The gourmet dining, award-winning vineyards and charming local delicacies in New Zealand create luxury food journeys that leave the taste buds singing.

The regions covered below take you on a food pilgrimage from the islands’ tip to tail, showcasing the best luxury food and wine experiences in New Zealand.

Northland

Northland’s rolling hills, native bush and numerous bays and beaches are home to some of the nation’s finest culinary fare. The subtropical climes help the region produce medal-winning wines, tasty citrus, olives and succulent seafood.

Northland & Bay of Islands
Omata, Northland & Bay of Islands

Highlights

  • Subtropical climes
  • Award-winning wines
  • Breath-taking sea views

Northland & the Bay of Islands

The subtropical Northland region stretches upwards from Auckland to the very top of New Zealand.

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Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and a fantastic place for lovers of quality food and fine wine. Blessed with long sunshine hours and fertile plains, it is one of New Zealand’s most productive growing regions.

The region’s love of food and wine is brought to the fore at FAWC! (Food and Wine Classic) - a fantastic seasonal festival taking place in both summer and winter celebrating local produce and artisan products.

Hawke's Bay
Craggy Range, Hawke's Bay

Highlights

  • Warm dry climate
  • Local produce & artisan products
  • Food and Wine Classic Festival

Hawke's Bay

Best known for exceptional wine and a warm sunny climate.

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Wellington Wine Country

Wairarapa is located in close proximity to Wellington and at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail that spans across four wine regions. While it has only 3% of New Zealand’s land under vine, Wairarapa boasts some of the country’s most iconic producers.

Its internationally acclaimed wines are boutique in style and intensely flavoured. Wairarapa produces a wide range of varietals, but is noted most for its Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics.

Wairarapa
Martinborough Village, Wairarapa

Highlights

  • New Zealand Wine Trail
  • Boutique shops
  • Historic architecture

Wairarapa

A rural area with an off-the-beaten-track charm.

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Marlborough

Lying at the top of the South Island, the region of Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest producer of wine, in particular Sauvignon Blanc. There are many outstanding wineries in this region, with the excellent Cloudy Bay Vineyard drawing in discerning wine buffs from around the world.

Marlborough is also known for its green-lipped mussels. These unique marine delicacies are best enjoyed aboard a boat in the sounds, where they are served straight from the farm with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc to match.

Marlborough
Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough

Highlights

  • World-class Sauvignon Blanc
  • Unique marine delicacies
  • Cruising in the Sounds

Marlborough

New Zealand's largest wine growing region and the home of world-renowned sauvignon blanc.

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Nelson Tasman

Benefiting from a sunny, maritime climate, the picturesque valley vineyards of Nelson Tasman yield some of New Zealand’s most freshly scented, intensely flavoured Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as vibrant, supple pinot noir.

Even though it is among the smaller wine regions of the country, Nelson Tasman’s wines are internationally acclaimed for their high quality. Its winemakers are recognised for crafting wonderfully drinkable wines that stand apart from the typical commercial styles.

Nelson Tasman
Ding at Neudorf Winery, Nelson Tasman

Highlights

  • Long golden beaches
  • Picturesque valleys vineyards
  • Art and crafts

Nelson

New Zealand's sunniest region and a magnet for creativity.

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Canterbury and Kaikoura

No culinary visit to New Zealand’s South Island is complete without sampling the delectable crayfish in Kaikoura. While visiting this bustling seafood haven, make sure you stay at the unique Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses.

As you head further south through Canterbury, be sure to try the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and fine aromatic wines from vineyards in Waimate, Cheviot and the Waipara Valley.

Christchurch - Canterbury
Fine dining at Annandale, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

Hapuku Lodge & Tree houses
Otahuna Lodge

Highlights

  • Delectable seafood
  • Unique wildlife
  • Picturesque landscapes

Canterbury

Canterbury stretches from ocean to the Alps, and is land of plains and peaks.

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Central Otago

The region of Otago is known for its spectacular vineyards, perfectly situated among lakes and gorges and surrounded by mountains.

Sip wines from top wineries like Mt Edward Winery, Two Paddocks or Brennan Wines and appreciate the effect of the landscape on the flavour and body of award-winning Pinot Noirs – especially by the fireplace after an adventurous day of skiing.

Wānaka
Rippon Vineyard, Wānaka

Highlights

  • Spectacular lakes and mountain peaks
  • Walking and adventure
  • Scenic flights

Central Otago

A powerful landscape, of ancient mountains, alpine herb fields and fast flowing rivers.

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Further explore New Zealand's regional Sip, Dine, Stay and Play wine experiences by clicking here(opens in new window).

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