North Island Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

Kick off your wine trail adventure in New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Spend three nights soaking up the city’s creative energy: explore Te Papa for fascinating Kiwi culture, stroll the waterfront for stunning harbour views, and wander Cuba Street for quirky boutiques and cafés. Take a behind-the-scenes tour at Weta Workshop, ride the historic Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, and discover craft beer bars and world-class dining in hidden laneways. With time to savour local wines and the city’s buzzing food scene, Wellington is the perfect launchpad for your journey.

Welcome to the heart of Wairarapa wine country. Spend your days tasting world-class Pinot Noir at boutique vineyards like Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard, then mix things up with a gin flight at Lighthouse Gin. For the ultimate foodie experience, head to The Runholder – a one-stop haven with a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, and gin distillery overlooking rolling hills. Settle in for a long lunch or an early dinner and soak up the views with a glass in hand.
Evening Magic
When the sun dips, swap wine for wonder under one of the clearest skies on earth. Martinborough is home to one of the most accessible Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Join Star Safari for an unforgettable stargazing experience where expert guides reveal the secrets of the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations. It’s the perfect way to end a day of indulgence.

Spend two days in New Zealand’s oldest wine region, where sun-soaked vineyards and stunning coastlines set the scene. Cycle the scenic wine trails and visit iconic cellar doors like Mission Estate and Church Road for tastings of world-class Chardonnay and Syrah. Stroll through Napier’s famous Art Deco streets, then head up Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of rolling hills and vines. Indulge in long lunches at vineyard restaurants, explore local farmers’ markets, and don’t miss a sunset sip overlooking the bay. Hawke’s Bay is all about flavour, style, and unforgettable views.

After soaking up Hawke’s Bay, head to Rotorua for two days of geothermal wonders and indulgent tastes. Start with a visit to Volcanic Hills Winery, perched at the top of the Skyline Gondola, where you can sip local wines while taking in sweeping views of Lake Rotorua. Explore the city’s vibrant dining scene – think M?ori-inspired cuisine at award-winning restaurants and farm-to-table menus showcasing the best of the region.
Add a dash of culture with a M?ori hangi experience, where traditional cooking meets storytelling, and don’t miss the local craft beer and artisan food markets for a taste of Rotorua’s creative side. Between bites and sips, wander through bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers – because here, nature and flavour go hand in hand.

Wrap up your wine trail adventure with three nights in New Zealand’s largest city, where world-class dining meets stunning harbour views. Start with a wine-tasting escape to Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride away, and sip award-winning vintages at boutique vineyards overlooking the sea. Back in the city, explore Auckland’s buzzing food scene – from waterfront seafood restaurants to hidden laneway eateries serving creative Kiwi cuisine. Don’t miss the vibrant Viaduct Harbour for sunset drinks, and add a dash of culture with a visit to the Auckland Art Gallery or a stroll through the stylish Britomart precinct.

Make your way back to Auckland airport to return your hire car and depart home or continue your journey to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer