Choosing from the bounty of New Zealand’s holiday destinations is no simple feat, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to a mixed dozen of great places to eat, drink and relax. Launch the gallery to see our picks.
Central Otago
With landscape as breathtaking as this, any extras are a bonus. Throw in some of the world’s best pinot noirs, a fail-safe itinerary full of surprises and you have a three-day wine-lovers drive that can’t be beat.
Hawkes Bay
Strap yourself in for an epic journey across the North and South Islands, through three wine regions and into some of the country’s most exciting cellar doors. This 10-day tour from Hawkes Bay to Marlborough is only a taste of what to expect on the 380-kilometre trail – the rest is up to you.
North Wairarapa
Strap yourself in for an epic journey across the North and South Islands, through three wine regions and into some of the country’s most exciting cellar doors. This 10-day tour from Hawkes Bay to Marlborough is only a taste of what to expect on the 380-kilometre trail – the rest is up to you.
Marlborough
Strap yourself in for an epic journey across the North and South Islands, through three wine regions and into some of the country’s most exciting cellar doors. This 10-day tour from Hawkes Bay to Marlborough is only a taste of what to expect on the 380-kilometre trail – the rest is up to you.
Matakana
Quick weekend escape? Head over the Tasman to Matakana, Auckland’s version of the Hamptons and a cornucopia of produce from both orchard and ocean.
New Zealand’s South Island
Renowned for stylish digs, sublime local fare and the kind of scenery that made the country a movie star, New Zealand’s South Island also boasts a cast of highly affordable luxury lodge experiences. Rob Ingram stays at five of the best that – best of all – won’t break the bank.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura, the tiny coastal town on New Zealand’s South Island, draws a million visitors a year thanks to its spectacular views and marine life. This is eco-tourism at its best.
New Zealand lodges
Discover two luxury lodges which are microcosms of all that’s great about New Zealand: effortlessly warm hospitality, cinematic landscapes and adventure on tap. Action-man Kendall Hill checks in and gets in touch with his masculine side.
Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
He’s headed to New Zealand’s Central Otago and settled into the luxurious Matakauri Lodge but Rob Ingram has a problem: he never wants to leave.
Sommeliers’ guide to New Zealand
Three top Aussie sommeliers hit the road to explore New Zealand’s finest wine regions, sampling intriguing drops and meeting the country’s leading winemakers along the way.
Wanaka
Luxury digs, an open fire, a glass of organic pinot noir, lamb rack with artichoke purée… the après-ski action in New Zealand’s Wanaka is just as exciting as the skiing.
Wellington
Visitors often overlook New Zealand’s capital in favour of Auckland or Queenstown, so when Max Veenhuyzen hit Wellington on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, he was chuffed to discover a port city that lives to eat and drink.
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