The Best Wine Tours In New Zealand

New Zealand is globally renowned for its wine industry. The country’s rich pinot noir and sauvignon blanc offerings are bound to pique the interests of seasoned connoisseurs and novice enthusiasts alike. Get a taste of wineries and vineyards on both of New Zealand’s islands with these incredible excursions.

1. Waiheke Island Wine Tours

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Rows of vines at Cable Bay Vineyards and Restaurant, Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand

Local knowledge makes a difference. In 2011, Wayne Eagleton and Jean Goodbrand brought together their extensive tourism experience to create Waiheke Island Wine Tours. Their hard work has paid off too, as the company has received certificates of excellence from TripAdvisor for four years in a row. Travellers can opt to take the ferry to Waiheke Island and go on a one-day guided tour, or they can indulge in a two-day package. Small groups are guided along boutique vineyards and will have the opportunity to savour some of the best local productions.

2. Auckland Fine Wine Tours

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Led by Kiwi writer Phil Parker, Auckland Fine Wine Tours takes its guests around all the major vineyards in the region. This includes Matakana in the north, Waiheke Island along the Hauraki Gulf, and the historic Kumeu region on the west coast. The tour has a handful of awards under its belt and promises to give travellers the opportunity to sample local culinary delicacies as well as the area’s finest wine offerings.

3. Queenstown Wine Trail

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This tour invites its guests to explore the wonderful vineyards in Queenstown and Central Otago. As with the previous items on our list, the Queenstown Wine Trail is operated by a couple of long-time locals, Lance Benseman and Heather McDonald. Their Original Wine Tour takes seasoned connoisseurs and first-time tasters on an underground journey through the wine caves. The company’s Sampler package delivers an afternoon filled with Central Otago food and drink treasures, including a special cheese degustation stopover at the esteemed Gibbston Valley.

5. Marlborough Wine Tours

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Around New Zealand - Marlborough Wine Country

Established in 1999, Marlborough Wine Tours takes you on a journey across the major vineyards in the region. Their flexible, personalised experiences range from three-hour tours to day-long trips. Key points of departure include Picton, where the Wellington Interisland Ferry drops off South Island-bound travellers, and Blenheim. If you feel like soaking up the scenery, the company offers a morning cruise that’s directly followed by an afternoon of wine tasting.

6. Bay Tours Nelson

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Bay Tours Nelson has been in the wine, brewery and scenic tours business since 1996. Owned and operated by Sue Paterson and Owen Perry, the company offers a treasure trove of tasteful excursions around the Nelson region. Their Gourmet Wine Tour, for instance, visits local award-winning wineries like the Waimea Plains and the Moutere Hills. Along with receiving a full degustation masterclass, tourists are also given some insight into the area’s history.

7. Grape Escape New Zealand

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With tours covering Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Napier and the entire New Zealand Wine Trail, Grape Escape goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating the holidaying crowds. Their aim is to ensure there are no hassles along your scenic wine- and food-filled journey, whether you’re looking for a guided expedition or just a bit of help getting a self-driven route on track. Founder Greg Beachen has been actively involved in the tourism industry in both New Zealand and the UK for several years and is a self-professed merlot man.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.