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New Zealand Wine and Harvest Adventure with WineMaker Magazine

March 15 - 23, 2026

Brad Ring WineMaker Magazine

 

Brad Ring, Publisher of  WineMaker Magazine, personally invites you to join him on this exclusive wine adventure.

Whether your sense of adventure is big or small, our New Zealand Adventure is sure to satisfy your wanderlust: majestic forests, inspiring coastlines, great cultural explorations, and world-class wine are just a few of the highlights of our nine-day adventure. This tour goes beyond the tasting rooms, offering private estate experiences, hands-on culinary classes, and wine-paired meals that showcase the country’s best flavors.

From the sun-drenched vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the rolling hills of Martinborough, each day is filled with intimate tastings, exclusive winery experiences, and gourmet meals that showcase the region’s finest flavors. Savor a wine-paired lunch at the iconic Craggy Range, enjoy a hands-on culinary class at the charming Farmhouse Kitchen, and indulge in elegant dinners at acclaimed estates like Black Barn and Tirohana.

As the adventure continues, we’ll fly over the Cook Strait to discover the famed Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough, blending our own vintage at Wither Hills and exploring boutique wineries like Te Whare Ra. In Nelson, take in stunning vineyard views over long lunches at Gravity Cellars and Harvest, before journeying south to the Waipara Valley for an intimate taste of Canterbury’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re swirling a glass of Pinot Noir at Ata Rangi, savoring the coastal elegance of Cloudy Bay, or toasting to an incredible experience over a final dinner in Christchurch, this tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine country. When it’s all said and done, we bet you’ll be just as head over heels in love with Kiwi life as we are.

Curated Experiences

  • Explore New Zealand’s top wine regions: Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and Waipara Valley
  • Visit Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest winery
  • Dive into the well-known wine industry, meeting with winemakers
  • Enjoy a bounty of delicious “farm-to-table” produce, seafood, and game
  • Partake in a hands-on cooking class making local dishes with seasonal produce
  • Blend your own vintage in a wine-blending session at Wither Hills

Tour Details

New Zealand Tour Details

  • Dates: March 15 – 23, 2026
  • Trip Price Per Person: $6,400
  • Single supplement: $1,000
  • Guide: Mike and Taste Vacations Guide
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners
  • General Tour FAQs

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region, renowned for its sun-soaked vineyards, award-winning wineries, and vibrant culinary scene. We hope you will have had the chance to “coffee up” this morning, as Kiwis will be proud to tell you that their coffee is the very best in the world. We’ll meet you at a downtown hotel in Napier and after introductions and a brief overview of the day, we’ll set off for our first winery.

Nestled in the heart of Bridge Pā Wine District, Oak Estate is a boutique gem known for its handcrafted wines and farm-to-table cuisine. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their Chardonnays, Syrahs, and Bordeaux-style blends, followed by a leisurely lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients. The vineyard’s relaxed ambiance, paired with sweeping vineyard views, makes for a perfect midday retreat.

Next, we visit Church Road Winery, one of Hawke’s Bay’s most historic and respected wine producers whose wine land dates back over 125 years. As part of the exclusive Legacy Experience, we’ll delve into the winery’s rich history, explore the underground barrel hall, and savor pre-release wines.  

After all the fun, we will relax at the hotel before heading out to dinner at Black Barn Vineyard. Overlooking the rolling vineyards of Havelock North, Black Barn is famed for its seasonal menu, which pairs beautifully with its estate-grown Syrahs and Sauvignon Blancs.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2

After an early breakfast, we will head out to immerse ourselves in the best of Hawke’s Bay, starting with Mission Estate Winery for a private tasting and tour.

Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851, making it New Zealand’s oldest winery. What began as a French missionary settlement has evolved into an award-winning winery producing elegant Syrahs, Chardonnays, and Merlots.

Next, we visit Craggy Range, nestled at the base of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. This family-owned estate was established in 1998 and produces wine in the unique volcanic, clay soils of Te Muna Road. We’ll sample Craggy Range’s current release wines from the Family Collection alongside their flagship Prestige Collection wine, Sophia.

Our next stop is Alpha Domus, a boutique winery founded by a family of pilots and aviation enthusiasts. This estate produces bold Cabernet blends, crisp Viogniers, and expressive Syrahs. While taking in the serene vineyard surroundings, we’ll enjoy a guided tasting and learn about the winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture.

As the perfect ending to a day of fine wine and dining, we’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class. Together, we’ll learn how to prepare regional dishes under the guidance of expert chefs—and, of course, enjoy the results with a final toast to the day!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3

Today, we leave Hawke’s Bay behind and set our sights on Martinborough, one of New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir regions. We begin our picturesque drive south, passing through rolling hills, coastal views, and charming rural towns.

Once we arrive in Martinborough, we’ll head straight to 100% kiwi owned Palliser Estate. Here, we’ll enjoy a brief tour through their Barrel Hall, where we may have the opportunity to sample some Palliser wines directly from French oak barrels. Then, we’ll enjoy a tasting in the underground cellar, tasting six of Palliser’s Estate and Organic Single Vineyard wines. The tasting will be followed by a family-style lunch in their private dining area.

Our evening finishes with checking into our Martinborough lodging, followed by dinner at Tirohana Estate, an elegant, heritage-style restaurant. We’ll savor seasonal dishes paired with their award-winning Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our exploration of Martinborough. Our morning takes us to Ata Rangi. In Te Reo Māori, Ata Rangi means “dawn sky” or “new beginning,” a name that honors the land and reflects their work. We’ll sit for a tasting at this small, family-owned winery recognized as one of New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir producers.

Afterward, we’ll visit Coney Wines, a charming vineyard known for its laid-back hospitality and musical inspiration—each wine is named after a song. Here, we’ll enjoy a casual lunch on their sun-drenched patio, with dishes designed to complement their silky Pinot Noirs, vibrant Rieslings, and crisp Sauvignon Blancs.

Our day will conclude with time in the evening to relax and enjoy your final night on the Northern Island. Dinner is on your own.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5

After breakfast, we head immediately to the airport and fly from the bottom tip of the North Island to the top of the South Island, landing in the quaint Marlborough Airport in Blenheim.

We will then explore New Zealand’s largest and most famous wine region, Marlborough. Our first stop is the iconic Cloudy Bay Vineyards, the estate that put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the global stage. We’ll begin with a shared Japanese-inspired lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the Richmond Range. Lunch is followed by a private tasting of their flagship wines, including their famous Sauvignon Blanc and Te Koko.

After, we’ll check into our hotel and take some time to unwind before dinner at The Wine Kitchen, a chef-driven winery restaurant with a menu consisting of fresh grilled fish, New Zealand’s prime organic free range Pork, vegetables from their garden, and more.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

After breakfast, get ready to step into the shoes of a winemaker at Wither Hills Vineyard. In the hands-on experience, we’ll learn the delicate art of crafting the perfect wine by blending different varietals, balancing tannins, and adjusting acidity with either Sauv Blanc or Pinot Noir.

For lunch, we visit Wairau River Wines, a family-run estate boasting delicious Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs and fresh local farm-to-table ingredients.

Next, we’ll head to Te Whare Ra, where the delightful owner, Anna, will ensure this is one of the highlights of your trip, and then offer a brief stop and tasting of their biodynamic wine from some of the oldest vines in the region.

Enjoy an evening at your own pace. Marlborough offers a range of dining experiences, from waterfront seafood restaurants to cozy wine bars. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh Green-lipped mussels, a casual gastropub, or a fine dining experience, tonight is yours to explore.

 

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7

We start our day after breakfast and head out to a winery with history spanning over 160 years. Our first stop of the day is Jackson Estate, a family-owned winery celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and crafting expressive wines that reflect Marlborough’s terroir. Here, we’ll have a Blanc Tasting consisting of thier classic Stitch Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve black label Grey Ghost Barrique Sauvignon Blanc, Homestead Chardonnay & finishing with the limited edition Botrytis Riesling.

For lunch, we’ll dine at Allan Scott Winemakers, a casual and vibrant spot surrounded by vineyards that serves modern-fusion food. We’ll enjoy a menu by head chef Mat Heath, who was inspired by local produce to create a menu that pairs perfectly with their estate wines.

Our final winery of the day is Bladen Wines, a small family-run vineyard where we’ll be welcomed by the owners themselves, Christine and Dave Macdonald, and hear the passionate story behind their boutique wines and taste a few of their handcrafted wines.

Dinner will be together at Harvest in their beautiful garden deck or vineyards. The rotating seasonal menu often includes fresh Bay Mussels, local oysters, and spring risotto. With happy bellies, we’ll return to the hotel and rest up for one final full day in New Zealand!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8

After enjoying breakfast, sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking coastal landscapes as we make our way south. We’ll stop in Kaikōura, a seaside town known for its stunning ocean views and marine life. At Flo & Co, a charming local café, enjoy a warm coffee and freshly baked scones and stretch our legs.

Arriving in Waipara Valley, we’ll settle in for lunch at Waipara Springs Winery, a picturesque estate with a seasonal menu inspired by fresh, local ingredients. Our meal will be paired with a crisp Riesling or a smooth Pinot Noir, both signature varietals of this region.

After lunch, we head to Terrace Edge, a boutique vineyard with a focus on organic and biodynamic farming. We’ll enjoy a private tour of the vineyard and taste their award-winning Syrah, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.

After checking into our final hotel in Christchurch, we will depart for our farewell dinner at Cellar Door, a highly acclaimed wine-focused restaurant overlooking the historic South Quad of the Christchurch Arts Centre. We’ll pop open one of our favorite bottles to share, and ‘Cheers’ to all the memories and friends we made along the way. What a perfect way to end our last night together!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9

After breakfast, you’re free to check out and head home or go on your next adventure! 

Meals: Breakfast

“

Everything exceeded our expectations--from the guides to the lodging to the wine experience and the meals!

Diana L.
“

I was concerned about the limitations of being on a guided tour as well as having to spend the entire time with a group of strangers. What I found was that the tours were extremely well planned and the accommodations, meals, wine tastings, and activities were perfect! And at the end of the trip, the people that began the tour not knowing each other, parted as a group of forever friends planning another adventure together with Taste Vacations.

Alice T.

Tour Accommodations

Nights 1 – 2: Art Deco Masonic Hotel / Napier > Nestled in the heart of Napier, Hawke’s Bay’s premier wine region, this luxury hotel offers elegant accommodations just minutes from the area’s top wineries. With a prime walkable location, guests can explore Napier’s vibrant Art Deco architecture, boutique shops, and waterfront dining, all while enjoying world-class hospitality and stunning vineyard views.

Night 3 – 4: The Martinborough Hotel > Steeped in history and boutique charm, The Martinborough Hotel offers luxury accommodations in the heart of wine country, just steps from the town’s best cellar doors and eateries. With its elegant heritage décor, modern comforts, and a prime location on the town square, guests can enjoy both world-class wine experiences and the relaxed charm of Martinborough on foot.

Nights 5 – 7: Scenic Hotel Marlborough / Blenheim > Conveniently located in Blenheim’s main township, Scenic Hotel Marlborough is an oasis of comfort and an ideal base to explore the splendour of this region.  

Night 8: The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel / Christchurch > This centrally located hotel in Christchurch has spacious accommodations, including king beds.

Please note: Hotels are subject to availability.  If listed hotel is not available at time of tour, a hotel that is equal or better to the original will be secured.

What is Included

  • All Local Transportation (one-way flight between North and South Islands and all motorcoach rides on both islands)
  • Double Occupancy Lodging
  • 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners
  • All Scheduled Activities
  • Wine During Organized Tastings
  • Professional Local Tour Guide

Not Included: Travel to and from destination, wine with meals (after the first glass), personal expenses, and optional gratuities to local staff and your guide. Travel insurance is also not included, though we highly recommend it.  Check out our Travel Insurance page for more information.

While the general trip itinerary will remain the same, the actual restaurants, hotels, and activities listed are subject to modifications. Changes that are out of our control are common — restaurants close or lose their amazing chef, a winery changes their visiting hours, a hotel gets remodeled, etc. You are entrusting us to create an outstanding vacation for you and so it is possible we may take the liberty of making necessary changes to the itinerary that will improve your overall trip experience. If there is any one experience that is going to make or break your trip, please discuss this with us in advance.

 

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Arrival & Departure

We’ll meet you in Napier, New Zealand, on the first morning of the trip – we highly recommend arriving at least a day ahead of time since it will allow you recovery time from a very long flight! The closest airport is Hawke’s Bay Airport (NPE). We’ll finish in Christchurch, New Zealand (airport code CHC) on the last day, so you should get an “open jaw” ticket into Napier and out of Christchurch.