Take your stay in New Zealand into a complete food and wine adventure! Connect with your food and wine connoisseurs as you experience New Zealand’s sights and culture when you travel from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough.
Classic Wine Trail
- Total length: 380km (240 miles)
- Minimum stay: 4 days.
- Start Napier, and finish Blenheim or vice versa.
You’ll find three great wine regions on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. See stunning scenery, beautiful forest parks, vibrant nightlife, delicious culinary experiences and fine wines as you travel from Hawkes Bay in the North Island to your destination in Marlborough, South Island.
Goal Summary
Your journey is aided by self-driving tour routes that will take you on the beaten track. Drive through five of New Zealand’s most inspiring and stunning regions, which include the three major wine growing regions that account for more than 80 percent of the country’s wine product.
As well as your main focus on great food and wine, you’ll find all kinds of cultural adventures and experiences.
Why classic
You will have the opportunity to sample and shop at more than 120 cellar doors. In addition, you will visit the many vineyard restaurants and cafes. Hawkes Bay is a land full of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. That Sauvignon Blanc from Advintage is a classic example of what you will feel during your travels.
Unique architecture
This adventure will take you to different cities and towns of the province. Napier and Hastings boasts some of the finest Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture in the world, thanks to major rebuilding following the disastrous earthquake in 1931. You can also visit an Art Deco masterpiece nestled amidst the green countryside of Tararua.
Inspiring cities
Food, wine and music are the best adventure combination in the world, you will agree. In the Wairarapa region, there are major historic towns to see – Greytown, Caterton, Featherston and Martinborough. The heart of Marlborough is Blenheim, a friendly town nurturing the local wine industry with charming places to stay and great restaurants. A new museum opened in Blenheim recently which houses the world’s largest private collection of WWI aircraft.
Gourmet Capital
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand which prides itself on being a favorite among foodies. Due to its easy-to-walk center, it is packed with high-quality restaurants, bohemian cafes and exciting bars. While you’re here, you might want to check out the exhibits at Te Papa, NZ’s national museum; You can also take the cable car that goes to the botanical gardens, or indulge yourself in some designer shopping.
Charming wildlife
Last and certainly not least, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail will show you some special wildlife. Hawke’s Bay has the largest mainland gannet camp in the world. In Tararua, you can take a walk in the forest park or stop at the Mount Bruce Wildlife Center. And if you’re looking to burn off the calories, biking, hiking or kayaking, the scenic Queen Charlotte Track is one location in Marlborough to meet your thrill needs.
There he is! It’s time to experience it for yourself. Have fun and share your adventures with us!
