Overview
Playing host to some of New Zealand's premier wineries, the South Island is the perfect place to embark on a wine tour with a maui campervan.
There are five award-winning wine regions in the South Island that will tempt and tingle your taste buds. Whether it is sampling a full-bodied pinot noir in Marlborough, or a crisp dry-white in Nelson, connoisseurs of a quality drop will not be disappointed at the range and flavours produced in New Zealand's South Island. The Nelson/Tasman wine trail has some amazing wineries, check out the cellar door map and find what works for you.
Maui campervans have combined the experience of luxury campervanning with a quality tour of some of New Zealand's best wines. We call it maui Winery Havens. We want you to experience the joy of life on the road, watching the sun set over the vineyards with a delicious glass of red in hand.
For the perfect South Island wine tour with a campervan, check out our winery tour itinerary below.


Trip Details
Arriving at Forrest Wines, you'll quickly realise just how unique this winery is. Focusing on making premium wines reflecting the local landscape, The owners work hard to give the wines 'soul' and an individual expression of style.
Their trademark wines - rich aromatic white wine, and powerfully scented reds are all impeccably structured and a joy to drink.
Most famous for its prolific marine life, there is more to do in Kaikoura than whale watch! Why not try your hand at flying, at the Kaikoura aero club? If you prefer land-based activities, you can hike the Kaikoura ranges, horse trekking, walking along the shore or in some of local bush-reserve.
Check out wine tasting at Esses winery which is nestled at the base of the snow-capped peaks of Mt Fyffe.
If you have an extra couple of days, it's worth adding an extra leg onto your trip here, visiting the incredible Hamner Springs and some amazing wineries while staying the night here.
Be sure to take in the Cardboard Cathedral, an architectural and engineering masterpiece.
If you have an extra few days to spare in Christchurch – it's well worth taking a few day trips to places like Akaroa, mount cook national park or fit in a day of golfing at Methven.
Canterbury, Wairarapa and Central Otago are both famous wine regions in New Zealand. With major successes with Reisling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Unique wines are produced in these areas due to their unusual valleys and being the most southerly wine regions in the world.
While you're there, why not indulge in a relaxing soak at the hot springs with Tekapo Springs. At the foot of Mount John, the springs overlook Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond. The best way to revive yourself after a day of exploring.
New Zealand's highest vineyards can be found in Central Otago and this is also New Zealand's most in-land winery region, with Pinot Noir proving to be perfect for this climate and is now famed in this area.
A visit to Gibbston Valley winery is well worth it.
Farmer's markets will allow you to stock up your camper, as well as have you stopping as you walk down the street. Even the takeaways here are amazing!
Wanaka has a range of activities for the whole family, puzzling world is a must-see to unleash the kid-within. Lose yourself in the maze, check out the tilted house, and have fun with the crazy architecture.
Carrick wines are farmed using only organic practices, producing exceptional wines. Carrick believes there is magic in drinking a wine (and eating food) where it is made and incorporates a cellar door and restaurant overlooking the spectacular Bannockburn Inlet. Since the restaurant opened in 2002 it has received many accolades. The menus are created around fresh seasonal local produce.
The Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty showcases its wines to thousands of visitors annually. It's the perfect spot to experience Mt Difficulty's unique hospitality while taking in the magical views of Bannockburn's dramatic rugged rock and thyme landscape.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's stunning scenery will inspire you.
Visit The Winery in the centre of Queenstown. The Winery is a specialist wine store where you can taste award winning, single vineyard and reserve wines from across New Zealand, including from boutique wineries that don't have cellar doors. Perfect if you are short on time.
Take an unforgettable journey through the Milford Sound. Be captivated by its steep cliffs and dense rainforest and its spell-binding stillness. With an intriguing and unique underwater environment, pristine landscapes and a fascinating cultural history, you'll learn all about it on a cruise through the sound.






