Private Wine Tours

Vines in this region were first planted in 1851 by Marist missionaries. Thanks to their efforts, Hawke’s Bay enjoys a significant international reputation for producing some of the country’s best wines. The area is best known for its Red Blends and Chardonnay but aromatic whites are consistently good and Syrah is incredibly impressive.

Hawke’s Bay is home to an outstanding wine tourism culture and offers a wide variety of cellar door experiences, as well as regular food and wine festivals.

Our favourite wineries in this area include Elephant Hill, Church Road, Craggy Range and Te Awanga Estate.

Wairarapa (meaning glistening waters in Maori) is a compact yet diverse region. It has numerous boutique producers offering a range of varieties and producing wine of exceptional quality.

The main area is the charming settlement of Martinborough, with flat river plain soils and boutique vineyards. The area is well known for its small vintages, cooperative feel and certainly punches above its weight in producing high quality varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, aromatics and vivid Chardonnays.

Our favourite wineries in this area include Palliser Estate, Urlar, Ata Rangi and Poppies.

With the first vineyards established in the early 1900’s by Croatian, Lebanese and English winemakers, the region’s climate, population and accessibility make Auckland & Waiheke Island cellar door experiences sought after for wine buffs everywhere.

Home to powerful, intense reds – Red blends in the north and on Waiheke Island (which also has thrilling Syrah) – plus world-class Chardonnay and fine Aromatics, the modern Auckland wine industry continues to develop on the local and international stage.

Our favourite wineries in this area include Mudbrick, Stonyridge, Ascension Wine Estate and Tantalus Estate.

From small beginnings, the Northland region is now powering ahead due to its dry, temperate climate. Mentioned as a ‘must do tour’ in a Lonely Planet Wine Tours of Australia & New Zealand, this region is one to watch as it grows and matures.

Varieties to watch for are the tropical Chardonnay, popular Pinot Gris and vibrant Viognier that lead the white wine growth. Red wines produced include spicy Syrahs, stylish Cabernet and Merlot blends, peppery Pinotages and complex Chambourcin, certainly not varieties seen or developed in other regions.

Our favourite wineries in this area include Marsden Estate, The Landing, Omata Estate and Karikari Estate.

Internationally recognised for its Pinot Noir, Central Otago started its award winning wine making mid-1870 and won its first gold medal in Sydney during 1881 for a Burgundy.

Wine took a back seat to horticulture until 1950 when it was rediscovered and by 1970, a number of now well known labels were established.

The must try varieties include Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors are absolutely spoilt for choice in this region with incredible landscapes, walking and cycling wine tours

Our favourite wineries in this area include Amisfield, Peregrine, Te Kano Estate and Rippon.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine growing region with over 20,000 hectares planted in vines.

Well established and respected for its huge range of varieties, it is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Given the range of and type of grape grown in this region, Marlborough and its neighbour, Nelson, is a ‘must visit’ for anyone wanting a high quality viticulture experience.

The area is well-known for its tasting events, wine trails and plentiful cellar door options.

Our favourite wineries in this area include Cloudy Bay, Nautilus Estate, Greywacke and Mount Riley Winery.