The wine industry in New Zealand, although relatively new, has achieved remarkable success and a great international reputation.
At first glance, the history of wine in New Zealand looks short. Wines made from classic European grape varieties have only been widely available since the 1980s and only since the 1990s have the country’s Sauvignon Blancs and – later - Pinot Noirs carved out a significant presence in international markets.
Kia ora - salut! cin cin! kanpai! yamas! There are plenty of ways to say ‘cheers’ and toast friends with a glass of wine, but can you take the conversation further in a foreign language?
The practice of celebrities putting their names on wine has been going on for millennia but the New Zealand Wine industry has taken it to a whole new level.
New Zealand is the ideal place for a short break holiday. If you’re a local checking out more of your own back yard or a visitor popping over from Australia to make the most of a 'bubble' border agreement – you’re guaranteed to see things in New Zealand that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Auckland is New Zealand’s busiest gateway and whether you’re a visitor or resident, the city is a great stepping off point for a weekend getaway or short break. Within a few hours’ drive you can be relaxing in the beautiful Bay of Islands – not only the birthplace of New Zealand but also the birthplace of New Zealand wine.
If nothing else, it’s worth hopping on a plane and heading to Hawke’s Bay just for the wine and food – but get there and you’ll find there’s a lot more to appreciate in this stunning, sun drenched region on New Zealand’s east coast.
Picturesque Wairarapa with its charming villages and vineyards is just an hour’s drive through scenic countryside over the hill from Wellington and perfectly placed for a short break away from the busy capital city.
Within an hour of leaving your office in Wellington you can be sipping wine at a cellar door in Marlborough – a world away from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’.
While it would take more than a long weekend to do justice to visiting Canterbury - New Zealand’s largest region – there’s a hidden gem just an hour from Christchurch airport that’s ripe for a short stay getaway.
Queenstown is launch pad for the Central Otago experience and gateway to such an enticing region that short stays often become long holidays.
New Zealand’s many vineyards are some of the most beautiful places to stay
