Get ready to explore the best spots for wine tasting in New Zealand! From the stunning valleys of Marlborough to the sunny vineyards of Central Otago, this country has it all for wine lovers.

In this guide, let’s discover the top places where you can enjoy tasting delicious wines across New Zealand. Whether you're a wine pro or just starting to explore, you're in for a treat as we uncover the beauty and flavours of these famous wine regions.

Here's a taste of New Zealand's top locations for wine tasting and the different grape varietals they are most famous for.

Marlborough, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, stands as the country's largest wine-producing region and is renowned as one of the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand. It boasts an impressive array of Sauvignon Blanc wines renowned globally.

Additionally, the area is acclaimed for its Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir varieties. Many of its wineries are easily accessible from the city of Blenheim, a mere 20-minute drive from the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.

Ready to explore? Plan your trip to Marlborough for a wine-tasting adventure, and book your accommodation through the Traveloka app!

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with around 100 vineyards and wineries spread across its fertile lands, making it one of the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand. Known for its Bordeaux-style wines like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay, the Auckland region hosts some of the country's oldest vineyards.

Many premier wine-tasting spots are situated to the north and west of Auckland city. After indulging in wine sampling, don't miss out on exploring the diverse range of activities and accommodations available in the area.

Hawke's Bay stands as New Zealand’s premier food and wine tour destination, beckoning you to savour the North Island's picturesque rural scenery while exploring some of the nation's finest wineries. This region ranks second in size nationwide and boasts a rich history.

While chardonnay dominates its verdant vineyards, the region's extended ripening season also favours the thriving of red varietals like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and syrah, making it one of the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand

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Situated at the easternmost point of the North Island, Gisborne basks in ample sunlight, earning the distinction of being the first wine region globally to greet the new day's sun. Known for its specialty in white grapes, Gisborne's vineyards and wineries excel in producing chardonnay, chenin blanc, gewürztraminer, and riesling varieties.

With Wellington nearby, Wairarapa becomes the perfect day-trip spot for wine lovers and ranks among the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand. Martinborough, the region's hub, houses some of the finest boutique wineries, renowned worldwide for their exceptional pinot noir.

Additionally, Martinborough's vineyards play host to the annual Toast Food, Wine, and Music Festival every third Sunday of November. Enjoying a climate akin to Marlborough, Wairarapa experiences minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine.

Take a ferry from Auckland to reach the sought-after wine-tasting spot: Waiheke Island, known as one of the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand. Thanks to its moderate climate, Waiheke Island can grow a variety of red and white grapes, making it a top destination for wine enthusiasts.

Vine planting started in the 1980s, mainly focusing on top-quality reds like cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Later on, producers started growing other types like chardonnay, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, syrah, and viognier.

Embark on a cruise to Waiheke Island and treat yourself to a seasonal multi-course lunch paired with a glass of wine at either Stonyridge Vineyard, The Heke, or Batch Winery. Buy only at Traveloka and get the latest promotions, book now!

With a diverse array of wineries conveniently situated near Christchurch, the Canterbury region has established a strong reputation for its pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. Its burgeoning Waipara sub-region, located just north of Christchurch, has also been steadily gaining recognition for its riesling. Although relatively young in New Zealand's winemaking history, with its first vineyard planted in 1977, the wider Canterbury wine region now ranks as the fourth largest in the country.

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Famous for its beautiful scenery and delicious red wines, Central Otago is a must-visit if you're exploring Queenstown and nearby areas, ranking among the best places to go wine tasting in New Zealand. It's the southernmost place in the world where wine is produced, enjoying a unique climate not found elsewhere in New Zealand. While Central Otago is famous for its excellent pinot noir, you'll also find chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and riesling widely available in its vineyards.

Alt image: best places to go wine tasting in new zealand Northland

In the northernmost part of New Zealand, there are several small vineyards that take advantage of the almost Mediterranean climate to produce tropical Chardonnays, Pinot Gris, and Viogniers.

Although the only wine tour option in Northland is a helicopter tour, let's be honest, not many backpackers can afford to hop from winery to winery that way! Your best bet is a self-drive tour.

Despite being the fourth largest wine-producing region in New Zealand, Nelson is relatively small geographically. You can explore most of the wineries in a single day. Nelson produces a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, as well as Montepulciano, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Ready to travel to Nelson? Book the hotel in Nelson. Now!
Cheers to unforgettable experiences and unforgettable wines! Ready to taste the best wines New Zealand has to offer? Plan your trip easily and comfortably through the Traveloka App for accommodations that suit your budget.