In recent years New Zealand has become a popular destination for the world's wine buffs. The major wine regions of Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, and the neighboring areas of Wairarapa and Wellington, enjoy thousands of visitors every year.
But with stunning wineries stretching from the northernmost tip to the bottom of the South Island, why not explore them? Tourists will enjoy some amazing wine experiences if they dare to venture off the beaten track.
New Zealand may be a relatively new wine destination, but its most popular ports can tend to get crowded. It may seem appealing to visit New Zealand's largest wineries, but you may think twice when you're bumping elbows with other tasters at the bar. Contrast this with the serenity and personalized service of smaller vineyards, and you may be tempted to try the path less traveled.
If you're looking for this kind of relaxed wine vacation, there are a few New Zealand regions you may like to consider.
Northland is often overlooked by wine tourists. It's the smallest of New Zealand's wine regions, and its location on the northernmost tip of the North Island is a little out of the way. But it's worth the effort to visit this picturesque region.
Croatian immigrants planted New Zealand's first grape vines in Northland in 1819, but this region's wine industry all but died out until recently. Thanks to current interest in New Zealand's wines, the area has enjoyed a resurgence.
The beautiful coastal districts of Kaitaia, Bay of Islands, and Whagarei make up the Northland wine region. It enjoys New Zealand's warmest weather which makes it the perfect place to grow cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay grapes, and to attract sun loving travelers.
A journey on the Northland Food and Wine Trail is the perfect way for gastronomes to experience all this region has to offer. The 74 food and wine experiences on the trail are all clearly signposted to help travelers find their way. Many stops like Ake Ake Winery, Omata Estate, and Cottle Hill Winery combine excellent wine and fine food for a truly indulgent experience.
For the ultimate foodie's delight, consider visiting Northland in September. Every year wineries and restaurant join together for The Northland Lunch, an annual degustation meal featuring amazing dishes created with fresh local produce and matched with the perfect Northland wines.
Central Otago is one of New Zealand's fastest growing wine regions, but few international tourists ever make it far enough south to see it. It's a shame, because this beautiful mountainous area is paradise for wine lovers.
Central Otago is famous for elegant pinot noirs, but it's also worth sampling the chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, rieslings, pinot grigios, and gewürztraminers. You'll find wonderful examples of these varieties at Felton Road Wines, Peregrine Wines, and Two Paddocks, the winery owned by movie star Sam Neill.
Central Otago is conveniently located near New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Bungy jumping, skydiving, kayaking, and hang-gliding are huge industries here, and the perfect way to get the adrenalin pumping. Wine tasting in the nearby Gibbston Valley is the ideal complement to these heart-racing activities. Or venture further away from the city to explore vineyards at Wanaka, Alexandra, and the Cromwell Basin.
Central Otago's food and wine is celebrated with an annual festival in February. Enjoy award-winning wines and tasty treats while soaking up the sounds of local jazz bands. The beautiful surroundings of the Queenstown Gardens make this festival a must see for locals and tourists alike.
New Zealand's wine industry is thriving, from the north to the south. So don't just focus on the big names in New Zealand's heart. There are unexpected joys to experience by wine tourists that dare to be different.
