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Appetite for The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
A Journey Through New Zealand’s Great Food and Wine Regions
There are few places in the world where extraordinary wine, breathtaking scenery, and deeply personal food stories come together quite like New Zealand. The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most celebrated culinary regions, from the sun drenched vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the windswept beauty of Marlborough, with long lunches, generous hospitality, and remarkable flavours along the way.
Hosted by Appetite for New Zealand and led by Elle Armon-Jones of The Big Foody, this experience has been carefully curated for travellers who want to taste the real New Zealand. It is a journey filled with vineyard conversations, bustling farmers markets, hidden food gems, coastal drives, and tables overflowing with local produce and exceptional wine.
Our journey begins in Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions and a place where food and wine are woven into everyday life. Blessed with warm sunshine, fertile soils, and a thriving artisan community, Hawke’s Bay is famous for its bold red wines, elegant Chardonnays, orchards, olive groves, and incredible local produce.
Here, we’ll meet passionate winemakers, cheesemakers, growers, and chefs who are shaping the flavour of the region. Wander through vibrant farmers markets, taste local delicacies straight from the source, and enjoy hands-on cooking experiences inspired by the season. For those who love exploring on two wheels, there’s also the chance to cycle between vineyards while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
This is a region that celebrates abundance, creativity, and connection to the land.
Travelling south, the landscape changes to rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and charming rural villages as we arrive in Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most exciting boutique wineries.
At the heart of the region lies Martinborough, a picturesque wine village renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and relaxed pace of life. Here, cellar doors feel personal, conversations linger longer, and every tasting tells a story of craftsmanship and place.
We’ll dine with talented local chefs, explore vineyards tucked among olive groves and lavender fields, and experience the warmth and hospitality that makes this region so beloved by those who discover it.
From vineyards to vibrant city streets, the journey continues to Wellington, New Zealand’s energetic and creative capital city. Surrounded by harbour views and dramatic hills, Wellington has built an international reputation for its outstanding food culture, artisan producers, and innovative hospitality scene.
This is a city designed for wandering. Hidden laneways reveal intimate cocktail bars, tiny bakeries, coffee roasteries, and some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Along the way, we’ll uncover local favourites, enjoy a guided culinary walk through the city, and experience the creativity that makes Wellington one of the most exciting food destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Expect exceptional coffee, beautiful wine, inventive cuisine, and a city buzzing with personality.
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No journey through New Zealand wine country would be complete without Marlborough, the internationally acclaimed home of Sauvignon Blanc. As we head further south, vineyards stretch toward the horizon beneath wide blue skies, framed by mountains and sparkling waterways.
Marlborough’s wines are vibrant, expressive, and unmistakably New Zealand. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Pinot Noir and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, the region offers endless opportunities to taste exceptional vintages at beautiful cellar doors.
Beyond the vines lies the stunning Marlborough Sounds, where sheltered waterways, native forest, and fresh seafood create one of the country’s most spectacular coastal experiences. A cruise through the Sounds offers the chance to taste seafood harvested directly from these pristine waters while taking in the breathtaking scenery surrounding you.
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The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is about far more than food and wine. It is about meeting the people behind the labels, hearing the stories behind the dishes, and discovering the landscapes that shape every flavour along the way.
From vineyard lunches beneath ancient trees to bustling city restaurants and quiet coastal moments shared over a glass of wine, every day invites you deeper into the spirit of New Zealand.
This is a journey designed to be savoured slowly, generously, and joyfully.
Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure. New Zealand is waiting.
Late summer through early autumn is the sweet spot — harvest season brings the vineyards to life, cellar doors are buzzing, and the long golden days of Hawke's Bay and Marlborough are at their most spectacular. Late January through April offers the finest conditions for the full trail.
Perfect for travellers who want to go deeper than the label — meeting the makers, understanding the land, and experiencing New Zealand's food and wine culture from the inside out, at a generous, unhurried pace.
All the important information, guidelines, and recommendations you’ll need to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
North + South New Zealand
10 Days, 9 Nights
Wineries, Interactive, Collabrative.
6–12 guests
February – April
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