No matter what kind of traveller you are, if you are planning a holiday to New Zealand, the chances are that you are going for either of the country’s two most popular draw cards: the wine or the walking. New Zealand has abundant opportunities to enjoy either or, more often than not, both at the same time. Famed for the extraordinary scenery as well as the world-class wines it produces, New Zealand spoils the visitor for choice when it comes to planning an itinerary involving these two most pleasurable pursuits.

Savour a Sauvignon Blanc

These days, New Zealand is producing what is fast becoming renowned as the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to experience what the critics are raving about right at the cellar door, then you will be in wine heaven when you visit the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Walking in this area, which is located in the northeast of the South Island, provides plenty of opportunities to sample the wines along the way, and the picturesque beauty of Marlborough Sounds draws thousands of tourists every year. Whilst hiking, cycling or kayaking through stunning vistas along the spectacular route of the Queen Charlotte Track, you will always, in the back of your mind, be able to look forward to the evening spent sampling Marlborough’s best wine and fine dining.

Mull over a Merlot

If a New Zealand walking holiday to Hawkes Bay is on your wish list, then you’ll be visiting the region which produces over half the varieties of the country’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. While Merlot is a relative new-comer to New Zealand, only appearing in the mid 1980s, it is perhaps this variety more than any other which has cemented the country in many experts’ opinions as being a serious player on the world wine stage. Located on the east coast of the North Island, the Hawkes Bay province is one of the most diverse landscapes for a New Zealand walking holiday. Encompassing the hilly interior region as well as the picturesque coast, Hawkes Bay’s temperate climate makes it popular with not only the growing number of wine producers, for whom the conditions are perfect, but also the many visitors who come to enjoy the twin pleasures of wine and walking.

Pop goes the Sparkle

If you are partial to a bit of fizz after a hard day’s walking, New Zealand can serve up any one of its many sparkling varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Muenier, all with their own inimitable style. Sparkling wines are produced in many regions of New Zealand apart from the warmer areas around Auckland; so if bubbles are your passion head to either Gisborne and Hawkes Bay in the North Island for a richer, ‘weightier’ variety; or to Marlborough in the South Island if your tastes lean a little toward the lighter, more acidic versions. Gisborne, heart of the Eastland region, has the honour of being the first city in the world to see the sun in the mornings and is, in fact, the sunniest place in the entire country. So once you’ve returned from your day exploring the charming city and tranquil harbour of Gisborne, slip into something more comfortable than your hiking shoes and treat your taste buds to a special treat after all that walking; New Zealand sparkling wine.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: New Zealand walking