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Wine Tours in New Zealand – A ‘Grape Experience’ Like No Other

Scheduling a wine tour in New Zealand is an absolute must. With ten main wine growing regions located across the North and South Islands of New Zealand including: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago. Tourists are therefore more than likely to be within driving distance of having a ‘grape’ experience like no other.

New Zealand wineries produce a wide range of unique and internationally acclaimed wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. It is New Zealand’s unique combination of climate; soil and water which create a special foundation for the vast array of wines produced each year.

We have listed a little information about a few the wine regions found across New Zealand, accompanied with the well known varieties produced by each.

Northland
The first vineyards were grown in Northland in 1819, although this region is now one of the smallest producers in NZ, it has three main winery districts including: Kaitaia, the Bay of Islands and Whangerei. With some of the countries warmest weather this region produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Auckland
The traditional winery regions in Auckland have been those found northwest of Auckland including: Henderson, Kumeu and Huapai. More recently well known regions rising to the mark have been Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Matakana on the east coast north of the city and Clevedon, which is a 30 minutes drive south of the city. Some of the popular varieties grown in these areas are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Hawkes Bay
The Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s second largest producing region with a well respected 100 year heritage. There is a large selection of wine styles available in the Hawkes Bay which is a reflection of the wide diversity of soil types available to growers. Popular varieties found in the Hawkes Bay include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, and Pinot Noir.

Martinborough / Wairarapa
The Wairarapa is the only wine region found in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand, which is close to Wellington. Vineyards in this region are very dynamic and quality focused, producing very successful Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc is also a very successful and acclaimed grape variety grown in the Wairarapa.

Canterbury
There are two main winery producing regions in Canterbury, the plains around the city and valley area of Waipara – north of Canterbury. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the two most popular grape varieties grown in this region, with Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc close behind in third and fourth place.

If you are arranging your travel plans through a travel agency in New Zealand and are planning on visiting these regions listed above, don’t forget to mention to your travel agent that you are interested in visiting a few of the local vineyards. Many travel agencies offer specialised vineyard tours and can arrange full or half day tours on your behalf.

New Zealand Holiday – NZ is small and very beautiful. It’s one of the few countries in the world where people still enjoy being themselves. Ultimate New Zealand’s friendliness ensures that visitors’ memories are so special that they invariably want to come back.

Ultimate New Zealand reflects NZ’s individuality in all we do. We offer visitors to our country more than our competitors because we believe that your holiday should be about what you want, not what someone says you should have.

You have your own interests, your own time schedule, your own requirements and your own budget. Our job is to discuss them with you, and then produce an itinerary that meets all of your requirements and one we hope will exceed your expectations.

Whether it’s boutique accommodation, luxury lodges, self contained accommodation or perhaps a self drive tour, we will put together a tailor made holiday that you’ll not only enjoy, you won’t want it to end. We can direct you to where you’ll find New Zealanders doing what they do best – being themselves and welcoming you to join them. And along the way we can help you with a wide variety of outstanding activities for your travel itinerary including fishing, golfing, hiking, skiing, wine and food, art and craft trails, Maori Heritage and other cultural experiences. Your choice is by land, sea or air.

Ultimate New Zealand is driven by this personal philosophy. The company’s owner Libby Fletcher is a firm believer in knowing all there is to know about the destinations she recommends. “I won’t include any accommodation or activities that I haven’t personally experienced,” says Libby.

Personalise your visit to our country with the Ultimate experience. We’ll give you a holiday to remember. Enjoy a very personal, rewarding holiday in a very special country.