Best Wineries and Wine Tasting Tours in New Zealand

Well, are you a wine lover from the UK who never likes to compromise with their wine? Then, you must get a tourist visa for New Zealand from the UK to explore the rich wine industry of the country. 

New Zealand wine is always in demand among the many wine lovers in the world. This is precisely what is driving the expected growth of $1,794.09 million in the industry by 2030. However, visiting the country to explore its wine paradise requires you to properly plan to fully take in their beauty. 

Understanding New Zealand’s Wine Regions  

The wine industry of New Zealand is spread across many regions. So, visiting just one place with your tourist visa from New Zealand to the UK will not be enough. Some of the locations that you must visit include: 

Marlborough 

Known as the Sauvignon Blanc capital, this place is definitely a must-visit for all wine lovers. This area is filled with iconic wineries like Cloudy Bay, Forrest Estate, Framingham and others. Marlborough is highly favoured by a combination climate that includes cool yet high sunshine.

On top of that, it also experiences low rainfall and free-draining. Its moderately fertile soil helps in producing unique wines. Remember to try the classic Sauvignon Blanc when you visit this area. Other than that, you can also try Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. 

Central Otago

Well, if you are looking for the finest quality Pinot Noir, then you must visit this area after getting your tourist visa to New Zealand from the UK. The region produces an exceptional quality of this wine and most of the credit goes to the unique climate and high altitude. The area experiences hot summers and cold winters, and the rainfall is very minimal throughout the year, on the verge of desert-levels. 

All of these make Central Otago ideal for creating its world-famous Pinot Noir. Remember to visit the famous wineries like Felton Road Wines, Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant, Peregrine Wines, and others when visiting the region. 

Hawke’s Bay 

This is the oldest wine region in the entire New Zealand, which automatically makes it an important place. Today this place holds the place of the second largest wine region in the country and has been sourcing the finest quality wine since 1851. Hawke’s Bay produces the perfect full-bodied reds and Bordeaux blends which draws people from all corners of the country and the world. On top of that, the scenic vineyard views offer a great backdrop for wine-tasting.  

Other Notable Wine Regions 

The above listed ones definitely stay at the top on everybody’s list. But that’s not all. Read on to add more to your itinerary. 

Waiheke Island 

Just taking a short ferry ride from Auckland will get you to this region. Waiheke Island is best known for its boutique wineries and scenic views. 

Martinborough

This region can be small but it holds a lot of importance in the wine industry. Martinborough is famous for its handcrafted Pinot Noir. 

Canterbury & Nelson

This region is not as famous as its peers, but every bit as worthy. It is a great place to get the taste of high-quality, cool-climate wine. The connoisseur in you will love this underrated gem. 

Requirements for Visiting the Wineries in New Zealand

Well, visiting the wineries in New Zealand does not come with any set requirements. But there are a few to enter the country. 

Have a valid passport

Having a passport is a must when it comes to travelling internationally. So, make sure you have this when traveling to New Zealand to explore the best wineries. You will just have to make sure that your passport comes with a minimum validity of 6 months starting from the day you exit NZ. There should be two blank pages in your passport to get stamped. 

Apply for a Visa

Your visa will work like a travel permit and help in proving your eligibility to explore the country. For your travel purpose, you will be required to apply for a tourist visa for New Zealand from the UK. Here, we will be focusing on the online visa or eVisa as it comes with added convenience. Some of the steps of applying this visa are: 

• Visit the online portal and start your application process. 
• Complete the application form with details true to the best of your knowledge related to your visit purpose and yourself. 
• Add scanned copies of all the necessary documents like your passport, recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, travel itinerary, and anything else that is required for the process.
• Pay the fee for the application with your debit or credit card. 

Time of Approval

Visa approval takes about three to five days. You will receive the approval letter on your registered email ID that was provided on the application form. After that, you will have to get a few printed copies of it and bring them with you to the airport. You can also track the application approval process to get added assurance. However, if you do not receive the letter within the timeline that we stated, then you should contact the Helpdesk. 

Planning Your Wine Tasting Trip from the UK

The planning process for the New Zealand wine tasting trip requires you to consider many things. 

Best Time to Visit New Zealand’s Wineries  

The best time to visit New Zealand wineries depends on your priorities. However, most people like the months during September and November as it is the peak of Spring. Plus, you can also choose the summer months between December and February. Both of these times will offer you the experience of vibrant vineyards. The weather also stays favorable for wine tasting. Other than that, the autumn months spanning March to May provides a cooler, quieter experience with harvest activities and beautiful scenery. 

New Zealand’s wine seasons and ideal months for travel 

Choosing the right travel time is very important to get the best experience. Some of these ideal periods are: 

• September – November and March – May. The weather is pleasant and there’s less tourist footfall.
• December – February is the peak season for warm weather and outdoor activities. 

Special events and festivals to attend  

All wine lovers coming to the country with a tourist visa for New Zealand from the UK should consider attending the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival. Other than that, they should also explore the North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival. Moreover, you should also be present at the Harvest in Hawke’s Bay. 

Feeling confident to explore the best wineries with a tourist visa for New Zealand from the UK?     

Exploring the wineries and wine festivals in New Zealand is a must for all wine lovers. And all that you will need for this includes a tourist visa for New Zealand from the UK. This will help you in exploring the country freely and getting the experience of the best wine. 

However, if you still face some delay in the process, then you will be required to contact the Helpdesk for the best assistance.