Kiwi Classic Wine Trail
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail brings together some of New Zealand's finest experiences in wine, food and accommodation, in a scenic tour designed especially for the independently travelling wine enthusiast. From the thriving wineries of Hawke's Bay Wine Country and the lush rolling countryside of Tararua and the Wairarapa, to the chic eateries of Wellington and the beautiful bays and inlets of Marlborough, The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail offers a world of gourmet wine and food adventures.
This 380km (240 mile) self-drive journey starts in Hastings and ends in Blenheim, linking the country's three premium wine regions – Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa (Martinborough) and Marlborough – and provides a perfect opportunity for gourmet travellers to savour the best of New Zealand's wine and food. These three regions are responsible for about 70% of New Zealand's total wine production, and each has its own distinctive varietal style – Hawke's Bay is known for its elegant chardonnay, Martinborough for its outstanding pinot noir and Marlborough for its world-famous sauvignon blanc.
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail provides an alternative touring route for those planning to drive through the lower North Island to the top of the South Island, or vice versa. This attractive route winds through the relatively undiscovered eastern side of the North Island, where the climate tends to be sunnier and drier. Along the way, there is a rich variety of heritage and historic accommodation to choose from. Stay in one of the many charming boutique hotels and heritage lodgings close to the vines, dine al fresco in a beautiful vineyard, meet some of the local artists and craftspeople, or stay a while and sample the rural hospitality of our country towns. There are guided wine and food matching tours as well, allowing you to sample the region’s premium wines matched with fresh local gourmet produce.
The Area
Although the trail's predominant theme is wine and food, there are plenty of other attractions en route. From art deco architecture and the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony in Hawke's Bay, to the seal colony at Palliser Bay and the beautiful coastline of the Marlborough Sounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the wine regions, visitors can explore Tararua district, with the historic towns of Dannevirke and Norsewood, and Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital city. The city has a thriving food and wine scene, with many of the nation's top chefs and restaurants based there. The capital is also home to a wealth of national treasures including the beautifully restored Parliament Buildings and Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's ground-breaking national museum.
Trail Highlights
Many wineries have restaurants and cafes on site, so you can relax and enjoy your wine over a delicious lunch or dinner. If you plan to stay in the wine regions, there are plenty of opportunities to be close to the vines in character boutique accommodation.
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail begins in Hawke's Bay, home to New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate. The winery was first established in 1851 by French Catholic Missionaries. In this region alone, more than 30 wineries are open for wine tastings, including the historic Church Road winery and museum, and Te Awa Farm – a must for lunch. Sileni Estate offers two restaurants, a gourmet food store and a culinary school, and Clearview Estate Winery, on the coast near Cape Kidnappers, is always recommended. Allow a few hours to explore Napier's classic art deco buildings.
A leisurely three hour drive south to Martinborough Wine Village takes you through typical New Zealand farmland, towns and orchards. Stop en route in historic Dannevirke (settled in 1872 by 13 Danish and 8 Norwegian families) and Norsewood (also settled by Scandinavians and Northern Europeans from 1872 to 1875). See some of New Zealand's threatened and endangered wildlife at nearby Mt Bruce Wildlife Reserve, and learn about the breeding programmes for wildlife conservation.
In Martinborough, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate are all within walking distance of the village square, as are most of the area's 26 boutique wineries. A visit to the Wine Centre (New Zealand's first regional wine centre) provides the perfect introduction to the local wines.
Greytown, the region's oldest town, is home to some wonderfully preserved Victorian buildings, and just a short drive from Martinborough. For those with time, the spectacular coastal drive to rugged Cape Palliser, with its native fur seal colony and lighthouse, is well worthwhile.
New Zealand's cosmopolitan capital, Wellington, is about 75 minutes drive from Martinborough. Arts, cuisine, culture and a lively cafe scene beckon. Take the free tour through Parliament Buildings, visit Katherine Mansfield's birthplace, or spend a few hours exploring the story of New Zealand's people and landscape at Te Papa Tongarewa museum.
From Wellington, the three hour journey on the Interislander ferry takes you across the Cook Strait and through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to Picton, at the top of the South Island. This stunning coastal voyage will be a highlight of the trip. From Picton, it's a short 30 minute drive to Blenheim, in the heart of the acclaimed Marlborough wine region. Marlborough is famous for its sauvignon blanc and there are more than 40 wineries within a 16km (10 mile) radius of Blenheim, including the iconic Cloudy Bay Winery.
Not far from the vineyards, the beautiful inlets and shores of the Marlborough Sounds invite exploration. Take a cruise, hire a sea kayak or enjoy a forest walk. Before leaving Marlborough, spend a leisurely morning visiting some of the gourmet food producers, local potters and craft shops - the perfect way to round off your travels.
Things to Do by region
- Take a guided walk around Hawke’s Bay's art deco gems, dine al fresco at a vineyard, sample the tasty organic produce on the Hawke’s Bay Wine Country Food Trail, and climb Te Mata Peak for stunning views over the region.
Visit www.hawkesbaynz.com for more information.
- Experience Tararua, with its rugged ranges, forest parks, wild coastline and historic Danish villages. Take a tour of the Southern Hemisphere's largest wind farm, and try New Zealand’s popular ale at Mangatainoka’s Tui Brewery.
Visit www.tararua.com for more information.
- Discover the charming heritage towns, art studios and cottage industries of the Wairarapa, drive out to the seal colony at rugged Cape Palliser, and enjoy a guided tour to sample the best of the region’s wine and food.
Visit www.wairarapanz.com for more information.
- Explore the cosmopolitan streets of Wellington, renowned for its fine dining and wines. The capital is home to many of the nation’s top chefs and restaurants, not to mention heritage treasures including our national museum, Te Papa.
Visit www.wellingtonnz.com for more information.
- Discover Marlborough's spectacular waterways on a cruise, drive the scenic Cloudy Bay Coastal Route, and sample the region’s award-winning wines – there are more than 60 wineries to tempt your tastebuds.
Visit www.destinationmarlborough.com for more information.
Wine & Food Experiences
Enjoy a guided gourmet adventure on a wine and food matching tour, or set your own pace as you sample the award-winning wines and fresh seasonal produce of each region. Depending on the season, you'll find everything from strawberries and asparagus to olive oil and stone fruits.
Outdoor Activities
Take a cruise in the stunning Marlborough sounds, visit a gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay, drive to Wairarapa's rugged Cape Paillser to see the native seals or discover the tranquil bush trails and native wildlife at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.
Heritage Activities
From the art deco gems of Napier and Hastings in Hawke's Bay, to Tararua’s historic Tui brewery at Mangatainoka and the quaint colonial towns of the Wairarapa, there are plenty of heritage experiences to round out your itinerary.
Art & Culture
As you drive, stop and check out the local museums, galleries and craft studios. There are ancient Maori meeting houses to visit along the way, or tour the groundbreaking cultural displays at Wellington’s Te Papa.
Regional Wine & Food Festivals
- Harvest Hawke’s Bay
Wineries around Hawke’s Bay open their doors to the public in this annual February celebration of the region’s wine and food. Expect fine wines, a vibrant atmosphere and live music, including the popular Church Road Jazz.
- Toast Martinborough
Wairarapa’s hugely popular wine and food festival takes place on the third weekend of November, celebrating 14 of Martinborough’s finest wineries, along with gourmet delights from local restaurants.
- Wine Marlborough
This annual festival lets you sample Marlborough’s highly acclaimed wines plus culinary treats from renowned New Zealand chefs. Held on the second weekend of February, it features about 200 wines from more than 40 wineries.
Travel times
- Hastings to Dannevirke - 106km, approximately 1hr 20mins.
- Dannevirke to Woodville - 28km, approximately 25mins.
- Woodville to Masterton - 82km, approximately 50mins.
- Masterton to Martinborough - 55km, approximately 40mins.
- Martinborough to Wellington - 76km, approximately 55mins.
- Picton to Blenhiem - 28km, approximately 25mins.
More information