New Zealand is one of the most highly regarded wine-producing countries in the world. Its Sauvignon Blanc in particular is sometimes hailed as the world's finest, and plenty of wine lovers plan trips here just to drink it at the source. Since great bottles are easy to pick up at supermarkets and wine shops, trying local wine should be high on your list during any visit or stay in New Zealand.
A Brief History of New Zealand Wine
New Zealand's wine industry dates back to the 1800s, but it only gained serious international recognition from the 1980s onward. The turning point came in 1985, when a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc earned high marks at a wine competition in London, launching the country onto the world stage.
Today New Zealand produces roughly 350 million litres of wine a year and exports about 85% of it — and NZ wines are increasingly easy to find on shelves overseas, including in Japan.
Major Wine Regions
Marlborough
New Zealand's largest and most famous wine region, located at the top of the South Island. Big day-night temperature swings and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for growing grapes. This is the home of Sauvignon Blanc, producing wines with signature aromas of grapefruit and passionfruit.
World-renowned labels like Cloudy Bay and Villa Maria are based here.
Hawke's Bay
On the east coast of the North Island, this is New Zealand's second-largest wine region, known for Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It produces many high-quality reds and is home to plenty of stylish wineries worth visiting.
Central Otago
Inland on the South Island, this is the southernmost wine region in the world. It's internationally celebrated for Pinot Noir, which enjoys a devoted following far beyond New Zealand. The continental climate yields complex, layered Pinot Noirs that even Burgundy fans rate highly.
Gisborne
A North Island east coast region known as the first city in the world to see the sunrise. It's especially famous for Chardonnay — so much so that it's sometimes called the "Chardonnay capital."
Signature Grape Varieties
- Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand's flagship white grape, with Marlborough the most famous source. Expect aromas of grapefruit, herbs, and passionfruit
- Pinot Noir: Central Otago is the heartland. Elegant, complex red wines
- Chardonnay: Grown mainly in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, often in a creamy style
- Pinot Gris: A white variety rising fast in popularity, often made in Alsace or Italian styles
- Riesling: Produced in Marlborough and Central Otago, in styles ranging from dry to sweet
Where to Buy
The main places to buy wine in New Zealand:
- Supermarkets: Woolworths and New World have well-stocked wine aisles, with solid bottles starting around NZ$15–30
- Wine shops: Specialist stores offer a wider selection and knowledgeable staff to guide your choice
- Bottle-O / Liquorland: Liquor store chains that often carry a broader range than supermarkets
- Winery cellar doors: If you visit Marlborough or Hawke's Bay, stop at a winery's cellar door for tastings and direct purchases
Recommended Serving Temperatures
- Sauvignon Blanc: 8–10°C (well chilled)
- Pinot Noir: 14–16°C (lightly chilled)
- Chardonnay: 10–12°C
Ordering Wine at Restaurants
Restaurants in Wellington almost always feature New Zealand wines on the menu. Ordering the house wine is an easy, low-commitment way to try one by the glass (usually around NZ$10–15). Ask your server for their favourite New Zealand wine — they'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Taking Wine Home
New Zealand wine makes a great souvenir, but keep a few things in mind if you're flying it home — for example, to Japan:
- Japan allows up to three bottles (760ml × 3 = 2.28 litres) of alcohol duty-free for personal import
- Anything beyond that is subject to liquor tax and customs duties
- Bottles break easily, so use a padded wine travel bag (available at airport shops)
With affordable bottles waiting on every supermarket shelf, New Zealand wine is easy to explore during your stay. Start with a Sauvignon Blanc, then work your way toward Pinot Noir — it's the classic path into the world of NZ wine.