Located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Northland is the country’s warmest wine region. Surrounded by stunning coastlines, lush landscapes, and subtropical charm, it offers a unique environment for growing grapes and crafting distinctive wines. Whangarei is the main city within the region, centrally located among vineyards. Auckland is 250 km south, approximately a three-hour drive.
Northland is New Zealand’s oldest wine region, with the first vines planted by missionary Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1819. In the late 1800s, the Croatian gumdiggers arrived, bringing their European tradition of winemaking. While commercial wine production developed later, Northland has been pivotal in shaping New Zealand’s wine heritage. Today, boutique wineries focus on quality over quantity, producing wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
Stretching from Karikari in the north to Mangawhai in the south, each vineyard in Northland is unique in aspect, soil, and micro-climate. Northland’s long, narrow shape means there is nowhere further than 50 kilometres from the ocean. There are three sub-regions. Kerikeri is known for its sunny climate and fertile soils, producing vibrant red and white wines. Bay of Islands a scenic sub-region with boutique wineries offering stunning coastal views and distinctive wines. Whangarei Heads is an emerging hotspot for innovative wine styles and small-scale, high-quality production.
Vineyards are generally clustered in the coastal areas around Whangarei, the Bay of Islands and Kaitaia, taking advantage of both the flatter coastal land and tempering sea breezes.
The region enjoys a subtropical climate, with average summer temperatures between 20°C and 26°C. Annual rainfall is around 1,200–1,500 mm and is well-balanced by high sunshine hours. This warm, humid climate allows for producing ripe, fruit-forward wines. The region excels in warm-climate reds like Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known varieties like Chambourcin and Pinotage.
