Wine lovers could get lost in New Zealand for months if they wanted. There are just so many great wine regions to explore.

This itinerary runs north to south. You’ll need a rental car, and can drop into or out of the itinerary at any point along the way.

Days 1-3: Auckland Region (including Waiheke Island)

Chances are that you’ll be flying into Auckland, so this is a good place to start. Definitely head to Waiheke Island for a day and if time permits, north to Matakana or to the wineries out west.

Days 4-6: Auckland to Gisborne

It’s a 6.5hr drive from Auckland through to Gisborne on the East Coast and you may want to break it up with a visit to Rotorua for a night or two for some Māori culture and geothermal hot springs. You’ll want at least a day visiting Gisborne wineries.

Days 7-8: Gisborne to Hawkes Bay