Discover the serenity of the beautiful wineries and world-class restaurants that are home to New Zealand/Aotearoa’s North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui. The diversity of cuisines, tastes and influences around this part of the country makes for an unbelievable selection of venues to wine and dine.
Journeying around the North Island in your Hertz rental car is not just a convenient way to explore the plethora of wineries and restaurants awaiting you, but it also makes for a scenic way to discover the hidden gems and little-known pockets of this beautiful place. Follow this guide to find out some of the best places to enjoy a glass of wine and a meal—and remember to always follow the road rules and have a designated driver when consuming alcohol.
Wine and Dine in the Auckland Region
You don’t have to travel far from the hustle and bustle of the city to discover incredible wine and food. The Auckland Region/Tāmaki Makaurau is home to a variety of areas that specialise in the finer things in life. From Auckland CBD, head out toward the rolling hills of Matakana—about an hour north of the city. Known as a foodie’s heaven, the top vineyards that have made this area a famous one for visiting wine-lovers are Sculptureum, Brick Bay Winery and Heron's Flight. While each of these three wineries similarly offer exquisite tastings of fine wines, what sets them apart is their unique environments and diversity of flavors on offer across their venues. If you’re looking to explore a wine and food region closer to Auckland’s city, make sure to check out Kumeū. Less than a forty minute drive from the CBD, Kumeū is a hub of vineyards and world-class chefs. For those with a thirst for wine, make sure to check out one of the country’s oldest wineries at Westbrook Winery. For those hungry for a delicious meal, make sure to try Curry Leaf Restaurant. If you want a sip of great wine with a bite of good food, Soljans Estate Winery and Restaurant is the one for you.
Experience Perfection in Hawke’s Bay
There are few regions in the North Island more suitable to grape-growing than the charming region of Hawke’s Bay/Te Matau-a-Māui on the east coast. The abundance of sunshine paired with fertile plains has meant Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards have flourished over the years, producing grapes that create some of the best wine in the country. Bistronomy in the quaint city of Napier is a perfect place to begin. This restaurant is complemented by a wine shop that specialises in boutique Kiwi wines. Also located in Napier is Madame Social, a modern Asian fusion eatery and bar. Here, you can experience some exquisite Asian flavours that influence much of New Zealand’s modern cuisine, as well as indulge in a lovely glass of red. Just a twenty minute drive south of Napier is Havelock, a historic town that is home to the world-class Craggy Range Winery. Another gem of this region is Clearview Estate, a beautiful lush winery right on the coast of Hawke’s Bay. Clearview has an adjoining restaurant that is sure to pair perfectly with whichever bottle you fancy. Nothing quite beats sipping on a great wine as you look out over the bay beyond.
Journey Down South For More Flavour
The world-class wines and fantastic food doesn’t stop there. The southern region of the North Island is another hotspot that will get your tastebuds singing in delight. Within the area of Wairarapa, Martinborough is your go-to hub of wining and dining. The iconic Martinborough Vineyard has collected an incredible reputation over time for creating some exquisite flavors in their top-notch winery. This vineyard boasts the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the country, so you just know that they’re of the highest quality. Another venue that promises a fantastic experience is Ata Rangi, a name that translates to ‘new beginning’ in Māori. Ata Rangi isn’t only home to a phenomenal cellar door, but also luxurious accommodation options if you’re looking to upgrade your stay. Palliser Estate Wines combines great wine with incredible food, allowing you a taste of the full Martinborough experience. The Italian-inspired dishes are like slices of Northern Italy on a platter, and pair perfectly with one of their acclaimed glasses of Chardonnay.
From the coast to the countryside and across the rolling hills in between, New Zealand’s North Island is home to a variety of incredible wineries and restaurants waiting for you to discover. Explore these sensational venues and the products they produce as you travel around in your Hertz rental car and experience the plethora of flavors and textures on offer.
