New Zealand
wine tasting tours and winery visits
Why Visit New Zealand?
Gorgeous New Zealand is quite simply the ultimate destination for any wine traveller, adventurer, foodie or travel lover. This unique and beautiful pair of islands set in the Pacific Ocean is home to some of the most ancient and incredible landscapes to be found anywhere on earth, from majestic glaciers and vast, undulating plains to awe-inspiring mountains and tranquil sounds (the amazing ocean inlets which punctuate much of the Kiwi coastline) - throw into the mix excellent hospitality, outstanding food and wine, and an outdoors activity for every occasion, and you've got yourself the trip of a lifetime!
The North Island is home to the cities of Auckland and Wellington (the nation's capital) and major regions including Northland and the Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Martinborough and Wairarapa. Rolling plains and dramatic coastlines are in abundance here, and there is so much to see and do that the biggest problem can be knowing where to start! Spend a leisurely night or two strolling the marinas and restaurants in Auckland, the City of Sails, before heading south for a wine tasting or two in Hawke's Bay and Martinborough. The accommodation options are endless and varied, with something to suit every taste and budget - it's a particular treat to spend a night amongst the vines in one of the many vineyard hotels - although many visitors to New Zealand choose to hire a motorhome and explore at their own place. Stop off for some cool culture and outstanding food in Wellington, one of the best places in New Zealand to find excellent local cuisine, before hopping on a boat or plane to the South Island.
Awaiting you on the South Island are many of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks. From the legendary wine regions of Marlborough and Central Otago to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier, many see this as one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. It's therefore no surprise that activities which make the most of the great outdoors are in abundance - from cycling, hiking and whale watching to a great snow sports scene in the winter months, the South Island offers a dream combination of wine experiences, excellent food, and outdoor activities. Intrepid travellers who find their way to the southern tip will be rewarded with a glimpse of the glorious Milford Sound, an amazing inland fjord which was once described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Get out on the water and soak in the scenery with an overnight boat cruise or kayak hire.
New Zealand is a country like nowhere else on earth, and weary-long haul travellers will find themselves well rewarded with the plethora of wine and food experiences and outdoor adventures taking place against the backdrop of quite simply one of the most gloriously beautiful nations in the world. Be prepared to fall hopelessly in love!