Classic New Zealand Wine Trail |
    The RegionsInvestigate what’s great about each of the four regions in the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Food, wine, culture, adventure and sightseeing – every region has its Go straight to our Must Do Itinerary – all the favourites bundled together for one fantastic holiday.
Hawke's BayMany people travel the route from north to south, so it’s likely you’ll begin in Hawke’s Bay – known for its stunning reds, chardonnay, Art Deco architecture and stylish country living. You can investigate Napier’s earthshaking past, cycle or drive around countless wineries, stock up at the farmers’ market and take a 4WD tour to see the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
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½ or full day Must do!Learn about the 1931 earthquake and resulting Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture with a walking tour of Napier or Hastings City. Catch a safari to Cape Kidnappers, home of the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Sample some of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country’s award-winning red wines by taking a tour with a local operator or cycling your way through the vineyards. WairarapaCharming historic towns offer a tempting mix of shopping and dining experiences. Stroll around the wineries in Martinborough and throughout the region to discover artisan chocolate, gourmet mushrooms, olives, cider, French pastries and other goodies. Explore the boutique shops of beautifully presented Victorian Greytown.
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2 hours Must do!Tour and discover boutique family-owned vineyards and artisan food producers in Martinborough, Greytown, Gladstone and Masterton. Drive to Cape Palliser to see the fur seals. Climb 258 steps to the lighthouse for spectacular views. Eat at the Lake Ferry Hotel with views across Lake Onoke. Take a tour of the historic Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka. The Tui HQ experience includes a brewery tour, museum, shop and café. Visit Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. Get to know our rarest birds and find out how the Pukaha forest is being restored to pre-human perfection. WellingtonBefore you leave the North Island, reserve at least two days to discover Wellington - a handsome harbour city brimming with history, creative energy and culture. Enjoy visits to Te Papa (the national museum), catch a live theatre performance and discover tasty restaurant precincts. Iconic expeditions include a ride on the cable car, strolling around Oriental Bay and walking up Mount Victoria.
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At night Must do!Discover New Zealand's stories and history at Te Papa Tongarewa, one of the best interactive museums in the world. Catch the historic cable car from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden. Check out Carter Observatory at the top - a great place to learn about the skies of the Southern hemisphere and open daily 10-6. Visit ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary, a world class conservation project just 10 minutes from downtown Wellington. Take a nocturnal tour and you might even spot the elusive kiwi bird. Enjoy a live dramatic performance at one of Wellington's MarlboroughA memorable ferry journey takes you over Cook Strait to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, where you can bike, hike or kayak the famous Queen Charlotte Track. With over 100 wineries in Marlborough there are more than 40 cellar doors to visit around the region; many offer the additional pleasure of a vineyard restaurant. Other attractions include a ground-breaking aircraft museum, river boat cruising, fishing trips and all kinds of artisan food producers.
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1-2 hours Must do!Take a cruise in the Marlborough Sounds enjoying local wines served with fresh seafood, either on board or at a lodge. Tour any of over 40 cellar doors sampling New Zealand's internationally-acclaimed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where an impressive collection of WW1 aircraft is imaginatively displayed by the creators of the Lord of the Rings. 
     MarlboroughMade without compromise, Marlborough wines are known for their extraordinary flavours and aromas. The sauvignon blanc grown here is acclaimed throughout the world for its breathtaking pungency and crisp herbaceousness. Pinot noir is also very happy here, a factor that has contributed to the region’s growing success with sparkling wines. For in-depth information on the wineries in Marlborough visit Hawke’s BayHawke’s Bay history abounds with early winemaking successes and continues today with both classic wine styles and experimental varieties new to the region. Red wine production is For a detailed guide to the wineries visit Hawke’s Bay WairarapaThe Wairarapa wine region is packed with charm, and is an essential destination for those with a palate for fine food and wine. The three sub-regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton include more 50 boutique wineries, mostly family owned. The focus is always on quality rather than volume. |
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