North Island Winery Tour

Pick up your camper and head straight to the the Coromandel, a place renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, it is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations for locals and visitiors alike. Our first stop here is a boutique winery, Mercury Bay Estate. This is a family friendly and family owned vineyard, producing Coromandel's finest wines using sustainable means. Pair these wines with local artisan food or a gourmet picnic basket, in a relaxed vineyard setting. Upon arrival at the vineyard, have a chat with the vintner and ask for a private tour of the estate.  

If you have an extra couple of days in the region you can include a visit to Hot Water Beach and enjoy digging and relaxing in your very own, hand made geothermal pool, or relax by taking a stroll through the iconic Karangahape Gorge, or take in the local gold-mine history at Goldfields Vintage Railway.

A big travel day, but definitely worth it. With amazing views along the way, the time will whizz by. A stop in at the famous Hobbiton in Matamata is a must especially for those who loved the movies. Here you can also sample locally produced ginger beer, ale and cider .  After a stop in at Hobbiton, you'll head right into the heart of the 'King-Country', stopping at Waitomo.

Waitomo is most famous for its spectacular glow-worm caves, however you can also enjoy a gourmet meal at a café or stretch your legs at its scenic reserve.  Don't forget, when travelling with maui, the driver goes FREE when exploring the glow-worm caves!  

Take your time getting to Rotorua, with lots to see and do on the way. Te Kuiti will be the largest town you encounter so be sure to stop in and stock up on lunch supplies.

Pureora Forest Park, is a hidden wonderland of tall trees, clear rivers and rare wildlife, and is a great place to stop and explore if you love walking.

You'll know when you've reached Rotorua, because you'll see the steam rising from the earth and notice a sulpher like smell.  It's like nowhere you've been, with evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look.

If you have an extra couple of days, it's well worth spending them in Rotorua. You can experience wine tasting from the top of the skyline gondola with Volcanic Hills Wines. Enjoy a wine and soak up the magnificent view overlooking Rotorua town & lake. You can order food platters from the tasting room on arrival. 

Complete your middle-earth trilogy with a visit to Te Puia, a 60 hectare site which is home to Maori arts and crafts, a kiwi enclosure, the famous Pohutu Geyser and more than 500 geothermal wonders.

Napier is the next stop. The Hawke's Bay region is home more than 200 vineyards, 70+ wineries and 30+ cellar doors, the toughest decision you'll have is where to start. The region best known for Merlot Cabernet blends, Syrah and Chardonnay. 

A good place to start is Linden Estate, where you can sit back, relax and drink in the stunning Hawkes Bay views with a bottle of wine. You can order a gourmet picnic hamper or indulge in dinner at the restaurant. The cellar door and restaurant are elevated above the surrounding vines, providing a wonderful vista across the valley floor to the wooded hills in the background. Linden Estate Winery offers unique, exquisite wines, beautiful views and approachable staff.

Palmerston North is a must stop for the ultimate rugby fan, with a stop at the New Zealand Rugby Museum. The museum is host to a range of rugby paraphernalia including trophies, equipment, photographs, badges and more.

If you want to get outdoors, Manawatu Gorge passes through a unique landscape of steep Greywacke Ranges covered in native vegetation.

The track provides an opportunity to walk through native bush, see a carving of Whatonga, enjoy scenic views and experience native wildlife only a short distance from Palmerston North.We offer tastings to groups of up to five people in our cellar door. 

Another good wine stop along the way is at Ohau wines. They offer tastings to groups of up to five people at the cellar door. No need to book - just check the website for opening times.

On to Martinborough and Coney Wines, will have you smiling from ear to ear. This quirky family owned and operated boutique vineyard have often startled guests by bursting into spontaneous song. The extra touch? Each wine label contains an edgy poem for you to enjoy.

Music is an intrinsic part of Coney Wines, with the belief that harmony can be experienced in their wine and they are convinced the grapes respond even better to good music. The wines themselves have harmonious names – Rallentando, Ragtime, Ramblin' Rose and Pizzicato.

While you're in Martinborough you can explore the picturesque village square, home to several heritage buildings, have a look at some of the other wineries along the classic wine-trail or work on your swing and enjoy the great outdoors at the Martinborough Golf Club.

Enjoy New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Wellington is quite possibly the trendiest city on this side of the equator. If you love art, Wellington is the city for you. With lots of amazing places to enjoy a coffee, something delicious to eat, a browse through one of the many art galleries, a walk along the harbour or taking in some of New Zealand's political history – you might have to be dragged away.

Options from here are to meander back to Auckland along the west-coast, or continue your  camper van and wine journey onto the beautiful South Island via the inter-islander ferry. Remember to book ahead!