The regions of New Zealand
Choose a region to read its guide, then move closer through its named subregions.
- 01Auckland2 producersAuckland brings Waiheke Island, historic West Auckland and Matakana together in one wine region. Cabernet blends and Syrah sit alongside refined Kumeu Chardonnay, aromatic wines and Matakana Pinot Gris, which can be fleshy and weighty.
- 02Canterbury3 producersCanterbury is a registered New Zealand wine geographical indication on the South Island. Its earliest vines were planted at Banks Peninsula, but the region's wine focus later shifted north toward Waipara.
- 03Central Otago7 producersAt about 47 degrees south, Central Otago's vineyard valleys are bounded by the Southern Alps. Its six subregions are close together but differ in character. Pinot Noir is the leading grape: warmer areas tend towards sweet plum and cherry, while Gibbston and Wānaka are fresher, with red cherry, fresh herb, spice and mineral notes.
- 04Gisborne1 producerGisborne, New Zealand's easternmost wine region, has a warm, dry Pacific maritime climate moderated by afternoon sea breezes. Chardonnay leads a varied vineyard mix. Young clay and fine silt-loam soils hold moisture through the long dry summer, while the breezes help preserve acidity and tropical fruit character.
- 05Hawke’s Bay4 producersHawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's largest wine regions. Warm, dry conditions and more than 25 soil types support Chardonnay, red blends, Syrah and aromatic whites. Within the region, Bridge Pa Triangle's red metal alluvial soils and the gravel-defined Gimblett Gravels offer two useful points of reference.
- 06Marlborough15 producersMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc has more than one face. Wairau Valley is known for tropical fruit, citrus and blackcurrant leaf, while Southern Valleys wines are richer and Awatere Valley tends towards crisper, herbaceous, mineral styles. Pinot Noir is also widely planted, with character shaped by site, soil and climate.
- 07Nelson1 producerAt the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson combines high sunshine with a sheltered coastal climate. Its two main wine areas offer a clear contrast: Moutere Hills makes richer, more structured wines, while Waimea Plains is known for lighter, fresher and more aromatic styles.
- 08NorthlandNo producers listed yetNorthland is New Zealand's most northerly wine region. Vines grow in pockets from Karikari to Mangawhai, where a mild maritime climate brings more ripening heat than elsewhere in the country. Varied soils and sites make room for Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Gris and several distinct styles.
- 09Other producers2 producersThese producers are listed here with no more specific region shown.
- 10WaikatoNo producers listed yetWaikato is a North Island wine region with a range of local climates. Exposed areas can be very windy, while lower inland places are more sheltered. Mountain ranges create rainfall anomalies linked to elevation, and the region generally receives plentiful rain throughout the year.
- 11Wairarapa3 producersWairarapa, about an hour north-east of Wellington in the south-eastern corner of New Zealand's North Island, includes Martinborough, Gladstone and Opaki. River erosion has left free-draining soils and alluvial terraces, while Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc account for most of the region's plantings.
- 12Waitaki ValleyNo producers listed yetWaitaki Valley lies about 20 kilometres inland from the Waitaki River mouth, on the North Otago and South Canterbury boundary. Vineyards grow in a very cool climate on limestone slopes and stony river gravels. Pinot Noir leads the plantings, alongside Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and smaller areas of Chardonnay.