Five of the Best Wine Getaways in New Zealand

One of the great beauties about wine is that there are countless ways to appreciate it.

Learning the stories behind every vintage. Knowing your Merlot from your Cabernet Franc, geeking out on viticulture. Mastering the magic of pairing wine with food. The opportunities for discovery beyond the bottle are seemingly endless.

When it comes to enjoying wine in Aotearoa, the notion of ‘discovery’ takes on a literal meaning. This is because we are blessed with the world’s most varied wine-producing regions right on our doorstep.

Year-round, a Kiwi wine adventure can take you high into snowy alpine reaches, or down to sun-drenched coastal enclaves that are the envy of winemakers the world over.

To help you get the lay of the vines, we’ve carefully selected five luxurious escapes from across the motu that are sure to elevate your love and appreciation for your favourite drops.

The Southern Alps Grape Escape

Central Otago, South Island

About as far south in the world that a superior wine can be produced, Central Otago has long given Burgundy a run for its money. It’s widely considered the capital of New World Pinot Noir.

While quite the accolade, it’s fair to say the region has risen to the occasion. Dozens of enormous estates cater for interested wine tourists, whether through their informative cellar door tastings, high-end dining or bountiful luxury accommodation.

Live it up like a millionaire in one of the three private lodges at the Lindis. Open fire roaring, cosy up in bed or the bath and gaze up at the stars with a drop of the local stuff. A heaven-sent treat.

A ‘Top of the South’ wineventure

Nelson and Marlborough, South Island

At the northern end of the South Island/Te Waipōunamu, two distinct wine-producing regions sit tantalisingly close to one another.

To the west, Nelson - an unsung hero of Kiwi wine. Call in for a tasting at any of Rimu Grove, Pine Hill or Richmond Plains and you’ll understand why.

Then, wind your way east through the mystical Marlborough Sounds over to Blenheim, the gateway to New Zealand’s world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc heartland.

To make this two-in-one getaway extra-special, consider staying at the Marlborough Lodge, a luxurious estate that’s ideally situated for visits to Wither Hills, Hans Herzog, Nautilus Estate, Cloudy Bay and countless other famed wineries

Boutique wine luxury in Martinborough

Wairarapa, North Island

Martinborough is home to over 20 wineries - many boasting colonial boutique charm and the chance to enjoy a mini-break among the vines barely an hour’s drive out of Wellington.

Inexplicably overlooked for wine getaways, Martinborough produces some of the country’s finest pinot gris and pinot noir, the latter on account of its huge diurnal temperature range, much like Otago.

Spectacular and warm in summer, cosy and inviting in the chillier months, Martinborough is an under-rated, year-round delight for wine trip aficionados.

Check availability at the Porter Homestead, one of the area’s original grand villas, or escape up the valley at the five-star Whitimanuka Retreat.

The Bordeaux-beating Bay

Hawke’s Bay, North Island

Matching the quality of the wines it produces, Hawke’s Bay is home to dozens of lodges and retreats to help you enjoy an idyllic stay among the vineyards.

Of the 70-plus wineries scattered throughout the region, many of the big names in town offer their own accommodation as well as haute-cuisine dining.

Elephant Hill, Mission Estate, Craggy Range and Clearview Estate were made for luxury-seeking wine-trippers and foodies, as well as producing Bordeaux-style blends which rightly share the top table with the world’s best.

The Wonder of Waipara

North Canterbury, South Island

Incredible scenery, luxury, and fine wine can all be found just an hour’s drive north of Christchurch.

With dozens of wineries to enjoy a cellar-door tasting, swot up on your wine-growing knowledge and devour a top-end meal, North Canterbury’s hidden grape gem delivers on every level.

Choose somewhere to stay further up the valley to enjoy the views back over the vineyards and all the way down to the snow-capped Southern Alps. Take things to a stratospheric level and book in at the Greystone Purepod - an isolated luxury glass cube offering panoramic vistas of the region and the stars above.