There is so much to see and do in New Zealand that you can spend weeks and weeks exploring both the North and the South Islands. So why not spend a few weeks ambling around their wine districts and sampling not only the crisp, fruity New Zealand wines, but also their awesome countryside?
Before you set off on your New Zealand wine trip, it is a good idea to check out some of their wines which have been imported from New Zealand. This will give you an idea of their wines and which of the wine regions you want to visit on your trip.
Whilst there are lots of wineries in New Zealand, here are two of the best regions for backpackers to visit.
Hawkes Bay, North Island
Located on the east coast of North Island, between Gisborne and Hastings, Hawke’s Bay has 350km of Pacific Ocean just crying out to be explored. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around the area is to hire a bicycle and take the off-road scenic routes to visit the wineries.
To move to the next area along the coastline, you can hop on a bus or hire a car, whichever fits in with your budget. Explore the lagoons, lakes, and hot thermal springs, try their fabulous ice-cream, and indulge in their fish and chips.
There is lots of fairly cheap accommodation for backpackers in Hawke’s Bay from staying in the local pub, to bed and breakfast lodges, to backpacker hostels, homesteads and vineyard accommodation.
So pop into Advintage wines and check out the Freewheeling Pinot Gris from the Bilancia boutique winery in Hawke’s Bay, to give yourself a taste of the region.
Central Otago, South Island
This is the most southerly wine growing region in the world and it is well worth a visit. In fact if you only have the time to visit one wine growing area in New Zealand, then this is where you need to be!
Located inland on the South Island, this area is surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, pristine rivers, and breathtaking views.
There are plenty of bed and breakfasts available, boutique lodges, cottages, holiday parks, and backpacker hostels in the area. Getting around requires more thought than on the North island, because it is wilder and less populated.
So think about hire cars or campervans and the bus and coach services which run regularly between towns. There is plenty of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain hiking in the area and bicycles are very popular for exploring the small townships.
Try your hand at fishing or hunting, visit the pristine reserves or fire up your adrenaline with a jet boat ride, off-road adventure tours, and trips on the local wineries.
Advintage wines sells local wines from Bannockburn, a premier wine growing area towards the south end of the South Island. With dozens of boutique wineries for you to negotiate on both the South and the North Islands, you won’t be disappointed with your NZ trip.
While you’re here, check out the best vineyards on Waiheke Island.
