Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city also boasts a large and diverse wine region. Some of the country’s oldest and most established wineries can be found in the Auckland area – vines were first planted in Northland in 1819, four hours north of the city. The region is best known for Bordeaux style wines, including Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, which can be sampled at the 100 or so wineries scattered across Northland, Keri Keri, Warkworth and Matakana to the north of the city and Waiheke Island and Kumeu, closer to the city.

Gisborne
On the most easterly point of the north island, Gisborne is beautiful, charming and steeped in Maori culture. It’s also New Zealand’s 4th largest grape growing region, concentrating on Chardonnay and other white varietals including Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Riesling. Gisborne is very sunny – in fact, it’s the first wine region in the world to see the sun every day! The vineyards and wineries are close to Gisborne city. Just to the west is the Bay of Plenty, best known for its rugged landscape and beautiful surf beaches – it’s a popular holiday destination for many New Zealanders.  Flights to New Zealand operate out of all international airports.

Hawke’s Bay
On the east coast of North Island is Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s most popular food and wine destination. The temperate climate and beautiful rural landscape is home to some of New Zealand’s best wineries – lots of sunshine and different soil types make it an ideal viticultural region. While Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape, the long ripening season provides perfect conditions for red varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. You’ll need at least a day to sufficiently eat and drink your way through this area!

Wairarapa
Wairarapa is a great weekend destination from New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. With quaint little towns and a spectacular mountain backdrop, wine is just one attraction of the area. Wairarapa is best known for its boutique wineries and eateries – particularly in the town of Martinborough. While the volume of wine production in Wairarapa is low, the area is internationally recognised as producing some of the best quality Pinot Noir wines.

Marlborough
Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine producing region, and is arguably home to the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Its location on the north eastern corner of NZ’s south island is recognised as one of the world’s best places to grow Sauvignon grapes. It also makes very good Chardonnay and Riesling and is fast developing a reputation for high quality Pinot Noir. The city of Blenheim is the hub of the area, and most of the region’s wineries can be reached from here. There are, however, many wineries to visit so you’ll want to give yourself a good couple of days to do it justice. Blenheim is also just a 20 minute drive from the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.

Nelson
A haven for artisans, food and wine lovers, Nelson is a charming wine region just two hours south of Marlborough. The town has a certain alternative feel, and boasts not only boutique and picturesque wineries but beautiful golden beaches set against snow capped mountains. Nelson vineyards concentrate on grape varieties suited to cooler conditions, with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir accounting for most of the grapes grown.

Canterbury
Vast and sweeping plains join the Southern Alps of New Zealand to the east coast of the South Island in Canterbury, a relatively new wine region. Despite being in its infancy, the area is fast becoming recognised for its Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. The city of Christchurch is the heart of this region, from which most of the wineries can be reached.

Central Otago
Last, but definitely not least is Central Otago, a region often referred to as the most picturesque wine producing area in the country. Wine tasting is just one of the activities to enjoy in this region, with the ski fields and a plethora of adventure activities attracting visitors from all over the world. Queenstown is the main city, and the many wineries in the area are recognised for their quality Pinot Noirs. Give yourself at least a few days to experience all that this area has to offer.

Fine wine is one of New Zealand’s main attractions, so make sure you include a trip to its world class wineries when you next visit. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you need to sample the Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings and Pinot Noirs that have helped make New Zealand an internationally acclaimed wine destination.

Written by Guest Author:  Samantha Deavin

Photo Credits:  #1 Boston Public Library, #2 Flickr:westius, #3 &4 Flickr:Philip  #5 Flickr: iambents

New Zealand has a well earned reputation for exclusive luxury lodges scattered throughout the North and South Islands, positioned to take advantage of the some of the best scenic vistas in the country.  The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Napier on the North Island of New Zealand is one of  the newest and most spectacular.  The lodge opened in November 2007 and offers luxury cottage suites that all enjoy 180 degree views over the headlands and out to the Pacific Ocean.  And the setting is just the beginning of the reasons to visit Cape Kidnappers.

1. The Napier Region of New Zealand is positioned on the southeastern coast of the North Island and is one of the most renowned wine growing regions in the world.  Cool coastal mists and warm days produce exceptional sauvignon blanc wines.
2. Because of a 7.9 earthquake in 1931, the buildings of the area were entirely rebuilt.  Today Napier is a showcase of well preserved Art Deco architecture.
3. The lodge is perched ridge-top on 6000 acres that is a working sheep and cattle ranch.  Guests at the lodge can witness first-hand the modern and traditional ranching techniques of the ‘Kiwis’ on complimentary escorted farm tours.
4. Meals at the Lodge are memorable both for their settings and cuisine.  The main restaurant is elegant and inviting.  For a more intimate setting, you may prefer to dine in the soothing stone walled wine room.  And on sunny days, why not have a casual meal in the Loggia patio room.   Meals and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeurves are included with your stay, and as you might expect, only the freshest of ingredients are used from the property’s sustainable farm.  Naturally local dairy, beef, lamb, and fish are all at the ready.
5. Guest rooms have amenities for even the most discerning of tastes.  Each room enjoys expansive views from a balcony or patio and the interior is both relaxing and dramatic in it’s decor.  Of course all the electronic bells and whistles you could desire are at hand.
6. A striking infinity pool invites you to swim at what seems the edge of the world.
7. Cape Kidnappers enjoys a area of unique natural habitat.  Take a Discovery Walk or 4 wheel drive safari to the Gannet bird colony habitat.
8. Activities abound, you will never have dull moment, unless that’s exactly what you need.  There are opportunities to mountain bike, fly fish, kayak, hike, hot air balloon or go wine touring.
9. And when you’re beat and in need of some pampering, the Spa services are top notch.
10. Golf – well you’ve seen it – like nowhere else on earth – incredible!

For more in-depth information and a wonderful display of photographs, visit CapeKidnappers.com.  To book lodging at Cape Kidnappers, I’d suggest contacting a Virtuoso Travel Agent.  Is it expensive?… well yes…it is a premium property that is a destination in itself.  Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime exceptional experience.

1) Cook Islands and New Zealand - Explore two exotic destinations with Goway Tours‘ Super Special.  The 15 day adventure includes roundtrip airfare with Air New Zealand from LAX, 9 nights lodging in the Cook Islands, 3 day car or scooter rental, 3 nights lodging in Auckland (NZ), airport transfers and lots more for $1,759 per person (including the fuel surcharge).

2) Singapore Airlines Vacations have a whole host of offers for amazing journeys which combine breathtaking Far East capitals including Singapore + Bangkok for $1,145 pp, Singapore & Phuket for $1,488 pp, Singapore & Bali for $1,182 pp, or Singapore and Hanoi for $1,290 pp.  Packages include roundtrip flights, deluxe hotel accommodation, city tours and more.

3) Let Central Holidays whisk you away to Europe’s most romantic cities for a winter escape.  Their 9 day Venice & Paris tour spends 4 nights in each city for a mere $1,061 per person.  You’ll miss all the frantic summer crowds and enjoy the best seats on boats, barges and in the cafes.

4) European Destinations has combined 3 night stays in Rome and Athens for one great price – $896 per person including roundtrip airfare.   I’m thinking a gastronomic whirlwind on this trip!

I’m sure there are various terms and conditions for these journeys, so click through to read what’s included in each trip and dates that they are available.

Roundtrip airfare starts at $780, and well priced packages are available for hotel stays in Auckland.  In anticipation of the buzz and curiosity about this new concept in blind dating, a social networking site has been created at TheMatchMakingFlight.com - check it out for all the romantic details.

This promises to be the most blind dating fun Downunder since the Aussie favorite “Desperate and Dateless Ball” ended last year!  And if you’re wondering just how cheeky the Kiwis are – you’ve got to see their filming of the “Nothing To Hide” video ad.

Begin your trip planning with a visit to the New Zealand Tourist Bureau site. Then take a look at the local regional and city sites:

North Island
Auckland
Bay of Islands
The Coromandel
Helensville
Lake Taupo
Rotorua
Turangi-Tongariro
Wanganui
Wellington

South Island
Ashburton/Canturbury (Mt Hutt)
Central Otago
Christchurch
Dunedin
Fiordland
Fox Glacier
Glacier Country
Kaikoura
Lake Wanaka
Makarora
Mount Cook
Nelson
Queenstown
Southland Region
Stewart Island

We’ve found a super website that makes choosing the right mountain a cinch.
On The Snow has all the information you’ll need to find extreme runs, fresh powder, wild nightlife and family friendly resorts.

There’s a running report of snow drops in the past 24 hours, acres of skiable terrain, snow depths, and snow cams at every major mountain. Combine that with weather reports, user reviews, and current deals and you have one powerful ski site.

I particularly like being able to check out who has the best conditions; the big US West, picturesque New England, or the highly touted European Alps. This year it looks like the US wins – handsdown!!! So spend your money at home, find your ideal winter wonderland at OnTheSnow.com, and get out and enjoy the snow!