Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand Wine, Wineries & Vineyards

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. New Zealand Vineyard in New Zealand Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. New Zealand Vineyard in New Zealand

If you want to sample the very best New Zealand wines, then we suggest that you visit some of the regions and wineries responsible for the award-winning wines in the list below. If you can't get to the cellar door, most of these wines are available to buy online. Unfortunately, whilst we can't vouch for the taste of each wine (although we'd love to), each wine won a trophy at the 2011 New Zealand International Wine Show, so has the approval of the experts.

  • Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2010
  • Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2010
  • Maui Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  • Roaring Meg Central Otago Pinot Gris 2011
  • Coopers Creek Gisborne Viognier 2010
  • Kaimira Estate Iti Selection Brightwater Riesling 2011
  • Distant Land Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2010
  • Forrest Estate Botrytised Marlborough Riesling 2009
  • Olssens Slapjack Creek Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009
  • Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Montepulciano 2010
  • Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay 2009

New Zealand's Major Wine Growing Areas

Whilst some wine growing regions have been established since 1850, many wineries are relatively new. Each region and winery offers a distinctive tasting experience with each wine distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period in New Zealand - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.

North Island

  • Northland – Chardonnay, Full-Bodied Reds, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah
  • Auckland - Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
  • Waikato – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Bay of Plenty - Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Gisborne – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
  • Hawke's Bay - Chardonnay, Full-Bodied Reds, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Syrah
  • Wellington - Aromatics, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

South Island

  • Nelson – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
  • Marlborough – Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
  • Canterbury – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Waipara Valley – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Central Otago – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling

For more information visit the New Zealand Wine website.

New Zealand Wine Tours

If we've whet your whistle and you'd like to explore New Zealand's wineries, take a look at some of the wine tours available. You can choose from self-guided or guided small group tours led by a local wine expert. Transport, dining and accommodation is often included with the tour.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.