Wine Regions of New Zealand
Wine is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing exports. Kiwi wine accounts for 3.6% of the world’s exported wine – pretty impressive if you consider that New Zealand’s population only accounts for 0.06% of the world’s total! We’re good at wine!
On a trip with New Zealand Walking Tours we’ll sample some of the best wines produced here, in several different regions, each renowned for their own speciality wines. New Zealand has around ten wine-producing regions, and we’ve picked four of the best, and most well-known, to visit on our trips. So if wine is one of your priorities on your New Zealand trip, then check out our breakdown of each of the regions we visit below, and head to our blog post to find out more.
Central Otago Region
Central Otago is known for its Pinot Noir, fragrant, fruity, and smooth. When visiting the Central Otago wine region we’d recommend a visit to Peregrine Wines, and sampling a drop of their 2014 Pinot Noir. The grape harvesting dates for Central Otago are from around late April to mid June.
Waiheke Island Region
Waiheke Island is known for its Bordeaux-style blends. A vineyard we think you should check out is Stonyridge, and any red from their 2015 Larose vintage is a great place to start your tasting. Harvest on Waiheke Island occurs between mid March and late April.
Malborough Region
The Marlborough region is known for its outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Our favourite winery in Marlborough is Forrest Estate, and if you visit we’d recommend trying their ‘The Doctor’s’ Sauvignon Blanc, 2016. If you’re keen to visit during harvesting season then late April to mid June is best.
Hawkes Bay Region
Hawkes Bay is known for both its aromatic reds, and it’s complex Chardonnays. One of our favourite wineries in Hawkes Bay is Mission Estate, and their 2016 VS Chardonnay is a delicious drop. To see harvest in Hawkes Bay we’d recommend a visit between early March and mid April.
More information about New Zealand
Best time to visit
The best time to visit New Zealand will often depend on what your priorities are from a visit. Here we’re talking about the seasons and what you can expect.
Walking and Hiking
This page is full of information about the Great Walks we’ll experience on our trips, as well as the other beautiful day walks we’ve chosen to include.
Photography
New Zealand is a popular destination for photographers. Here we’re talking about where and when you’ll find some of the most popular photo subjects.
About New Zealand
If you’re not sure where to start in planning your trip to New Zealand, head to this page – it’s the best place to find all sorts of information about New Zealand.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand. Here we’re talking about the gem of the Fiordland National Park, and why it’s so special.
Local Fare
New Zealand produces a lot of its own delicious fresh produce. On this page we’re talking about Kiwi delicacies, and the the best place, and time of year, to try them in.
Our Trips
Why travel with us?
Unbeatable local knowledge
Our team have spent their lives immersed in the places we go. Our trip itineraries are created based on our favourite childhood holiday spots, secret hideaways we’ve kept under our hats, the places where we proposed to our spouses, and areas we’ll keep going back to in our free time, for the rest of our lives. It’s made our New Zealand journeys authentic, timeless and beautifully crafted.
First-class New Zealand Guides
A good guide points out features, provides information and context, and connects the dots on a trip. A first class guide is a host who pours their heart and soul into the trip, takes it personally, and will move heaven and earth make it all come together seamlessly. That doesn’t happen easily – we dedicate ourselves to selecting, training and supporting the absolute best travel leaders in New Zealand.
Superb Food & Wine
New Zealand is firmly on the map when it comes to fine wine and unique, refreshing dining experiences. We showcase the culinary uniqueness and local wines of the regions we visit. To us, they’re an equally important part of the New Zealand experience, complementing our beautiful landscapes perfectly!
Unique experiences in stunning locations
It’s as much about the ‘where’ as it is the ‘what’ when it comes to a beautiful New Zealand experience. We not only walk through stunning landscapes to unforgettable places, but we make sure the journey is dotted with captivating stories, great food & wine and a few surprises that will have you brimming with stories of your own when you return back home.
Adventure at a leisurely pace
What’s the rush? We’ll slip on our best pair of walking shoes and journey into the most beautiful places in New Zealand. And to soak it all in properly, it makes sense to take our time and not necessarily set ourselves challenges that are a race against daylight hours. That means having the choice to walk, explore and escape at a pace that suits you. Slow down, soak it in, breath in the fresh air, properly feel the ground beneath your feet.
20+ years experience
Good things take time, including learning to run first class New Zealand journeys. Time to learn and understand how to be amazing hosts, seek out those hidden places that aren’t so easily seen on a map, and bring together every ingredient to create the perfect trip. It’s a journey we’ve taken for the last 20 years, and a path we’ll stay on in pursuit of providing immaculate trips that you’ll never forget.
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