Experience wines that showcase the region’s distinct climate and soils on this intimate wine tour. Taste premium varietals from local vineyards as you admire this picturesque scenery.
Cluster 2 of our research explores perceptions related to technical preparation of guides. Tourists were very favorable in their evaluations of guides. Furthermore, they demonstrated immense appreciation for their enthusiasm and passion as guides.
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s eastern shore is famous for its Art Deco towns and stunning landscapes, but also for being one of the country’s most prolific wine regions – and with good reason! Thanks to a long growing season, its vineyards produce sophisticated red blends, rich merlot, spicy syrah and deep pinot noir wines – not forgetting sophisticated red blends from Red Label wines produced right there at Hawke’s Bay itself!
Hawke’s Bay was established by Marist missionaries in 1851 and boasts 200 lush vineyards and 30 cellar doors – perfect for wine tours! There is something special to discover here, from boutique cellar doors such as Askerne to Church Road’s Tom Experience at their historic seminary – there are so many ways to discover its offerings!
Craggy Range Winery stands out with its luxurious winery and dining venue located beneath Te Mata Peak, an active volcano. Enjoy sampling current and back vintage wines in their atmospheric tasting room while tasting delicious, matching savoury bites crafted especially for each vintage wine offered for sale.
Bicycle tours provide an enjoyable and leisurely way to discover the area’s wines and natural attractions, providing a leisurely way to explore. One such trail is Takaro Trails (day bike rental: $40). Running alongside Ahuriri lagoon, these trails pass native birds like poakas and white-faced herons before continuing onto Church Road and Mission Estate both established by Marist missionaries during the 1850s.
Marlborough
New Zealand’s Marlborough region boasts an idyllic world of wine, fresh seafood, and breathtaking natural scenery, inviting you to explore it at every turn. Renowned Sauvignon Blanc from this area has won international renown while intense Pinot Noir and Riesling produce among New Zealand’s most celebrated varieties – making wine tasting tours here among its most popular in New Zealand.
Winery tours in this region often include visits to vineyards of several acclaimed boutique wineries spread out across Blenheim and its surroundings, many located just minutes apart by car. Despite its size, this region is quite compact; wineries can often be reached within short driving distance from each other.
Marlborough is best-known for producing its famed Sauvignons; however, Marlborough produces an array of impressive wines, from Chardonnay to Riesling and sparkling wines produced using the traditional Methode Traditionelle style. Visitors interested in discovering this diverse region can do so on day tours which visit multiple wineries or extended tours that allow for leisurely tastings as well as outdoor activities.
Greywacke Winery provides one of the region’s premier and comprehensive wine tours, led by award-winning winemaker Kevin Judd. As one of Kevin’s boutique wineries, this popular destination provides visitors an excellent way to explore Sauvignon Blanc as well as other varietals grown locally.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island in New Zealand is an idyllic destination for wine enthusiasts of all ages, offering world-class wines while exploring pristine beaches and small villages. Some vineyard tours even include scenic hikes across this idyllic terrain.
On a Waiheke Island wine tour, you can expect to visit many acclaimed vineyards renowned for producing top quality wines. Depending on which winery and tour option you select, tastings at other businesses on the island – possibly even olive oil tasting – could also be included as part of your itinerary.
Enjoy the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a 5.5-hour food and wine tour! Learn about New Zealand’s world-famous wine industry while tasting wines from various vineyards. Plus, tuck into an unforgettable lunch while exploring what makes this island special!
Taste Waiheke Island’s best cuisine and wines on this convenient day trip from Auckland. Take the ferry over, explore hidden beaches, visit multiple vineyards (Mudbrick Vineyard & Rangihoua Estate), have lunch at one, then board your return ferry back home – an ideal way to sample all of Waiheke’s tasty wines without risking driving after sampling one or two glasses! This tour offers the ideal opportunity to indulge your palette without driving while sampling its finest offerings!
Queenstown
As part of your full day wine tour, you will visit three vineyards and indulge in an exquisite lunch. Additionally, Old Cromwell and Arrowtown provide opportunities for exploration while you have the option to cross Kawarau Bungy Bridge, one of the world’s greatest extreme adventure activities.
Central Otago offers an ideal setting for this small group tour with its custom itinerary crafted to your booking selections. On this excursion you will visit four boutique wineries that specialize in quality produce while providing friendly staff service.
At one of their vineyards you will have the chance to sample some of New Zealand’s popular pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs before sitting down for a unique lunch in retired oak barrels cooked using local produce, perfectly paired with wines. Your tour also includes visiting New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave before touring Gibbston Valley’s historical sites.
This bus tour allows you to discover wineries and breweries without needing to drive yourself. Departures leave from Queenstown every 45 minutes, and you can choose which stops to visit at each stop – an excellent option for couples wanting a combination of wine tasting and beer tasting experiences!