Itineraries

Experience Nelson Wineart

23 family run wineries from the hills to the plains crafting exquisite wines.  Journey into the countryside and meet the winemakers at their cellar doors.
Bask in the sunshine, enjoy lunch at one of the vineyard cafes, select wines for your cellar, taste .. explore .. imbibe.
You'll also discover art exhibitions, luxurious vineyard accommodation and breathtaking views in the picturesque hills and plains of Nelson.
Simply unforgettable.

THE PLAINS
Waimea means 'river gardens' in Maori - with stony soils of alluvial origins, high sunshine hours and a moderating maritime influence, the Waimea Plains provide a great terroir.  The aromatic whites are vibrant wines, often with a flinty backbone acting as a counterpart to the overt fruit flavours, while the Chardonnay here is richly expressive with fine acid structure.  The Pinot Noir is perfumed and pretty - plum and cherry characters on the nose with the ripeness carrying through to the supple tannins on the palate.

TE MANIA WINES
108 McShane Road, Richmond
Phone: 03 544 75 85
Website
Pioneers on the Nelson plains, Te Mania produces vibrant fruit driven white wines and well structured elegant red wines.
Try also Richmond Plains organic wines at the same cellar door.

STAFFORD LANE ESTATE
80 Moutere Highway, RD1, Richmond,
Phone: 03 544 2851
Website
This boutique winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Montepulicano, and Pinot Noir.

RICHMOND PLAINS
108 McShane Road, Richmond
Phone: 03 544 7585
Website
Producer of New Zealand's first Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from certified organic and biodynamic grapes.
Try also Te Mania wines at the same cellar door.

MILCREST ESTATE
114 Haycock Road, Hope
Phone: 03 544 9850
Website
Milcrest Estate is a boutique vineyard situated at the foothills of the Richmond Ranges, producing a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

RENATO ESTATE
Glen Road, Glenduan, off Hwy 6, 10km north of Nelson
Phone 03 545 1413
Website
Award winning Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, mostly from grapes grown on clay soils at our boutique vineyard in Kina, made in a traditional style.  Meet the Swiss owners for a tasting with fantastic views. 
Open year round by appointment, please phone ahead.

FOSSIL RIDGE WINES
Hart Road, Richmond
Phone 03 544 7459
Website
A family owned boutique vineyard producing award winning wines from single vineyard grapes.  Vistors welcome for cellar door tastings in an attractive setting.  Country lunches Wed-Sun available during summer.
Open 11am-5pm, Wed-Sun, Summer
12nn-3pm, Wed-Fri, Winter
Or by appointment, please phone

BRIGHTWATER VINEYARDS
546 Main Road, Hope
Phone 03 544 1066
Website
A few minutes drive from Nelson is a small family owned winery where each vintage causes an avalanches of international press acclaim.  We look forward to sharing with you a truly authentic and memorable winery experience.
Open 7 days 11am-5pm from Labour Weekend until Easter

GREENHOUGH VINEYARD
Patons Road, RD1, Hope
Phone 03 542 3868
Website
Open weekends only from Labour Weekend until Easter
7 days January only
Hours 1-5pm
Open for sales all year by appointment

KAIMIRA VENTURES
Livingston Road, Brightwater
Phone 03 542 3491
Website
The first carboNZero winery in Nelson.  Visit our cellar door/art gallery for tasting and sales of award winning aromatics, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs frmm the Kaimira Estate and Brightside ranges.
Open 11am-5pm from Labour Weekend until Easter
Closed Sundays.

SEIFRIED ESTATE
Cnr SH60 & Redwood Road, Appleby
Phone 03 544 1555
Website
A treasure amongst the vines.  The perfect way to spend an afternoon - relaxing in the vineyard garden or next to the open fireplace while the younger family members enjoy the outside playground. 
Cellar door open all year round.  Please phone for restaurant hours and reservations.

WAIMEA ESTATES
Appleby Highway, Hope
Phone 03 544 4963
Website
Open for indoor/outdoor lunch-time dining among the vines, cellar door tastings and sales of Waimea and Spinyback wines.  Nelson art exhibited and live music performed on Sundays.  Groups are welcome and informative wine tours and tastings are available by arrangement.
Open 7 days Summer 11am-5pm
Winter hours please phone ahead

THE HILLS
The softly rolling Moutere Hills are formed from the weathered gravels of an ancient river system, which originally reached from St Arnaud to the coast.
The gravel-threaded clay soils are renowned for producing wines of richness and texture.
The Pinot Noir is deeply flavoured with fine tannins and elegance.  The Chardonnay is complex, multi-faceted with excellent structure.  Winemakers also produce excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and more recently Pinot Gris.

KINA CLIFFS VINEYARD
24 Cliff Road, Kina, Tasman
Phone 03 540 3470
Website
Kina Cliffs has eight acres of vines overlooking Tasman Bay near the towering cliffs of the Kina peninsula, producing single vineyard, award-winning wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
“Divine Seaside Wine...”
No cellar door at present, but tastings can be arranged.

LIGHTBAND WINES
Phone: 0276 813 103
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay grapes are grown on our Brightwater vineyards. These are sold under the Lightband and Quacks' Corner labels and can be purchased locally by arrangement.

TOHU WINES
16 Bristol Street, Blenheim
Phone: 03 520 9230
Website
Tohu is New Zealand's only Maori-owned wine company, being owned by four top-of-the south iwi (tribes).
Tohu currently make a Pinot Gris from their Whenua Matua Vineyard in Upper Moutere, and in 2011 will be releasing a full Nelson range.

RIMU GROVE WINERY
Bronte Street East (off Coastal Highway), RD1, Upper Moutere
Phone 03 540 2345
Website
Handcrafted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling wines.  Cellar door sales, tasting and winery/vineyard tours available.
Open 11am-5pm daily, September through May
Other times by appointment.

RUBY BAY VINEYARD
271 Pomona road, Ruby Bay, Nelson
Phone 03 540 3938
Website
Single Vineyard Wines - 'a true expression of the soil'.  Cellar door sales of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  Luxurious lodge and cottage accommodation overlooking Tasman Bay.
Open Summer Thurs to Mon 11am-4pm
Winter reduced hours and by appointment

KINA BEACH VINEYARD
Dee Road, Kina Beach
Phone 03 526 6252
Website
Boutique vineyards in stunning coastal setting, producing single vineyard multiple-award winning wines.  Accommodation Old Schoolhouse vineyard cottage , luxury in the vines!
Open all year for seated wine tastings and cellar door, please phone ahead for reservations.

BLACKENBROOK VINEYARD
50 Baldwin Road, Tasman
Phone 03 526 6888
Website
A true family vineyard and winery where simplicity and gentle processes are producing award-winning results.  Sorry, the winery is not open to the public, but regular tastings are held off-vineyard - please check the website or our gate sign.

ANCHORAGE WINES
47 Flett Road, Lower Moutere
Phone 03 526 7252
Website
Anchorage Estate Vineyards is a family owned wine company established by the Drummond family, producing award winning-wines.
Cellar door open Summer 11am-4.30pm Wed-Sun
Closed Winter or by appointment only.

REDOUBT HILL VINEYARD
Motueka Valley Highway
Phone 03 528 6956
Website
Possibly the most picturesque vineyard in the Tasman Bay overlooking the Motueka River Valley.  The vineyard produces handcrafted Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir and also offers B&B accommodation.
Cellar door opening hours are October to end of March 10am-4pm 7 days a week

RIWAKA RIVER ESTATE
60 Takaka Hill Highway, Riwaka
Phone 03 528 8819
Website
Our family owned boutique vineyard produces Resurgence wines - individual, well-crafted wines of unique and distinctive character from limestone soils.  Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Olive Oil also available. 
Visitors welcome for cellar door tastings. 
Open 11am-4.30pm October to April.
May to September by arrangement.

NEUDORF VINEYARDS
Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere
Phone 03 543 2643
Website
'Neudorf is New Zealand's top winery for 2009' Tom Stevenson's (UK) Wine Report.
Enjoy the quiet beauty of our garden while you taste our wine.
We also stock Neudorf Sheep Cheese.
Open all year round.

ORINOCO VINEYARDS
Phone 0800 023 746
Website
Fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé.
Tastings with the winemaker, by appointment only.

HIMMELSFELD VINEYARD
Gardner Valley Road, RD1, Upper Moutere
Phone 03 543 2223
Website
Boutique winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The Wine Lof, wander the walkways, visit the tiniest farm Chapel in New Zealand, sculptures, stunning views - enjoy the Himmelsfeld Country Experience.
Open October til May.  Other times by arrangement.

GLOVERS VINEYARD
Gardner Valley Road, RD1, Upper Moutere
Phone: 03 543 2698
Website
Producers of long lived, well structured, traditionally styled red and white wines for the cellar and the table.  Varieties include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Shiraz, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
Open every day 10am-5pm for much of the year.

WOOLLASTON ESTATES
School Road, off Old Coach road, Mahana
Phone 03 543 2817
Website
Taste tien wines, browse the gallery and relax on the lawn with a tasting platter and glass of wine while taking in the views at Nelson's most scenic winery.  Live music on the lawn the first Sunday of each month Nov-April.
Wine tastings 7 days.  11am-4.30pm mid Oct to end April.
Wine Sales and Gallery open all year.

KAHURANGI ESTATE
Sunrise Road, Upper Moutere
Phone 03 543 2980
Website
Premium hand-made wines, specialising in aromatic varieties from some of the oldest vines in the South Island.  Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Montepulciano.
Cellar door openn 7 days.  Closed July.

SUNSET VALLEY VINEYARD
Eggers Road, RD1, Upper Moutere
Phone 03 543 2161
Website
We are a family owned Bio-Gro Certified vineyard and winery in the Moutere producing premium wines which reflect the Moutere terroir and Nelson's sunshine!  The cellar door and holiday accommodation overlook the vineyard and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park.
Open 11am-5pm November to April and at other times by arrangement.

Follow the Nelson Beer Trail

Beer has been central to the local culture of the Nelson-Tasman region, dating back to the first New Zealand settlements in the 1840s. Early German settlers in Sarau found the Moutere to be an ideal location and climate to cultivate hops, and an extensive brewing tradition followed.

Craft breweries of all sizes now stretch from Founders Heritage Park to Onekaka in Golden Bay. They make a perfect excuse for a half-day or full-day tour exploring all the gorgeous corners of the region. Climbing from the waterfront up into the foothills, watch for historic hop kilns along the way.

Many of these locally owned, family-run breweries and outlets welcome visitors for tours, sampling at the bar, having a meal or takeaway sales. Share a pint with locals, learn about our history and experience the wide range of unique beers. Whether you prefer an icy pilsner or a cask-pulled ale, you'll find it in Nelson. Some can be reached by foot from your lodging, others along a nice cycle loop, and the rest are worth the drive.

Click here to visit the Nelson Craft Brewing Capital of New Zealand website where you can download the Nelson Craft Beer Trail brochure.  You can visit the following Breweries:

The Mussel Inn Brewery
Monkey Wizard Brewery
Townshend Brewery
Totara Brewing Co
Golden Bear Brewery
Sprig & Fern Brewery
Lighthouse Brewery
McCashin's Brewery
Dead Good Beers
Founders Brewery
Bays Brewery
Moutere Brewing Co

Nelson to Golden Bay

154kms - 2 1/2 hours travel time

Motueka - Golden Bay
After Motueka, SH60 leads toward Abel Tasman National Park and Takaka Hill.  Real fruit ice-cream and organic fruit can be bought from roadside stalls.  Shortly after Riwaka roads lead from SH60 around the coast to Kaiteriteri Beach and Marahau.  Marahau is at the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park and is the base for sea kayaking, launch tours and day walks.  With a beautiful beach, Kaiteriteri is very busy in summer and there are several cafes, a store and a campground.

Takaka Hill: The summit of Takaka Hill is a fascinating landscape of marble outcrops, sinkholes and caves.  Though it is a slow grind to the top there are rewarding viewpoint.  Before SH60 descends to the Takaka Valley is the new Takaka Hill Walkway (2-3 hours) and Harwood Lookout, with outstanding views of Kahurangi National Park.  A left turn at Upper Takaka leads to the Cobb Power Station, and then up a steep unsealed road to the Cobb Reservoir where there are several interesting day walk possibilities.  Allow one hour to the reservoir.

Takaka:  Takaka in high summer is the vibrant centre of Golden Bay, with its weekend market and eateries including the Wholemeal Cafe, the Dangerous Kitchen and Brigands.  Inland from Takaka is the Anatoki Salmon Farm where you can have some fun catching your own salmon.  From Takaka, the road passes Pohara Beach (campground beach) and from Wainui bay is unsealed as it climbs over a forested range to Totaranui.

Te Waikoropupu Springs/Pupu Walkway:  Back on SH60, 4km west of Takaka is the turnoff to these renowned springs - the clearest fresh water in the Southern Hemisphere.  The Pupu Walkway (2 hours) is reached via a gravelled road.

Collingwood:  Between Takaka and Collingwood (27km) SH60 stays inland until Parapara Inlet.  Expect good hospitality and food at the Mussel Inn country cafe and brewery at Onekaka.  At Collingwood you can organise tours to the Farewell Spit bird sanctuary and enjoy good food at the Courthouse Cafe.  From Collingwood SH60 skirts Ruataniwha Inlet and returns to the coast of Totara.  The road follows a long sweep of beach to Pakawau where there is a popular campground.  Just past Pakawau a road leads to Whanganui Inlet and Paturau River mouth on the west coast (32kms) a five-star scenic drive, unsealed.

Puponga/Farewell Spit/Wharariki Beach:  Farewell Spit Visitor Centre and the Paddlecrab Cafe are located a short distance from Puponga on a rise overlooking the spit's high wind-whipped dunelands.  The clifftop walk toward Wharariki Beach is one of the best in Golden Bay.  A 10 minute drive north of Pupona leads to a 20 minute walk across grassy dunes to the beautiful Wharariki Beach - for many the highlight of a visit to Golden Bay.  The track towards Farewell Spit climbs high onto cliffs and within view of seal haulout zones and nursery areas.

Day one:

Nelson - Motueka: 49 km, Approximately 0.75 hour

The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body. The road to Motueka hugs the coast, which makes it easy to browse beaches as you go. The Waimea Inlet and the villages of Mapua and Ruby Bay are particularly irresistible. Art and pottery studios, vineyards and excellent cafes are other local distractions.In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to plan and prepare for hiking adventures.

Motueka - Westport: 216 km, Approximately 2.75 hours

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal base for hiking adventures.On the way to Westport you’ll travel up the Motueka River Valley on a pretty, winding road that takes you past magical scenery and tiny settlements. Turn right when you connect with the main highway and head for Murchison, where you can learn about 1929’s massive earthquake. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang. Westport is known as a coal mining town and a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.

Westport - Punakaiki: 57 km, Approximately 0.75 hour 

Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay. When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular.

Punakaiki - Greymouth: 45 km, Approximately 0.5 hour

Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years. When the tide is right, Punakaiki’s blow holes are spectacular.The road to Greymouth is breathtaking. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side. The town of Runanga is a classic mining village – it offers an interesting walk to nearby Coal Creek Falls. To see interesting old gold mining areas, look for the Point Elizabeth walkway.Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do. 

Day Two:

Greymouth - Hanmer Springs :217 km, Approximately 2.75 hours

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do. From Greymouth you’ll follow the river up the Grey Valley – detour towards Blackball to visit the Brunner Mine site (the scene of a major mining disaster). Further on is Reefton, named for the gold bearing quartz reefs in the area - walking and mountain biking are possibilities here. At Maruia Springs you can enjoy a hot soak before Lewis Pass takes you through red and silver beech forest to Hanmer.Hanmer Springs is a destination for relaxation and indulgence. You can soak in the hot springs or treat yourself to a range of spa therapies. Outdoor activities are also a Hanmer specialty. Forest walks, horse trekking, trout fishing, jet boating, bungy jumping and golf are some of the options.

Day Three:

Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura: 132 km, Approximately 1.5 hours

Hanmer Springs is a destination for relaxation and indulgence. You can soak in the hot springs or treat yourself to a range of spa therapies. Outdoor activities are also a Hanmer specialty. Forest walks, horse trekking, trout fishing, jet boating, bungy jumping and golf are some of the options. There are a number of ways to get to Hanmer Springs from Kaikoura.  The most scenic route is via the Inland Road which takes you past the entrance to the ski village of Mount Lyford, or you can travel a bit further south and take the Leader Road.  The Leader Road incorporates coastal and rural farming views and finishes at the Waiau Township.  On both routes there are plenty of photo opportunities for the avid photographer. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.

Day Four:

Kaikoura - Blenheim: 129 km, Approximately 1.75 hours

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels. The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. After the small town of Ward you’ll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks - an interesting stop, particulrly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels.

Blenheim - Nelson: 115 km, Approximately 1.5 hours

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You’ll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight – everything from homestays to boutique hotels. The journey to Nelson begins with the town of Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards. Then you’ll cross the Wairau Plains to Havelock, known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has an interesting cottage museum. The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards, where art comes off the wall and onto the body.

Tasman Loop Trail

This fantastic 4 day and 175 km ride will take in the absolute best of the Nelson Region and cater to all levels of cyclists.

Beginning just outside of Richmond in Nelson, the trail will offer riders views stretching from the Western Ranges to the stunning blue waters of the Tasman Bay and the Waimea Estuary - home of a range of bird species including the white heron. Boardwalks will take cyclists along the estuary to Rabbit Island where there is an option of a boat trip to Mapua. This quaint little village has boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.

Leaving Mapua to the north-west, the Tasman Loop Trail heads to Motueka - a well serviced town with shops, wineries restaurants, a range of accommodation options and fresh fruit stalls leading into town. Leaving Motueka the trail heads north to Riwaka - just outside of the Abel Tasman National Park. You could tackle the hill to Marahau via the road, however the Tasman Loop Trail then heads south.

As a side trip, why not consider a trip over the Takaka Hill to Takaka and beautiful Golden Bay where a vareity of cycle trails are on offer - including the newly opened to mountain bikers, Heaphy Track.

The southern section of Tasman Loop Trail leads down quiet back roads along the Motueka River’s bank.

Take in the views of the surrounding mountains as you come to Tapawera. At Tapawera, cyclists will begin a 56 km ride along an abandoned railway corridor past historic tobacco drying kilns to Kohatu Junction. Don't forget your head torch as you will pass through New Zealand’s longest decommissioned rail tunnel, curving just over one km before emerging south of Belgrove. The trail then passes through Wakefield and then heads back to Richmond.

Dun Mountain Cycle Trail

The 43 km Dun Mountain Trail begins and ends in the Nelson suburb of The Brook. It follows the route of New Zealand’s first railway as it winds through forest before crossing an alpine mineral belt and descending past the Maitai Dam to the Maitai River and back into Nelson. Construction is under way and will make this ride achievable for those of basic mountain biking abilities.

The Dun Mountain Trail offers glimpses of the Waimea plains and back across Nelson and beyond to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park.