In New Zealand, These Stunning Locations Are Essential for Wine Enthusiasts

New Zealand—known as Aotearoa in Māori (meaning “land of the long white cloud”)—has a relatively young wine industry. While renowned wineries like Cloudy Bay were founded as recently as 1985, winemaking techniques have roots in the long-established dairy sector. Notably, the use of stainless steel has been pivotal in preserving the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit cultivated here, helping to define the country's unique wine style.

The country primarily focuses on three grape varieties—sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and chardonnay—yet there are many other varietals worth exploring. With diverse growing climates ranging from subtropical in the north to arid conditions in Central Otago on the South Island, a broad array of grapes thrive. Additionally, New Zealand is at the forefront of sustainability in winemaking, with over 96 percent of its vineyards adhering to the national Sustainable Winegrowing NZ standards.

Discover six must-visit wine regions to explore during your next trip, stretching from north to south.

1. Auckland

The Auckland wine region, located in New Zealand’s northern part, includes several subregions—Kumeu, Waiheke Island, and Matakan—all characterized by their volcanic soils and subtropical climate. While this environment may seem unusual for viticulture, the cloud cover mitigates the region's abundant sunshine, and ocean breezes create ideal ripening conditions.

As the largest city on the North Island, Auckland is home to one of the oldest wine regions in the country, where early settlers cultivated vineyards near the bustling city. Many of these settlers hailed from the Dalmatian coast, and Croatian surnames are still prevalent today.

Wines to sample in Auckland

Babich, founded in 1916 and a trailblazer in organic viticulture across the islands, still maintains a tasting room near the city, while the Brajkovich family owns Kumeu River, renowned as one of the leading chardonnay producers globally, celebrated for its crisp yet textured white wines.

2. Hawke’s Bay

Known as the red wine capital of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is where cabernet sauvignon and syrah have achieved their finest expressions, thanks to optimal ripening conditions. Situated on the North Island's east coast, it is shielded from western winds by mountain ranges and enjoys a temperate maritime climate. However, the true secret to the region’s success lies beneath the surface: The gradual erosion of rocks as water has flowed from the mountains to the sea for centuries has formed a rich alluvial plain. These gravelly soils are characteristic of some of the world’s top vineyards, particularly in Hawke’s Bay’s famed subzone, Gimblett Gravels.

Wines to sample in Hawke’s Bay

While well-known wineries like Craggy Range and Te Mata dominate the international spotlight, Hawke’s Bay is also home to a variety of exciting projects, including the Māori-owned Tiki Wine & Vineyards, the innovative Responsible Hedonist with its vibrant labels and blends, and Amoise Winery, which emphasizes minimal intervention in its winemaking process.

3. Wairarapa

Located just an hour's drive from Wellington through mountainous landscapes, Wairarapa is shielded from harsh winds and heavy rains. Although it experiences cool temperatures, the region is also quite dry, creating ideal conditions for pinot noir cultivation. Wairarapa is compact, with most premium wineries situated around the town of Martinborough, making it convenient to visit various tasting rooms.

Wines to sample in Wairarapa

The region’s most renowned export is Ata Rangi, celebrated for its plummy yet earthy pinot noirs. Alongside Dry River, which is among the pioneering wineries, newer ventures like Schubert Wines and On Giants’ Shoulders highlight the ongoing potential this area has to offer.

4. Marlborough

Globally, New Zealand wine is predominantly linked with Marlborough, the region known for its iconic style of sauvignon blanc. Situated at the northern tip of the South Island and centered around Blenheim, it is the country’s largest wine-producing area, accounting for over 80 percent of the total yield. Marlborough is characterized by long, sunlit days followed by cool nights, and its wines capture the essence of this distinctive climate.

Wines worth tasting in Marlborough

Producers like biodynamic Seresin and organic Hans Herzog emphasize that careful land stewardship is essential for capturing the true essence of the region. However, Marlborough's offerings extend beyond just sauvignon blanc. Alongside chardonnay and pinot noir, some of its finest wines are crafted from aromatic white varieties such as riesling, pinot gris, and grüner veltliner. Both Te Whare Ra and Jules Taylor, led by female winemakers, are known for their exceptional wines.

5. North Canterbury

Located just outside Christchurch, North Canterbury experiences cool, windy, and dry conditions. In contrast to its densely planted neighbor, Marlborough, this area features fewer vineyards, with most wineries concentrated around Waipara. Notably, female-led Black Estate is among them, and these wineries have vibrant tasting rooms that attract visitors from the city and beyond.

Wines worth trying in North Canterbury

Exploring lesser-known projects like Bell Hill and Pyramid Valley, located near a limestone quarry, can yield fascinating wines that echo the styles of Burgundy. Additionally, one of the region's trailblazers, Pegasus Bay, has gained recognition for its range of rieslings, from dry to sweet, regarded as some of New Zealand's finest.

6. Central Otago

Recognized as the southernmost wine-producing region in the world and a favorite among ski enthusiasts, Central Otago is celebrated for its exceptional pinot noir. Unlike more delicate wines, these are robustly ripe and richly flavored, featuring firm tannins, elevated alcohol levels, and pronounced acidity. The area's climate resembles a high desert, yet several rivers and lakes provide essential moisture for grape cultivation. The unique weather patterns—hot, bright summers followed by cool nights and an ever-present risk of frost—contribute to grapes with thicker skins and remarkable concentration.

Wines to Experience in Central Otago

Renowned producers such as Felton Road, a leader in biodynamic practices, alongside newer wineries like Te Kano, which emphasizes regenerative agriculture and the revival of native flora, highlight a dedicated approach to nurturing this stunning landscape.