New Zealanders talk a lot about the weather. Maybe to be expected in this country, a narrow country, an island thrown out into the Pacific Ocean. Almost all of New Zealand is influenced by the sea and ocean winds. It is not an obvious wine country, and it is also, without competition, the youngest of the New World countries.
Success has come quickly. The vineyard area has grown at a record rate. Today, it is around 43,000 hectares, distributed across the North and South Islands. Here, it is still something of an adventure to make wine.
We take you on a road trip through almost the entire country (at least a big part), from Auckland, the largest city, to Queenstown in Central Otago.
On the way, we stop in Rotorua and look at geysers and other geothermal wonders. If we are lucky, we see a kiwi (the bird, that is). We stop in Hawke’s Bay, the second-largest wine region, and in Wairarapa/Martinborough, and taste, among other wines, their world-famous pinot noir.
We make a quick stop in Wellington, the capital, then take the ferry to the South Island (3 hours, with a chance to see albatrosses and dolphins), and on to new adventures. We start with the largest wine region, Marlborough, which, you will see, is not only about sauvignon blanc. After Marlborough, we head for nature experiences at Mount Cook and the Southern Alps before continuing down to Central Otago and charming Queenstown.
In between all this, we have also had time to get to know the Maori culture. We will taste many wines, enjoy delicious lunches, meet some of the country’s most famous wine producers, and sample local seafood.
Join us on this adventure and discover a different wine country, far away. We promise you many surprises. Good ones!
Come on this stunning wine tour to New Zealand with Britt and Per of BKWine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators (*).
- New Zealand, 10-25 March 2027 (detailed programme coming soon)
Book now!
(*) And the only one who has authored 13 award-winning wine books.
More inspiration: You can get an even better feeling for what you will experience on this tour if you visit the latest tour’s own Facebook group. Lots of pictures and videos from the tour: See pictures and videos from New Zealand in the latest wine tour’s Facebook group.
Wine Travel at Its Finest
When you travel with BKWine, you travel with true wine authorities: Britt and Per Karlsson. For over 20 years, we have personally created and led hundreds of tours for thousands of wine lovers across Europe, South Africa, South America, and Oceania. We are the authors of 13 award-winning books, recognised by the Swedish Academy of Gastronomy, Gourmand International, and the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Our publications are frequently used as core material in both professional and enthusiast wine education.
Our expertise is globally recognised. We have been named “Best Wine Guide” and “Best Wine Tour Operator” by the Wine Travel Awards, and our journeys have been hailed as the “World’s Top Wine Tours” by the world’s leading travel media. Beyond our tours, we write in-depth on wine for BKWine Magazine and are regular contributors to Forbes.com and frequently serve as expert judges in prestigious international wine competitions. We have also acted as speakers and advisors on wine tourism for organisations, regions and nations including the UN (UNWTO), The World Bank, Vinitaly, Ukraine, the Languedoc and others.
Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled wine and culinary experience. The gastronomy on our tours is legendary. Because we personally design every itinerary and have visited thousands of estates over the decades, we know exactly where to find the most authentic people and the most unique, hidden gems. We don’t always take you to “the big and famous”—that would be too easy. Instead, we focus on unique rencontres: meaningful encounters with people, wine, and food.
We aren’t here to sell you bottles; we are here to provide a profound wine experience and memories that last a lifetime—all while ensuring you have a truly wonderful time. When you choose BKWine, you are travelling with the experts, with Britt and Per, who created the journey, ensuring you receive the very best experience possible.
