Although New Zealand is closely associated with the production of white wine, you might be surprised to learn that the nation produces a mere one percent of the world’s overall wine. The overwhelming majority of the wine that is produced is sauvignon blanc, the white wine that most people associate with New Zealand. Along with sauvignon blanc, the nation produces an array of white wines. Chardonnay is a clear leader the further north in New Zealand you travel, but pinot gris and Riesling are also making waves and being planted in increasingly large numbers each season. If you are interested in trying some of the famed white wine from New Zealand, much of which is characterised as vibrant thanks to hints of grass and fruit, then be sure to include stops at the following wineries during your oenophile’s trip through New Zealand.

Waipara Springs Winery

This boutique winery and vineyard is found in the Waipara Valley region of New Zealand, which is just a short drive from Canterbury. Their vineyard covers more than 26 hectares, and they fill the space with Riesling, sauvignon blanc and Gewurztraminer varietals. Perhaps the most popular, however, is the winery’s Chardonnay. Each sip of this white wine reveals the limestone in the area’s soil, and there are clear hints of fruits and hazelnuts. With the exception of a handful of public holidays, the Waipara Springs Winery is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and visitors can enjoy tastings of a full wine flight or just a single glass. The onsite cafe pairs local wines with gourmet cuisine that features ingredients from the region.

Julicher Estate Winery

This charming winery in the Te Muna Valley is just minutes from the Martinborough, and it is run by a couple who aim to produce the best possible wines in New Zealand. Their operation may be small compared to the larger vineyards in New Zealand, but their careful touch results in arguably better-tasting wine. The grapes are plucked from the vines and hand-carried to the attached winery, which guarantees that no preserving agents or needed or any grapes are crushed by machines. Visitors have their own favourites, but the pinot gris is a universal winner thanks to its sweet and fruity aroma and clear pear taste. You will have to call the estate to visit, but they welcome interested wine lovers throughout the year.

Misssion Estate

To truly appreciate the history of making wine in New Zealand, travellers should visit the Mission Estate. This winery is the oldest in the country and was founded in 1851. Twice daily, there is a historic tour that gives information about the founding brothers of the estate, the architecture and, of course, the wines. The Cellar Door is the tasting room, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free tastings as well as full flights for a small fee. The onsite restaurant boasts a European menu with traditional local ingredients, and the wine pairings are inspired. Be sure to try the sparkling Mission Fête if you are there for a special occasion.

Cloudy Bay

Even wine lovers who don’t have extensive background knowledge of New Zealand’s wine industry have likely heard of Cloudy Bay. This estate makes what is perhaps the most iconic wine of New Zealand, and it was here that the idea of a fresh, grassy sauvignon blanc was brought to the global table. The original vineyard grows exclusively sauvignon blanc, but their newer vineyards also produce pinot noir, chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Cloudy Bay Estate is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for tastings and sales, and you are welcome to use the grounds as a place to relax or have a picnic. Tours are available for a fee of $20 per person, and they allow you to see the grounds and the exclusive cellars.

To truly get a feel for white wine production in New Zealand, it is important to look beyond just the sauvignon blancs. Visit a combination of large estates and smaller boutique wineries to understand the local wine culture, the different varietals grown in the country and the variety of tastes that can be produced within New Zealand as a whole.

Where is Ariana Tikao From?

Ariana began her music career during 1993 in Christchurch, New Zealand with folk duo Pounamu and went on to launch her solo career during 2002. Her contempory Maori music is both beautiful and moving. Although now living in Wellington, her music is inspired and influenced by her Maori ancestry and the dramatic landscape of Te Waipounamu – The South Island of New Zealand.

I was recently introduced to her music via a Kiwi Facebook friend who had posted this song. I have since played this a number of times and enjoyed the videos on her website.

“Tuia” Ariana Tikao

For More Information

• Official Website

 

New Zealand is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, as a large portion of the global population is now aware thanks to the success of Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (which was of course largely filmed in New Zealand). The towering and picturesque mountains in New Zealand are also the perfect setting for many adventure sports. It is perhaps unsurprising then that many aboard the flights to New Zealand provided by operators like DialAFlight have some outdoor activities in mind. The opportunities for more traditional leisure options like walking and biking are pretty much matched in number by the more extreme activities like bungee jumping and heliskiing. Here we take a brief look at some of the possibilities for exercise and adrenalin awaiting those onboard flights to New Zealand.

New Zealand is the home of commercial bungy jumping, a craze that was invented by a group of Oxford University students in 1979, but popularised by the Kiwi A. J. Hackett, kicked off the craze with a jump off the Eiffel Tower in 1987, which he used to demonstrate his newly developed bungy (sometimes spelled bungee) cord. Many arriving on flights to New Zealand still take their maiden jump at the first bungy site Hackett set up, which is located at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. There are now also additional bungy sites throughout New Zealand, including at Auckland Bridge. Bungee jumpers from the Kawarau Bridge often experience a dip in the water when the cord is at full extension, and for those with a fear of heights that are nonetheless thrill seekers, many of the rivers carving deep through gorges in New Zealand present ideal conditions for white water canoeing and rafting. Indeed, New Zealand is widely recognised as being home to some of the finest white water rapids in the world. Both the Perth and Whataroa Rivers feature class IV and V rapids, which require the skills of an experienced canoeists if taking to the water in a kayak, but are ideal for the more stable and less dangerous activity of group white water rafting.

New Zealand is home to a number of large glaciers. As well as historically being responsible for the formation of much of the spectacular mountain country in New Zealand, the modern day glaciers now offer experienced hikers, skiers, and snowboarders the chance for some breathtaking walks and descents, thanks to the access afforded to the summits by heli-hiking and heliskiing. The most popular glaciers for these pastimes are on the South Island, and include the Franz Joseph, Fox, Hooker, Tasman and Volta Glaciers.

There are also many National Parks on both the North and South islands that offer less challenging but equally beautiful terrain in which to stretch your legs. Known locally as ‘tramping’, the less experienced walker is nonetheless advised to seek out guided walks to keep things safe when exploring the bush, which is after all basically a wilderness area.

Haunting soundtrack from ‘The Piano’

Michael Nyman is an English composer but I know him mostly for the moving sound track created for ‘The Piano’ back in 1993. I never tire of watching the movie for its cinematography and the way it captures the harsh New Zealand landscapes. If you don’t know this film or yet to hear the soundtrack, take a listen and be prepared for a visual and audio feast!

The Piano: Original Music From The Film By Jane Campion

For More Information

Wikipedia

Official Site