4 Best Sights in Hawke's Bay, East Coast and the Volcanic Zone

Situated by a small lake with the towering Te Mata Peak beyond, this vineyard has a stellar backdrop. The wines include single-varietal chardonnay, merlot, and syrah; a predominantly merlot blend called Sophia; and a pinot noir dubbed Aroha. You can sample wines at the cellar door; leave time to linger over a meal at Terroir, a French-inspired restaurant overlooking the lake.

Surrounded by gardens, this classic winery—the country's oldest and set up by Catholic missionaries—stands in the Taradale hills overlooking Napier. Dating back to 1851, it deserves to be added to your "must-see" list. Award-winning wines, including the Mission Jewelstone range, can be bought or tasted at the cellar door. Learn more about the mission's history by joining one of the twice-daily tours, or order a meal in the on-site restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner daily (take a seat on the terrace for a terrific view of the vineyard and Napier). Also check out the website—the winery occasionally hosts concerts by big-name performers.

Prominent Hawke’s Bay winemaker Kate Radburnd has been making wine for 40 years and her boutique winery now has a cellar door. She's not the most prolific wine maker and consequently her chardonnay, syrah and cabernet merlot come with a price. That said, she's particular to the nth degree and nothing is left to chance in her making. She keeps an eye on everything from grapes to bottle and all fruit is from are either Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accredited or organic suppliers. Tastings are by appointment.

This is one of New Zealand's oldest and best family-owned wineries. Coleraine, a rich but elegant cabernet–merlot blend named after the much-photographed home of the owner, John Buck, is considered the archetypal Hawke's Bay red. Bullnose syrah, Elston chardonnay, and Cape Crest sauvignon blanc show similar restraint and balance. If there's any Zara viognier open (it's made only in tiny quantities), try it—it's excellent.