Rent a bike and ride to the various wineries.

Though the production from this area may be small, it has outstanding international success across a broad range of varietals including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

In the last decade, the Wairarapa region as been winning gold medals and trophies in the international competitions. Martinborough is the unofficial but well known district. Lovely place to stay, fantastic Pinot Noir.

Drive from Napier to Hastings, Norsewood, Dannevirke, Woodville, Masteron, Martinborough and Wellington. Take the ferry across to Picton, and visit Blenheim. In a few days you have done the Wine Trail.

Here are the wines known from each region.

MO's MUST TASTE:

• Waiheke Island  Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
• Gisborne  Chardonnay
• Hawkes Bay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbee
• Marlborough, Sauvignon Blac
• Central Otago, Pinot Noir