The Ultimate Harvest Season Escape

From private barrel tastings in Hawke’s Bay to fireside Pinots in Queenstown and seafood feasts with perfectly chilled Chardonnay by the coast, this is food and wine travel at its absolute finest. Chefs are crafting seasonal masterpieces, and a wine culture built on passion and precision is in full swing. And because world-class wines deserve an equally spectacular stay, we’ve paired each experience with New Zealand’s most exclusive private villas. Ready to indulge? Don’t mind if we do. 

Hawke’s Bay: Where Legacy Meets Luxury

New Zealand’s oldest wine region has been perfecting the art of the long lunch since 1851, and trust us, they’ve got it down to a fine art. With Bordeaux-style reds, buttery Chardonnays, and striking landscapes of rolling vineyards, Hawke’s Bay is a connoisseur’s dream. But this is more than just a cellar door stopover - this is wine country done properly. The region offers private barrel tastings, chef-led degustations, and exclusive vineyard tours. 

Luxe Stay: Te Mānia

When only the extraordinary will do, Te Mānia delivers. This striking private estate marries bold design and breathtaking views - including concrete-clad suites built into the hillside, floor-to-ceiling glass framing Te Mata Peak, and a firelit living space perfect for lingering over a local Syrah. It feels utterly remote, yet the best of Havelock North’s wineries and restaurants are just a short drive away. And if you prefer to arrive in style? There’s always the heli option.

Bay of Islands: Coastal Indulgence at its Finest

Up north, where the climate is balmy and the seafood is abundant, the Bay of Islands is quite rightly a frontrunner for an incredible food & wine themed escape. Here, crisp Chardonnays meet just-caught crayfish, and vibrant Syrahs are best enjoyed with a backdrop of endless blue ocean. Whether it’s a private waterfront degustation or a luxury yacht cruise with a personal chef, this is coastal indulgence done to perfection. 

Luxe Stay: The Cooper Residence

Set high above the water with wraparound views of the Bay of Islands, The Cooper Residence is a masterpiece of design and heritage. Five stunning suites, curated Māori and Kiwiana art, and a wine cellar stocked with the region’s finest - it’s an inspiring mix of culture and incredible comfort. Days are spent exploring the surrounding coastline, while nights are best enjoyed on the observatory deck, wine in hand, with the Milky Way putting on a show.

Marlborough: A Sauvignon Blanc Wonderland

If there’s one place that put New Zealand wine on the world stage, it’s got to be Marlborough. With its sun-soaked valleys, lush green rolling vineyards, and legendary Sauvignon Blanc, this region is a must for wine lovers. Private cellar doors offer an inside look at winemaking excellence, while a cruise through the dazzling Marlborough Sounds, sampling fresh-caught seafood paired with local vintages, is the perfect way to experience this region’s plentiful bounty.

Luxe Stay: The Marlborough

Once a Victorian convent, now a refined country escape, The Marlborough is the epitome of classic elegance. Tucked within 16 acres of gardens and parkland, it’s a place to slow down, sip fine wine, and savour the best of the region. With just ten suites, this intimate retreat is designed for indulgence—whether that’s a leisurely afternoon wandering through the vines or an evening spent fireside with a glass of something spectacular.

Queenstown: Where Pinot Noir Reigns Supreme

A true foodie and wine lover’s paradise, Queenstown punches well above its weight when it comes to fine dining. Some of the country’s most celebrated chefs - Ben Bayly (Aosta), Josh Emett (Rātā), and Vaughan Mabee (Amisfield, with its coveted three-hat status) - have made this alpine town their culinary playground. And the wine? Central Otago Pinot Noir is world-famous for a reason - best experienced between heli-landings at exclusive vineyards and private tastings with the legendary Grant Taylor himself.

Luxe Stay: Elms Villa One

Perched on the edge of Lake Hayes, The Elms Villa One offers lakeside luxury. Wake up to breathtaking water views, step straight onto the Lake Hayes track for a morning stroll, or simply soak in the serenity from your private balcony. Inside, contemporary elegance meets thoughtful comfort  - sleek interiors, a crackling fireplace, and an ambiance that’s effortlessly chic. 

New Zealand’s food and wine scene is nothing short of extraordinary, and when matched with the country’s most exclusive private villas, it truly becomes an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re dreaming of long lunches among the vines, behind-the-scenes tastings with world-class winemakers, or spectacular stays that put you at the heart of it all, we’re here to make it happen. Our travel designers specialise in crafting bespoke itineraries that bring together the finest flavours, the most stunning locations, and the kind of seamless luxury that turns a trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get in touch today and let’s start planning.