Combine some of the world’s finest wines and the freedom to travel to these sought-after regions to your hearts content and you’ve got a wine-lovers paradise. Extending 1000 miles from sub-tropical Northland (36° S) down to Central Otago (46° S), New Zealand’s wine regions set the bar competitively high. Most wine regions are found on the eastern coastlines on both the North and South islands and what better way to explore these individual regions than by taking a car or motorhome, where you have the freedom to stop off wherever you want.

 

 

 

 

Located no more than 50 kilometres from the sea giving it an almost subtropical climate, the Northland region has warm spring temperatures, hot dry summers and clear autumn days which allows fruit ripen early, creating full bodied and rich wines.

 

Red wine: Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot | White wine: Chardonnay and Pinot Gris

 

Home to New Zealand’s largest and oldest wineries, Auckland’s wine was established in the early 1900s by passionate Croatian, Lebanese and English wine makers. From Auckland and its sub-regions of Waiheke, West Auckland and Matakana, its volcanic, clay rich soils and the perfect temperature make it a perfect location.

Red wine: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot | White wine: Chardonnay and Pinot Gris

 

Named after its plentiful 'fruit bowl' properties and its fertile soils and warm climate for growing any type of produce, Bay of Plenty is a small yet expanding wine region that has a moderately warm climate and fertile soils while still having a coastal influence.

 

Red wine: Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon | White wine: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris

With the amazing weather, verdant landscape and the vast range of wine styles, it’s no surprise that Gisborne is New Zealand’s third largest wine region. Gisborne produces a variety of wines from fruit-driven and full bodied to biodynamic classics.

 

Red wine: Merlot | White wine: Chardonnay and Pinot Gris

 

First planted in 1851 by Marist missionaries and now earning an international reputation for a great range of wines, Hawkes Bay is ideal for fruit growing due to its climate and sunshine and its lengthy growing season also allows production of dessert style wines. Its popularity has also made it a sought-after destination for wine tourism.

 

Red wine: Bordeaux, Merlot and Pinot Noir | White wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris

Meaning ‘Glistening Waters’ in Maori, Wairarapa is a boutique region that produces wine of exceptional quality. It has only 3% of New Zealand’s land under vine, and contributes to 1% of its total production. Plus, it’s only a short scenic drive to Wellington.

 

Red wine: Pinot Noir and Syrah | White wine: Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

 

From its wine roots dating back to the mid-1800s when the German wine settlers planted the areas first grape vine, the boutique region of Nelson boast high sunshine hours, a coastal climate and free-draining semi fertile soil. Due to the size of the region, visitors can get around most wineries in a day.

 

Red wine: Pinot Noir | White wine: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

 

Putting New Zealand on the international wine stage back in the 1980’s with its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is New Zealand biggest wine region. The Marlborough sub regions of the Southern Valleys, Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley together also deliver the world’s most vivid wines along with the sunshine, low rainfall and moderately fertile soils.

Red wine: Pinot Noir | White wine: Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay