Food & Wine
Regional flavours, vineyard landscapes and experiences shaped by the land and seasons.
Discover itinerariesFood, wine and stories shaped by place
Food and wine experiences in New Zealand are shaped by the landscape, from coastal regions known for seafood to inland valleys producing some of the country’s best wines. Vineyards, farms and local producers are woven into the journey, alongside Māori food traditions such as hāngī and immersive cultural dining experiences that bring people, storytelling and place together.
From wine tastings in Central Otago and Marlborough to long lunches overlooking the vines, these moments add depth to a wider journey, creating natural pauses between scenic drives, walks and exploration.
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Contact usFood & wine hotspots
Central Otago
Waiheke Island
Marlborough
Hawke’s Bay
Highlights of New Zealand food & wine
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
Hapuku Kitchen Cooking Class
Marlborough Tour and seafood cruise
TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Cape Coast Winery Tour
Taste New Zealand’s finest flavours
Some places you arrive at by chance. Others you’d never find without knowing where to look. A vineyard tucked just off the road, a table set where the view holds you a little longer, a producer whose story stays with you.
We shape your journey so these moments reveal themselves naturally, not rushed, not overplanned, just in the right place at the right time, becoming part of the story you’ll remember long after the trip.
Prefer an itinerary tailored to your tastes?
We’ll design your itinerary around the regions, flavours and experiences you’re drawn to, from vineyard tastings and coastal dining to cultural food experiences rooted in place. Each journey is shaped to your pace, so it feels personal and entirely your own.
Get in touchBest food & wine destinations
Marlborough
Marlborough is New Zealand’s most well known wine region, recognised for its Sauvignon Blanc and sunlit vineyard landscapes. Cellar doors are spread across the region, offering tastings that range from small family run estates to larger producers. The area also combines well with coastal scenery and access to the Marlborough Sounds.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 14 - 20 ℃ / 57 - 68 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 22 - 26 ℃ / 72 - 79 ℉
Autum
March - May
Avg Temp: 16 - 22 ℃ / 61 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 10 - 14 ℃ / 50 - 57 ℉
Central Otago
Central Otago is known for its Pinot Noir and dramatic alpine landscapes. Vineyards sit among mountains and river valleys, creating a setting that feels both remote and distinctive. Wine experiences here often combine tastings with scenic drives, cycling routes and long lunches overlooking the vines.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 13 - 18 ℃ / 55 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 24 ℃ / 68 - 75 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 14 - 20 ℃ / 57 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 5 - 11 ℃ / 41 - 52 ℉
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions, known for its reds, including Merlot and Syrah. The region also offers a strong food scene, with local producers, orchards and restaurants focused on seasonal ingredients. The warmer climate creates a different style of wine and produce compared to the South Island.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 15 - 20 ℃ / 59 - 68 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 22 - 26 ℃ / 72 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 17 - 23 ℃ / 63 - 73 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 12 - 16 ℃ / 54 - 61 ℉
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island, just a short ferry from Auckland, is known for its boutique vineyards and coastal views. The island offers a relaxed pace, with wineries often set on hillsides overlooking the ocean. It’s a popular destination for day trips or short stays focused on food and wine.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 15 - 20 ℃ / 59 - 68 ℉
Summer
December - Februrary
Avg Temp: 22 - 25 ℃ / 72 - 77 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 17 - 22 ℃ / 63 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 12 - 16 ℃ / 54 - 61 ℉
Martinborough
Martinborough is a small wine town in the Wairarapa region, known for its Pinot Noir and small scale wineries. Many vineyards are within cycling distance of the town, making it easy to explore at a slower pace. The area feels quieter and more intimate than larger wine regions.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 14 - 20 ℃ / 57 - 68 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 22 - 26 ℃ / 72 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 15 - 22 ℃ / 59 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 10 - 14 ℃ / 50 - 57 ℉
Popular food & wine tours
Food & Wine FAQs
New Zealand has several standout regions, each with its own style. Marlborough is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago for Pinot Noir, Hawke’s Bay for reds and food producers, and Waiheke Island for boutique vineyards close to Auckland. Smaller regions like Martinborough and Nelson offer a quieter, more local experience.
Food and wine experiences can be enjoyed year round, though late summer and autumn are especially popular. This is when vineyards are most active, harvest takes place, and the weather is ideal for outdoor tastings and long lunches. Spring also offers fresh seasonal produce and fewer visitors.
Yes. Food and wine experiences are often included as part of a wider journey, rather than planned as standalone trips. Wineries, local producers and restaurants are typically added along your route, creating natural stops between destinations without needing to change your overall pace.
For many wineries, especially in popular regions, booking ahead is recommended, particularly in summer and autumn. Smaller or boutique vineyards may require appointments, while others offer walk in tastings. We arrange any reservations in advance so your days flow easily.
Yes. Alongside self guided visits, there are a range of guided experiences including winery tours, private tastings, food tours and vineyard lunches. These offer more insight into the region and producers, and can be included where they fit best within your itinerary.
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