New Zealand Wine Regions

Wine has been produced in New Zealand since the arrival of the first European settlers – New Zealand’s oldest winemaker, Mission Estate, has been producing sacramental and table wines in Hawke’s Bay since 1851 – but in recent years the industry has rapidly evolved. 

Whether Chardonnay, Merlot or to Pinot Noir, New Zealand is now internationally lauded for producing wines of note. Each NZ wine region has a particular climate and geology that produces a distinctive type of wine.

1. Northland
The country’s warmest ripening conditions make Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay the varieties of choice. View map

2. Auckland
Look for superb Chardonnays, particularly from Waiheke Island, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also popular. Matakana, north of Auckland, produces Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz), Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. View map

3. Bay of Plenty
A small but growing wine-producing region with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. View map

4. Gisborne
The Chardonnay capital of New Zealand consistently produces delicious examples of this popular wine. View map

5. Hawke’s Bay
This region has one of the longest traditions of wine-making in New Zealand. Local Chardonnays are stunning, as are the reds. Look for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Pinot Noir. View map

6. Wairarapa
Not a big wine-growing area, but it does produce premium examples of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. View map

7. Marlborough
Many consider this the Sauvignon Blanc capital of the world – hot, sunny days and crisp nights intensify flavour. The region also produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, and is developing a reputation for Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines. View map

8. Nelson
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir are best suited to this region’s cooler growing conditions. View map

9. Canterbury
The crisp climate makes for good Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. View map

10. Central Otago
Home to some of the southernmost vineyards in the world, here the emphasis is on Pinot Noir, with some Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling also produced. View map

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Wine buffs will welcome the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – an online resource to help you plan a trip to the best wineries in the country. Visit www.classicwinetrail.co.nz.