Discover Leisure Motorhomes

Discover Leisure Motorhomes

Explore the wine regions of New Zealand

New Zealanders have been making wine since colonial times, but only in recent decades the New Zealand industry has really come of age. Today, some of New Zealand wines are acclaimed worldwide, and production grapes has more than doubled in the last ten years. Although New Zealand covers a variety of climates and soils, and produces many different types of wine, best known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Mthode traditionelle sparkling wines and, above all, their Sauvignon Blanc. And probably the most convenient way to make your trip around these areas is fascinating to hire a motorhome and drinking entirely at your own pace.

Tour of New Zealand wine lovers will be interested in visiting the different wine regions of the country. Touring the different regions are exposed not only to visitors to the various aspects of the wine industry, but also allow them to see different parts of this beautiful country. Then is a brief description of each wine region, traveling from north to south.

Northland: north of New Zealand wine region is the most its small. The wines grown here include Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. This sparsely populated area is worth seeing for its natural beauty and joy to visit a wine-making industry is still young and booming.

Auckland: This region not only has the largest city, but also a broad and eclectic selection of wineries. It will take days to properly explore all that the Auckland region has to offer wine-lover. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly common here, but also much more important that the traveler expects.

Waikato / Bay of Plenty: South of Auckland is another small but growing region. This hot spot is best known for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Gisborne: This sunny region in the extreme eastern North Island is the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand. Over ninety percent of the grapes grown in Gisborne is white. Because of its location near the Date Line International is considered the easternmost wine region on earth.

Hawke's Bay: Another great wine region, this is one of the stops more important for tourists interested in discovering the wine industry in New Zealand. As in Gisborne, its neighbor to the north, Chardonnay is the most popular grape, but Unlike Gisborne, Hawke's Bay produces too many red wines.

Wairarapa: This region is close to the New Zealand capital, Wellington. The center winemaking in the region is Martinborough. Although not compared with other regions in terms of quantity, Wairarapa is known for its excellent Pinot Noir and its internationally recognized boutique wineries.

Nelson: Turning now to the South Island, we are with Nelson, a small region in the fresh and fertile island of the northwest corner which mostly produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Marlborough: Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the wine industry in New Zealand, Marlborough, located in northeastern South Island, is the country's largest wine region, although the first vines were not planted there until the 1970s. A variety wines are produced here, but undoubtedly the best known is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, most pundits considered the best in the world. Mthode sparkling wines traditionelle is also an important product of the region.

Canterbury / Waipara: The wine in this region average size along the east coast is grown near the city of Christchurch or in the Waipara Valley. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir together make up more than half of production in the region.

Central Otago: The southernmost region of viticulture in New Zealand is also the highest. Although one of the smallest regions, stunning natural beauty invites the traveler to explore downtown Otago at a leisurely pace. Despite its relative youth, the region has become famous for its Pinot Noir.

A car "rental motor home> in New Zealand would not be complete without at least one visit to this wonderful wine regions to drink on stage and shows their delicious products. Enjoy!

About the Author

Hugh McInnes is a well-seasoned traveller and loves to share his experiences of travelling and campervan hire. As a guy who's done well with money, he loves to travel in a certain style, with good quality motorhome hire, especially in beautiful New Zealand where he loves to relax and unwind on the open road, while drinking in the scenery.

The Outdoor Leisure Show 2008