Explore New Zealand’s Top Wine

Regions, Vineyards, Tours & Tastings

Discover New Zealand’s top wine regions, from the world-famous Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough to the boutique Pinot Noirs of Central Otago.

This guide highlights the best vineyards, cellar doors, and wine tasting experiences to include in your custom New Zealand tour.

New Zealand’s wine regions are internationally acclaimed for producing premium wines that reflect the country’s varied climate and stunning natural landscapes. From the warmer, subtropical vineyards of the North Island to the cooler, alpine terroirs of the South Island, each region brings something unique to the glass.

While Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the global wine map, the country is also celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

Below, we explore four of the most iconic and frequently visited wine regions to consider including in your New Zealand wine tasting journey.

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Waiheke Island

Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a jewel in the Hauraki Gulf, where golden beaches meet rolling vineyards. This island paradise is renowned for producing premium Syrah, Bordeaux-style reds, and elegant Chardonnay. Its unique maritime climate and mineral-rich soils create wines with depth, character, and a touch of sea breeze in every sip. Spend the day wine tasting at boutique estates, indulging in gourmet lunches with ocean views, and soaking up the relaxed island charm.Notable Wines

Notable & Famous Wines

Stonyridge Larose – The island’s most celebrated Bordeaux-style red, often compared to top French vintages for its rich, complex layers and global recognition.
Destiny Bay Magna Praemia – A luxurious, critically acclaimed Cabernet blend, known as one of New Zealand's most prestigious and sought-after wines.
Kennedy Point Syrah – An award-winning organic Syrah that stands out for its purity and intense varietal character.
Obsidian “Weeping Sands” – A handcrafted, volcanic-soil red blend showcasing bold complexity and artisanal finesse.
Mudbrick Velvet – A refined Merlot- and Cabernet-driven wine offering plush elegance, perfect for sunset indulgence.
Te Motu Flagship Blend – A sustainably produced Bordeaux-style red with depth, character, and a gourmet dining appeal.
Batch Flora & Syrah – Distinctive and award-winning, grown at one of the island’s highest vineyards with panoramic views.
Passage Rock Syrah – Waiheke’s most-awarded wine, praised for its precision, structure, and consistent excellence.

Hawke's Bay

Bathed in sunshine and blessed with a warm, dry climate, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected wine regions. Known for its full-bodied reds and refined whites, the area produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blends, and elegant Chardonnay. The peppery Syrah here has gained international acclaim, while the coastal influence keeps the wines balanced and fresh. Between tastings, explore art deco architecture, local markets, and sun-drenched countryside.

Notable & Famous Wines

Te Mata Coleraine – Renowned as New Zealand’s finest red wine, a Bordeaux-style classic of elegance and aging potential.
Te Mata Bullnose Syrah – A structured and aromatic Syrah from one of the country’s most historic wineries.
Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah – A flagship Gimblett Gravels Syrah celebrated for its floral lift, dark fruit precision, and long finish.
Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay – A refined white with citrus brightness, mineral undertones, and elegant structure.
Oyster Bay Hawke’s Bay Merlot – Juicy and vibrant, with black plum, gentle spice, and smooth drinkability.
Mission Estate Jewelstone – A historic highlight from New Zealand’s oldest winery, embodying heritage and refinement.
Smith & Sheth Syrah – Savory, complex, and elegant, capturing the essence of Hawke’s Bay terroir.
Trinity Hill and Brookfields Reds – Balanced Bordeaux-style blends celebrated for their approachability and depth.

Marlborough

Where rolling vineyards meet the sparkling waters of the Pacific, Marlborough is world-renowned for its crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s cool coastal breezes, ample sunshine, and fertile soils also nurture expressive Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Here, the sea’s influence is as much a part of the wine as the land itself, bringing purity and vibrancy to every bottle. Enjoy cellar door tours, seafood pairings, and breathtaking vineyard vistas.

Notable & Famous Wines

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc – The wine that put Marlborough on the global map, renowned for its vibrant citrus, passionfruit, and crisp minerality.
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc – Crafted by Kevin Judd, this refined Sauvignon offers tropical fruit richness with subtle savoury complexity.
Dog Point Vineyard Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc – An elegant, oak-aged interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc with depth and structure.
Fromm Pinot Noir – A benchmark Marlborough Pinot Noir known for its layered red fruit, spice, and graceful aging potential.
Framingham Classic Riesling – A beautifully balanced Riesling with aromatic intensity and lively acidity.
Auntsfield Estate Chardonnay – Rich, textured, and mineral-driven, showcasing Marlborough’s cool-climate elegance.
Seresin Estate Pinot Noir – Organic and biodynamic, offering silky texture and expressive varietal purity.
Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp, refreshing classic from one of Marlborough’s pioneering families.

Central Otago

The southernmost wine region on earth, Central Otago is a land of dramatic contrasts — from snow-dusted mountains to shimmering glacial lakes. It is famed for producing some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir, with intense flavours, elegant structure, and a distinctive mineral quality. Hot, dry summers and cool autumn nights also produce outstanding white wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Every glass captures the essence of this pristine, alpine paradise.Notable Wines

Notable & Famous Wines

Felton Road Pinot Noir – One of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs, known for elegance and depth.
Rippon Pinot Noir – Iconic wine from biodynamic vineyards overlooking Lake Wanaka.
Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir – Rich and full-bodied with dark fruit and spice.
Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir – From the “Valley of Vines,” known for vibrant, aromatic styles.
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle – Exceptional sparkling wine with finesse and fine bubbles.
Prophet’s Rock Riesling – Highly regarded for its purity, minerality, and vibrant acidity.
Akarua Chardonnay – Creamy and balanced with stone fruit and subtle oak.
Two Paddocks Pinot Noir – Actor Sam Neill’s vineyard, producing refined and complex Pinot Noir.