Food and wine

From Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to Central Otago Pinot Noir, green-lipped mussels to a proper pie and flat white, eating and drinking is one of the best reasons to travel New Zealand.

Where to go

• Marlborough The country’s biggest wine region, around Blenheim.
• Hawke’s Bay Reds, Chardonnay and flat cycle trails between cellar doors.
• Central Otago Pinot Noir in dramatic mountain country.
• Waiheke Island Vineyards and long lunches a ferry ride from Auckland.
• Seafood Bluff oysters (in season roughly March to August), Kaikōura crayfish and Havelock mussels.
• Farmers’ markets Most towns have a weekend market for local produce.

Good to know

Book cellar-door tastings and winery lunches ahead in summer. If you are touring by car, nominate a driver or join a tour: New Zealand drink-driving limits are low and strictly enforced.