The regions of New Zealand
Choose a region to read about its wines and explore the smaller growing areas within it.
- 01Auckland2 producersAuckland is a New Zealand wine region that includes Waiheke Island, West Auckland and Matakana. Waiheke grows Cabernet grapes for red blends, as well as Syrah. Kumeu in West Auckland is known for Chardonnay, while Matakana's Pinot Gris whites can be full-bodied, with ripe pear, stone-fruit and spice flavours.
- 02Canterbury3 producersCanterbury, on New Zealand's South Island, is a wine region with a protected geographical name. Its earliest vines were planted at Banks Peninsula, but the region's wine focus later shifted north towards Waipara.
- 03Central Otago7 producersCentral Otago is a wine region in New Zealand, at about 47 degrees south, with vineyard valleys bounded by the Southern Alps. Pinot Noir is the leading grape. Wines from warmer areas often have plum and cherry flavours; cooler Gibbston and Wānaka tend towards red cherry, fresh herbs and spice.
- 04Gisborne1 producerGisborne is New Zealand's easternmost wine region, sheltered by hills and mountains and cooled by afternoon sea breezes. Chardonnay is its dominant grape, alongside whites such as Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. Many wines have full flavours and tropical-fruit notes.
- 05Hawke’s Bay4 producersHawke’s Bay is a wine region on New Zealand's Pacific coast, with mountains, river plains and more than 25 soil types. Chardonnay, red blends and Syrah are important wines here. Bridge Pa Triangle has red metal soils deposited by rivers; the Gimblett Gravels growing area is defined by its gravel soils.
- 06Marlborough15 producersMarlborough is a wine region in the northeast of New Zealand's South Island. It is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, a white grape that produces wines with citrus, tropical-fruit and herbal aromas. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines are also made here. Its main growing areas include Wairau Valley, the Southern Valleys and Awatere.
- 07Nelson1 producerAt the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, the Nelson wine region has plentiful sunshine and a sheltered coastal climate. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are important grapes. Wines from Moutere Hills tend to be richer, while those from Waimea Plains are often lighter and more aromatic.
- 08NorthlandNo producers listed yetNorthland is New Zealand's most northerly wine region. Vineyards grow in pockets from Karikari to Mangawhai, in mild, humid maritime conditions. Chardonnay is a major grape, and the region also makes Syrah reds and Pinot Gris whites. Styles vary with the site and when the grapes are picked.
- 09Other producers2 producersThese producers are based in New Zealand, with no more specific region listed.
- 10WaikatoNo producers listed yetWaikato is a wine region on New Zealand's North Island. Exposed vineyards can be very windy, while lower inland places are more sheltered. Mountain ranges create local differences in rainfall, although the region generally receives plentiful rain throughout the year.
- 11Wairarapa3 producersThe Wairarapa wine region occupies the south-eastern corner of New Zealand's North Island, about an hour north-east of Wellington by road. It includes Martinborough, Gladstone and Opaki, with vineyards on free-draining soils and terraces left by rivers. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc account for most plantings.
- 12Waitaki ValleyNo producers listed yetWaitaki Valley is a New Zealand wine region on the North Otago and South Canterbury boundary, about 20 kilometres inland from the Waitaki River mouth. Vineyards grow in a very cool climate on limestone slopes and stony river gravels. Pinot Noir leads the plantings, alongside white grapes including Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.