Top of the South | Divine International Explore & Treks

Nelson

Benefiting from a sunny, maritime climate, the picturesque valley vineyards of Nelson yield some of New Zealand’s most freshly scented, intensely flavoured sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, as well as vibrant, supple pinot noir. The famously creative local culture extends to wine making in a multitude of privately owned boutique vineyards. Nelson winemakers are recognised for crafting wonderfully drinkable wines that stand apart from the typical commercial styles. Wines from Neudorf Estate have found their way onto the wine lists of several great European restaurants, and Kaimera Estate wines are exported to the UK, Ireland, Singapore and the USA.

If you’re driving around the region, keep your eye out for eating opportunities. A variety of artisan food producers will tempt you with breads, chocolates, pesto, chutneys, honey and jams, fine meats and salami. At Mapua there’s a smokehouse with an adjacent café - the menu includes fish, mussels and vegetables delicately hot smoked on site. In Motueka you’ll find great organic café food.

The city of Nelson is known for its waterfront restaurants. Golden Bay scallops take pride of place among a wide selection of fresh local ingredients. The culinary approach throughout the region is perhaps best described as ‘slow food’. It’s about creating rather than producing, and savouring rather than consuming.

Marlborough

Long, hot, sunny days are the secret of Marlborough's wine growing success. With 85% of the country’s sauvignon blanc plantings, Marlborough is New Zealand’s (some say the world’s) sauvignon blanc capital. With robust aromas and crisp flavours of gooseberry and capsicum, this varietal has been a glittering success for New Zealand. The region’s second VIP grape is pinot noir. Acclaim is mounting for Marlborough’s fragrant, mouth-filling reds which are richly flavoured and supple. Other Marlborough wine specialties include fresh, vibrantly fruity chardonnays and crisp rieslings. Scores of vineyards rub shoulders along the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. These vast flat areas are ideal for a gentle gourmet cycle tour. From the small township of Renwick, there are 30 great wineries within a 24 kilometre circuit. Bike hire is easy to arrange.

Lunch menus at favourites such as Allan Scott Wines, Clifford Bay Estate and Wairau River Wines feature local delicacies like smoked salmon and blue cod. Talented chefs, from New Zealand and around the world, are drawn to Marlborough’s high quality ingredients and outdoor lifestyle. The Herzog winery and restaurant offers exquisite fine dining in the evening. For something a bit different, their ‘kitchen confidential’ experience allows you to mingle with the chefs in the kitchen. In the region’s capital, Blenheim, succulent mussels from nearby Havelock can be savoured in a pleasing array of restaurants and cafés.