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NelsonBlenheimMARLBOROUGHChristchurchCook StraitKaikouraSeaSeaTasman TasmanNelsonMartinboroughWELLINGTONBlenheimWAIRARAPANelson MARLBOROUGH MartinboroughQueenstownWELLINGTONBlenheimMARLBOROUGHCENTRAL KaikouraLake OTAGOWakatipuThe OtagoKaikoura PeninsulaChristchurch DunedinChristchurchMartinboroughWELLINGTONCook StraitCook StraitWAIRARAPAHAWKE’SBAY Hawke’sBayWAIRARAPAHAWKE’SBAYNapierNapierHawke’sBay0 80 miles0 145 kilometres0 80 miles0 145 kilometresVineyard in the Brancott Valley, Marlborough, South IslandNew Zealand wineQueenstownCENTRALLake OTAGOmilesWakatipuQueenstownCENTRAL Dunedin kilometresLake OTAGOWakatipuDunedinThe OtagoPeninsulaThe OtagoPeninsulaWine is produced almost everywhere inNew Zealand and vineyards can be found inmost corners of the country. You mightchoose to travel through all of these regions,and there is a classic route from Hawke’sBay and the Wairarapa regions in the NorthIsland to the renowned vineyards ofMarlborough and Central Otago in the SouthIsland. Each of these regions specialises indifferent grape varieties, regional food, localculture and adventure experiences, ensuring avaried tasting and exploring agenda as youtravel around.Hawke’s BayNew Zealand’s oldest and second largestwine region, Hawke’s Bay leads the way inproducing stylish Cabernet Sauvignons,Merlots, Syrahs and excellent Chardonnays.Many of the 170 vineyards and wineries areopen to the public for wine tasting tours andwinery lunches, and provide the opportunity tobuy wine direct from the vineyard. The regionis often referred to as the ‘food bowl’ of NewZealand, growing much of the country’sproduce, which has led to a proliferation ofspeciality food shops, superb restaurants andfarmers’ markets.WairarapaDivided into the three sub-regions ofMasterton, Gladstone and Martinborough, thevineyards of Wairarapa produce Pinot Noirpredominantly, but Pinot Gris and SauvignonBlanc grapes are also grown. The little townof Martinborough makes an ideal base forexploring the region’s vineyards, some of whichare within walking distance of the town.Wine festival in Wairarapa, North IslandMarlboroughA unique combination of soils and climateenables the Marlborough region to producewines with an extraordinary intensity of flavour.Combining impressive aromas, distinctive fruitcharacteristics and balanced acidity,Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blancs are some ofthe best in the world – a perfect match forlocal scallops and green-lipped mussels. Don’tmiss a winery lunch in this largest of NewZealand’s wine producing regions; it may wellbe a highlight of your trip.Central OtagoNew Zealand’s highest, and the world’s mostsoutherly wine region, Central Otago is ringedby mountains to create the country’s mostspectacular vineyard setting. The schist andglacially-derived soils are ideal for producingsuperb, intense Pinot Noirs, but Riesling, PinotGris and Chardonnay grapes are also grown.The vineyards of Central Otago are easilyreached from Queenstown.Getting around the vineyardsNew Zealand’s vineyards can be visited onfoot, by bike, by car or as part of a small-groupor private tour. You could also drive aroundthe wineries or join a tour of the lesser-knownvineyards to taste a variety of wines, often withthe option to include a winery lunch.Gourmet foodAlongside New Zealand’s outstanding wines,you will find many fine food producersincluding artisan bakers, chocolatiers, cheesefactories, cider makers and coffee roasters.With all this local produce your taste buds willbe tantalised at every turn. There are regularfarmers’ markets within each of the regions,olive presses and producers of liqueurs,schnapps, oils and vinaigrettes, as well as plentyof pick-your-own farms giving you theopportunity to match your wine tasting withthe finest fresh produce on offer.Wine cellar, Hawke’s Bay, North Island42