The countdown to Queen’s Birthday weekend is on and what better way to celebrate than visiting some amazing Kiwi vines.
New Zealand wine regions are the ideal place for a long weekend break, and these regions are also some of the country’s most appealing tourist destinations, so it is easy to combine passion with pleasure. Whether you want to sip, dine, stay, or play, head to a wine region near you and try something new.
Luxury Wine Escapes
Vineyards are most often set in the most picturesque landscapes with the best climate and a natural playground with masses of things to do. 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.
Check out just some of the incredible luxury wine escapes Aotearoa has to offer:
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.
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.
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.
