Central Otago wine scoops first prize in New Zealand awards

With its rolling hills, luscious countryside and glorious scenery, Central Otago is a favourite for self drive New Zealand holidays, however, those with a love of fine wine also have a very good reason to visit.

As well as being home to amazing natural beauty, Central Otago is also the birthplace of Lowburn Ferry 'Home Block' Pinot Noir, a beautiful tipple which has been named champion Pinot Noir at the New Zealand International Wine Show.

It is the second accolade that the red has won recently, having secured gold at the Bragato wine awards.

Roger Gibson, who along with his wife Jean owns Lowburn Ferry, said that the success is down to the rich land of Central Otago, which gives the tipple its unique taste.

"We've always felt our block in the Lowburn Valley is a little special. Deep loess silt soils unusually high in organic matter give us the essential ingredients to start working from to produce great grapes," he added.

For visitors, what better way to relax at the end of a day's driving than to sit on the balcony of their super lodge with a drop of New Zealand's finest pinot noir, savouring the luscious surroundings as the sun goes down?

Couples can also swap four wheels for two and tackle the Otago Central Rail Trail, which is a 150 km route taking visitors through some of New Zealand's most beautiful locations.