Trade & Media

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail serves up unforgettable wine and food experiences, encouraging visitors to travel through the regions of Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, and Marlborough. We have pulled together key trail facts, a core itinerary, and other resources to help you plan and promote the trail.

80%

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail produces 80% of New Zealand’s total annual wine production.

230+

You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 230 wineries and 120+ cellar doors.

380km

The self-guided journey can be completed across 5 days or extended out to savor the journey.

Additional facts about the trail

  • The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail encompasses three main wine regions - Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and Marlborough.

  • At the centre of the wine trail, Wellington is where everything comes together on a plate. New Zealand’s capital city offers a stand-out culinary scene and locally-made craft beer. For wine enthusiasts, there are many stylish wine bars and restaurants that showcase a curated selection of local and international wines.

  • The 380km (240 mile) journey takes visitors along the East Coast of New Zealand between Hawke’s Bay in the North Island and Marlborough in the South Island. Aimed to encourage travel outside of the main highways, visitors will experience breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand culture, and adventure.

  • The multi-day touring route is self-guided and signposted along the way, marked by distinctive brown grape signs for easy navigation. Follow a 6-day itinerary, or choose to customise your length of stay, savouring the journey across 8-10 days.

  • There are 115 EV charging stations available.

  • There’s an extensive range of accommodation options to suit every traveller, from luxury lodges, boutique B&Bs, serviced apartments, historic cottages, and quality hotels.

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the CNZWT

  • The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – unforgettable wine and food experiences.

  • The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail serves up unforgettable wine and food experiences along the signposted 380km (240 miles) route. Encompassing Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, and Marlborough, the drive links three of New Zealand's leading wine regions that account for more than 80% of the country's wine production.

    Memorable tasting experiences bring the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail to life. Combined with the farmers' markets, eateries and artisan food producers you'll encounter along the way, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail offers a unique and tasteful way to self-drive New Zealand.

  • The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail serves up unforgettable wine and food experiences along the signposted 380km (240 miles) route. Encompassing Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough, the drive links three of New Zealand's leading wine regions that account for more than 80% of the country's wine production.

    Memorable tasting experiences bring the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail to life and travellers are taken off the beaten track. Visit Hawke's Bay for fabulous reds, Art Deco architecture and wildlife tours; explore the vineyards and historic towns of the Wairarapa region; shop, dine and be entertained in Wellington; catch the ferry to Marlborough, where you can fish, kayak the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and find your way to over 30 cellar doors.

    Rural towns, beautiful forest parks, and buzzing nightlife, combined with the farmers' markets, restaurants and cafes, and artisan food producers you'll encounter along the way, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail offers a unique and tasteful way to travel New Zealand.

Resources

Wine trail Itinerary

This core itinerary has been put together with plenty of trade-friendly products for your clients planning to holiday along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. For a more customised itinerary, get in touch.

Regional Visual Libraries

Promote the regions across the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail by using images from the following resource libraries.

About the regions

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay offers a Mediterranean climate and photogenic Art Deco architecture. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the wealth of natural attractions on your doorstep and a thriving art scene to explore.

Named an official Great Wine Capital of the World, the region has more than 70 wineries and is known for its Bordeaux-style blended reds and Chardonnay.

Wairarapa

Wairarapa is home to wild coastlines, boutique shopping, and an official International Dark Sky Reserve, making it among one of the best places in the world to view the night sky.

Known for its European-style Pinot Noir, Martinborough has a large number of boutique vineyards and cellar doors offering wine tastings, delicious food, and regular events.

Wellington

Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is New Zealand’s compact capital city, with a compelling mix of culture, history, nature, and award-winning cuisine.

Soak up panoramic views from hilltops, experience world-class events, or indulge in the many food offerings while sipping superb coffee, locally made craft beer, or a glass of wine.

Marlborough

Home to 168 wineries, Marlborough pairs stunning landscapes with the renowned taste of Sauvignon Blanc and seafood delicacies.

Take a scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and swim with dolphins, or explore one of the many walking tracks on foot.