a premium Northland winery, and is one not to be missed. Karikari Estate is New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard and is the ideal place to enjoy a Chardonnay or a Syrah.
8. Waipara Valley / Canterbury
Head to Waipara Valley to find out what all the fuss is about. This South Island winery hotspot may not be the first region that comes to mind when thinking of New Zealand wine regions, but it’s absolute paradise for wine lovers. Waipara Valley is less than an hour’s drive from Christchurch, making this a great getaway for Canterbury locals. Sip on a Gewurztraminer at the Waipara Hills cellar door and learn more about what makes this wine region so special. Make sure you don’t leave North Canterbury without trying a Pegasus Bay Riesling too.
