Autumn in New Zealand: A food and wine lover's paradise

New Zealand's autumn season (March through May), when the temperatures are moderate and the trees turn gorgeous hues of yellow, gold and orange, is an ideal time for a luxury journey to explore the quality and variety of this epicurean wonderland.

During your journey, soar above spectacular landscapes in trips by private helicopter as you explore each region's distinctive vineyards. At each winery, learn how the local terroir results in unique styles and flavors. At private wine tastings, enjoy full-bodied Pinot Noir, light and fruity Sauvignon Blanc, mouth-filling Merlot, and more. Stay at premier vineyards where you'll experience impeccable service and exquisite meals of Kiwi specialties such as succulent lamb and wonderfully fresh seafood, all prepared by private chefs.

Auckland (Waiheke Island)

Begin in Auckland, home to New Zealand's largest wine producers as well as an array of smaller boutique vineyards. Take a short ferry or helicopter ride to the picturesque island of Waiheke, renowned for its exciting Bordeaux blends. Highlights on Waiheke include Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, where elegant cuisine and top-tier wines are matched by stunning garden, vine and city views; and Te Whau Vineyard & Restaurant, which produces five-star Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, and whose cliff-top restaurant offers stirring vistas across the sea.

Hawke's Bay

Continue south to sunny Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's second-largest wine region, well-known for its Bordeaux blends, Syrah and Chardonnay, and its engaging cellar door experiences. Key properties include Black Barn Vineyards, where you can stay at one of seventeen luxury retreats while enjoying limited-release wines and award-winning cuisine; and Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast and offering outstanding wines and contemporary European-inspired cuisine. Take the time to charter a helicopter to the Gisborne region to explore a diverse range of wines and a dynamic food scene. While here, visit Millton Vineyards & Winery, and be sure to try some of its standouts including the Clos Ste. Anne Naboths Vineyard Chardonnay.

Martinborough

In the Wellington region, explore the village of Martinborough, where you'll find some of New Zealand's best Pinot Noir along with excellent cafes and restaurants. Experience Poppies Martinborough, whose cellar door offers impressive Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and others; and Palliser Estate, whose seven different vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace produce wines elegantly handcrafted from the best fruit.

Marlborough

At the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, arrive in Marlborough, New Zealand's flagship wine region. Here you'll discover world-class Sauvignon Blanc, along with the culinary specialty of green-lipped mussels and much more. Be sure to visit Wairau River, owned by wine industry pioneers Phil and Chris Rose, and home to some of the oldest-grown vines in the now-prestigious Wairau Valley; and Hans Herzog, a family-owned winery and restaurant with Swiss roots dating to 1630, producing finely balanced wines of great complexity.

Central Otago

Finally, travel south to beautiful Central Otago. Its famed Pinot Noir pairs well with tender New Zealand roast lamb. Cap your adventures with visits to Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka, family-owned for over 100 years and using biodynamic farming to produce complex Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and others; and Peregrine Winery, whose enchanting architecture evokes the wings of a falcon, and which offers premium-quality Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and more.

Plan your New Zealand food and wine adventure. Visit newzealand.com/us/food-and-wine