One of the great beauties of wine is that there are countless ways to appreciate it. Learning the stories behind every vintage, knowing your Merlot from your Cabernet Franc, geeking out over viticulture or mastering the magic of pairing wine with food. The opportunities for discovery beyond the bottle are seemingly endless. And in Aotearoa, that sense of discovery takes on a literal meaning, thanks to the country’s remarkably varied wine regions right on our doorstep.
Year-round, a Kiwi wine adventure can take you high into snowy alpine reaches, or down to sun-drenched coastal enclaves that are the envy of winemakers the world over. We’ve carefully selected five luxurious escapes from across the motu that are sure to elevate your appreciation for your favourite drops.
The Southern Alps Grape Escape - Central Otago, South Island
About as far south as world-class wine can be produced, Central Otago is widely considered the capital of New World Pinot Noir – and it’s fair to say the region has risen to the occasion. Dozens of acclaimed estates cater for interested wine tourists, whether through their informative cellar door tastings, high-end dining or bountiful luxury accommodation.
Live it up like a millionaire in one of the three private lodges at the Lindis. Open fire roaring, cosy up in bed or the bath and gaze up at the stars with a drop of the local stuff. A heaven-sent treat.
Where to Sip & Eat in Central Otago
○ Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door - One of the most well-known wineries in the Otago region, celebrated for its refined tasting menu and award-winning Pinot Noir.
○ Kinross - A relaxed cellar door experience serving gourmet platters and wines from some of Central Otago’s top producers.
○ Carrick Winery & Restaurant - Wild fermented and certified organic wines, best enjoyed alongside seasonal dishes overlooking the Bannockburn vineyards.
Nelson and Marlborough: A ‘Top of the South’ wineventure - Nelson and Marlborough, South Island
At the northern end of the South Island/Te Waipōunamu, two distinct wine-producing regions sit tantalisingly close to one another. To the west, Nelson is an unsung hero of Kiwi wine. Call in for a tasting at any of Rimu Grove, Pine Hill or Richmond Plains, and you’ll understand why. Then, wind your way east through the mystical Marlborough Sounds over to Blenheim, the gateway to New Zealand’s world-famous Sauvignon Blanc heartland.
To make this two-in-one getaway extra-special, consider staying at the Marlborough Lodge, a luxurious estate that’s ideally situated for visits to some of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
From Christchurch to Blenheim, explore the best wineries along this famous route for a glass of vino.
Top Stops in the Marlborough Wine Region
○ Wither Hills - A haven for wine enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled setting for a leisurely lunch paired with estate wines.
○ Scotch Wine Bar & Wine Shop - Perfect for a glass of sustainably produced wine, alongside creative bar bites and share plates.
○ Harvest Restaurant - Sunny verandas, seasonal dishes with a subtle smokiness from the woodfire grill, and exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Boutique wine luxury in Martinborough - Wairarapa, North Island
Martinborough is home to over 20 wineries, many boasting colonial boutique charm and the chance to enjoy a mini-break among the vines, barely an hour’s drive out of Wellington. Inexplicably overlooked for wine getaways, Martinborough produces some of the country’s finest Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, the latter on account of its huge diurnal temperature range, much like Otago. Spectacular and warm in summer, cosy and inviting in the chillier months, Martinborough is a year-round delight for weekend wine-trippers. Check availability at the Porter Homestead, one of the area’s original grand villas, or escape up the valley at the five-star Whitimanuka Retreat.
Martinborough Spots Worth Booking Ahead
○ Poppies Martinborough - The perfect spot to slow down over seasonal platters, local wines and good conversation among the vines.
○ Tirohana Estate Restaurant - Mexican and Indian flavours, vineyard terrace dining and award-winning wines in the heart of Martinborough.
○ Palliser Kitchen at Palliser Estate - The kind of relaxed garden dining where a platter and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc can easily turn into an afternoon.
Grey Town Martinborough Wairarapa, North Island
The Bordeaux-beating Bay - Hawke’s Bay, North Island
Matching the quality of the wines it produces, Hawke’s Bay is home to dozens of lodges and retreats to help you enjoy an idyllic stay among the vineyards. Of the 70-plus wineries scattered throughout the region, many offer their own accommodation as well as fine dining.
For wine lovers, few regions balance world-class Bordeaux-style blends with destination dining quite like Hawke’s Bay.
Where to Wine & Dine in Hawke’s Bay
○ Mission Estate Restaurant - One of New Zealand’s oldest wine estates, pairing European-influenced dining with panoramic coastal views over Napier.
○ Craggy Range - A Hawke’s Bay favourite where award-winning wines and seasonal dining have earned it Two Hats and Winery Restaurant of the Year.
○ Clearview Estate - Long lunches by the Te Awanga coastline, seasonal dishes and a cellar door loved by locals and wine-trippers alike.
Explore Christchurch’s best fine dining restaurants here.
The Wonder of Waipara - North Canterbury, South Island
Incredible scenery, luxury, and fine wine can all be found just an hour’s drive north of Christchurch. With dozens of wineries to enjoy a cellar-door tasting, brush up on your wine knowledge and devour a top-end meal, North Canterbury’s hidden grape gem delivers on every level.
Choose somewhere to stay further up the valley to enjoy the views back over the vineyards and all the way down to the snow-capped Southern Alps. Or for something truly memorable, book in at the Greystone Purepod, an isolated luxury glass cube offering panoramic vistas of the region and the stars above.
Waipara Cellar Doors to Add to Your Itinerary
○ Black Estate Wines - Seated wine tastings and seasonal menus shaped by biodynamic produce and locally caught fish.
○ Greystone Cellar Door & Restaurant - Four-course long lunches and organic wines that showcase the best of Canterbury produce and terroir.
○ Waipara Springs Winery and Restaurant - Casual vineyard dining centred around share plates and some of Waipara’s best-loved Pinot Noir and Riesling.