Updated October 2021
Best wineries in New Zealand
Looking to discover the best wineries New Zealand? Use our guide as the ultimate resource to learn about NZ’s wine regions and plan your trip.
Whether your taste favors crispy Sauv Blanc or dark and meaty Syrahs, there’s a bottle for everyone when wine tasting in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Wine Route
North Island
Auckland is the most common starting point. But if your journey starts in the South island instead, you can just flip it and reverse it.
1. Waiheke Island (1-2 days)
Located just a ferry ride away from Auckland, this small volcanic island is a perfect day trip from the city. If time permits, you may also consider a few nights at the local BnB’s while the jet lag drips away. Our full guide to Waiheke Island.
What to do on the way to stop #2
Auckland to Hawke’s Bay is a 7+ hr drive, so we’d recommend splitting up the journey with a myriad of activities:
- Go sailing in the Shoal Bay in Auckland
- Rent an Campervan for a few days and drive around the north to the Bay of Islands
- Visit the Hobbiton movie set (Lord of the Rings).
- Mountain bike and hike in Rotorua
- See the natural thermal pools in Taupo
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing
2. Hawke’s Bay (2 days)
As New Zealand’s 2nd largest producing region (to Marlborough) and well known for their bigger reds, Hawke’s Bay is a great stop on the way south. See our full guide to Hawke’s Bay.
3. Martinborough (3 days)
Martinborough is one of the most overlooked and underrated wine regions in the world. The cool climate and alluvial gravel soil make this a perfect setting for growing top notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our full wine guide to Martinborough.
Don’t miss on your way out
Martinborough is a one hour drive outside of the windy town of Wellington. In addition to housing their legislative branch, this town has a unique hipster vibe and is worth checking out before boarding the ferry south.
South Island
4. Marlborough (3 days)
After taking the scenic ferry from Wellington to Picton, you’ll now be setting foot on the southern island of NZ! Check out our Marlborough wine guide for more.
What to do on the way to stop #5
- Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park
- See the Dolphins in Kaikoura
- Visit an old French fishing village at Akaroa
- Gaze at the beautiful Lake Pukaki and Tekapo
- Visit the Canterbury wine region (not one of our favorites, but extra credit if you go).
5. Central Otago (5 days)
Located near the bottom of the South Island, Otago’s vineyard settings match the dramatic, mountainous terrain. Check out our full wine guide to Central Otago.
Places to visit nearby
- Take a boat trip on the Milford Sound
- Hike the Grand Traverse (we recommend Ultimate Hikes for this)
- Admire Rob Roy’s Glacier
- Swim with dolphins in Curio Bay
- Slurp fresh oysters in Bluff
That’s a wrap! We hope you’ve enjoyed our Ultimate New Zealand Driving wine route guide to the best wineries in New Zealand. Make sure to check out some of our other ultimate guides covering other worldly wine regions.
