Vineyards are most often set in the most picturesque landscapes with the best climate and a natural playground with masses of things to do - and New Zealand is no exception. You’ll find picture postcard wineries tucked away in lush valleys, along dramatic coastlines and draped amongst the rolling hills of New Zealand’s 10 major wine regions. And did you know that no vineyard in New Zealand is more than 120km from the ocean?
With such diverse landscapes in a compact and easily navigable country, escaping to a luxury winery is an attractive proposition for anyone wanting to explore New Zealand, where you’ll meet some interesting locals who have established the country’s world-famous reputation for wine growing.
Read on about these award-winning vineyards and charming local delicacies in New Zealand and create your own luxury wine journey to leave your taste buds singing.
The Landing Residences, Northland
The Landing Residences are four superb residences offering luxury, privacy and bespoke service in truly unparalleled surroundings. Situated in the Bay of Islands and just a 55-minute helicopter flight from Auckland, The Landing is a unique heritage and conservation property: a thousand acres of vines, beaches, rolling hills, wildlife sanctuaries and historic sites.
Here you'll find the finest luxury accommodation, a small group of beautifully appointed holiday houses: The two bedroom Boathouse, three bedroom Vineyard Villa, four bedroom Gabriel Residence and exquisite Cooper Residence which accommodates up to 12 guests. Offering superb hospitality, award winning wine, exceptional dining experiences and a range of remarkable activities to choose from, The Landing Residences promise you privacy, total flexibility and the finest personal service.
Craggy Range Winery & Accommodation, Hawke’s Bay
Under the gaze of Te Mata Peak the Craggy Range Giants Winery offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique and indulgent experience. The architecturally designed Giants winery complex, offers a second-to-none visitor experience. Here the Cellar Door offers relaxed and intimate seated tasting experiences, while the restaurant serves the best local and seasonal produce prepared by Head Chef Casey McDonald. On-site boutique accommodation offers luxury in the vines – choose from the stylish four-bedroom Craggy Range Lodge, the two bedroom River Lodges, or self-contained vineyard and garden cottages.
Cloudy Bay, Marlborough
Cloudy Bay was among the first five estates/wineries to be established in Marlborough, the country's largest wine region. Cloudy Bay’s Cellar Door is located at their winery, in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Light lunches are available throughout the winter months and in the summer the deck and gardens come alive when Jack’s Raw Bar opens with fresh seasonal cuisine, including the always popular freshly shucked Marlborough oysters and Cloudy Bay clams.
Cloudy Bay also offers a range of custom-made experiences, from Tailor Made Tastings and Epicurean Experiences, to Sailing and Helicopter tours across Marlborough. And for the first time this year, Cloudy Bay is opening the doors to ‘The Shack’ – their own private ‘on invitation’ self-contained accommodation. This is only available until November 2021, so get in quick!
Between the Vines Helicopter Winery Tour, North Canterbury
Departing from Christchurch city, sit back relax and enjoy your journey to the North Canterbury wine region in style and comfort. Make a grand entrance, landing between the vines to indulge your senses at five North Canterbury wineries. Experience tastings, each with their own distinctive flavours and award-winning blends.
- Landing 1 - George Road Wines produce some of New Zealand's finest Syrah and Pinot Gris, as well as the customer favourite, Rosé. A commitment to meticulous viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques shines through in every glass.
- Landing 2 - Terrace Edge Vineyard is an organic family-owned and operated vineyard and olive grove situated on the south bank of the Waipara River. Tasting a glass of wine from Terrace Edge can tell you everything you need to know about the climate, season, and landscape of the place.
- Landing 3 - Greystone Vineyard is a 100% certified organic owned and operated vineyard. You will be able to taste through our special releases, aged wines, and other treats only available at our cellar door.
- Landing 4 - Black Estate is a flavorsome experience from start to finish. Consisting of 3 North Canterbury organic wineries and restaurant, that prides itself in delivering delicious organic and spray-free cuisine.
- Landing 5 - Waipara Hills Winery established in 2001, Waipara Hills has a fine reputation for crafting rich aromatics with vibrant, complex flavours.
Greystone PurePod, North Canterbury
The Greystone PurePod is set high above the award-winning Greystone vineyard, less than an hour north of Christchurch, right in the heart of the Waipara Valley wine producing region.
The Greystone PurePod sits on a spur in a paddock, high above the winery, and provides a beautiful setting for you to immerse yourself in your own private slice of the New Zealand landscape.
Depending on the time of the year, while relaxing on the PurePod deck, you may be able to glimpse workers in the far distance beavering away in the vines removing shoots, managing the foilage wires, picking grapes or pruning.
Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa luxury vineyard, Central Otago
Set within Central Otago’s oldest founding vineyards, and nestled between rugged schist mountains, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers the ultimate in relaxed luxury, fine wine, gastronomic food and five-star concierge service. There are 24 stylish vineyard villas, an exclusive wine cellar, small movie theatre, and relaxing communal areas for wining and dining indoors and out – not to mention the luxurious 'vinotherapy' spa treatment.
The private villas feature views over organic and historic vineyards and each villa offers spacious and luxurious indoor living areas open onto a secluded, covered deck and courtyard. Inspired by the Central Otago landscape, the lodge’s soaring ceiling and locally sourced schist finishing echoes the natural beauty and the awe-inspiring elements of the region. It is the perfect venue for your most important and intimate events.
Be sure to experience the range of activities on offer - exclusive wine tastings, vineyard tours, cave dinner, private picnics, and cycle tours.
Cloudy Bay, Central Otago
The Cloudy Bay Shed is located just under 10 minutes from the town of Cromwell in Central Otago and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a tasting, glass of wine or light lunch.
Nestled between the bronzed hills of Cloudy Bay’s Northburn Vineyard and the splendid Lake Dunstan, their Central Otago Cellar Door showcases the full range of Cloudy Bay wines. When cold, the burning fireplaces invite visitors to enjoy a tasting flight in a cozy and warm atmosphere, whereas on warmer days the breathtaking outdoor spaces appeal those wishing indulge in a moment of relaxation.
Cloudy Bay Central Otago also offer custom experiences, from Tailor Made Tastings, Vineyard Tours or Private Gastronomic meal experiences.
