Kangaroo in Vineyard

The Ultimate Adelaide Hills Long Weekend from New Zealand

Summary

  • Escape to the Adelaide Hills for 3 days of boutique wineries, scenic countryside and relaxed long lunches just outside Adelaide

  • Discover popular Adelaide Hills experiences including Hahndorf, Beerenberg Farm, Golding Wines, Ondeen and Longview Vineyard

  • Enjoy vineyard stays, cool-climate wines, local produce and scenic drives through rolling hills and charming towns

  • Spring, autumn and summer are some of the best times for New Zealand travellers to visit the Adelaide Hills

  • Direct flights from Auckland and easy connections from across New Zealand make Adelaide Hills a perfect foodie and wine getaway

Planning a relaxing escape from New Zealand? Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia’s most picturesque regions, offering boutique wineries, rolling vineyards, local food experiences and charming country towns only a short drive from Adelaide. Perfect for couples, food lovers and long weekend travellers, this 3-day Adelaide Hills itinerary combines wine tasting, scenic drives and slow countryside living.

Day 1: Arrive in Adelaide & Explore the Hills

Morning: Fly into Adelaide

Travelling from New Zealand to Adelaide is easy with direct and connecting flights available from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. After arriving in Adelaide, pick up a rental car and drive approximately 50 minutes into the Adelaide Hills.

Afternoon: Wander Through Hahndorf

Begin your Adelaide Hills getaway in Hahndorf, a charming village known for its German heritage, boutique shopping and cosy cafes. Spend the afternoon browsing artisan stores, tasting local produce and enjoying the relaxed country atmosphere.


Late Afternoon: Beerenberg Farm

Stop by Beerenberg Farm, famous for strawberries, gourmet jams and farm-made products. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy strawberry picking and fresh local treats straight from the farm.


Evening: Winery Dinner Experience

Settle into the slower pace of the Adelaide Hills with dinner at a vineyard restaurant surrounded by rolling countryside and cool-climate vineyards.

Town of Hahndorf stock

Day 2: Wineries, Long Lunches & Scenic Views

 

Morning: Adelaide Hills Scenic Drive

Spend the morning exploring the winding roads and vineyard landscapes that make the Adelaide Hills one of South Australia’s most beautiful regions. Stop at local lookouts and cafes along the way.


Midday: Golding Wines

Visit Golding Wines, one of the region’s most welcoming cellar doors. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed wine tasting and long lunch.


Afternoon: Ondeen

Continue to Ondeen, a luxury Adelaide Hills destination blending wine, art, architecture and nature. The peaceful setting and beautifully restored estate create a premium wine experience unlike anywhere else in the region.


Evening: Relaxed Vineyard Stay

Enjoy a quiet evening at a boutique accommodation or vineyard retreat, ideal for unwinding after a full day of wine tasting and exploring.

McLaren Vale wine region vineyards

Day 3: Food, Wine & Countryside Escapes

Morning: Slow Hills Morning

Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring more of the Adelaide Hills countryside.


Lunch & Wine Tasting: Longview Vineyard

Spend your final afternoon at Longview Vineyard, located in the scenic Macclesfield region. Known for Italian-inspired wines, vineyard accommodation and incredible regional dining, it’s the perfect final stop before returning to Adelaide.


Afternoon: Return to Adelaide Airport

Drive back to Adelaide and prepare for your flight home to New Zealand after a relaxing long weekend in South Australia.

Vineyard Sunset stock photo

Best Time for New Zealand Travellers to Visit Adelaide Hills

Spring (September – November)

Mild temperatures around 15°C–24°C, with blooming gardens and perfect conditions for wine touring

Summer (December – February)

Warm days averaging 22°C–32°C, ideal for outdoor dining, winery visits and countryside stays

Autumn (March – May)

Pleasant temperatures between 14°C–26°C, with beautiful vineyard colours and harvest season throughout the region

Winter (June – August)

Cooler weather around 8°C–16°C, perfect for cosy cellar doors, fireplaces and cool-climate red wines

Flights from New Zealand to Adelaide

New Zealand travellers can fly to Adelaide via direct or connecting flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Adelaide is becoming increasingly popular for food and wine-focused holidays thanks to its easy airport access and proximity to world-class wine regions like the Adelaide Hills.

To find the best flights to Adelaide from New Zealand, compare travel dates, stopover options and airlines with Mix & Match before booking. Flying mid-week or outside of Australian school holidays can often help secure cheaper fares.

Hiring a car is the best way to explore the Adelaide Hills, allowing flexibility to visit wineries, scenic villages and hidden local experiences at your own pace.

Ready to Plan Your Adelaide Hills Escape?

From boutique wineries and vineyard lunches to scenic countryside drives and charming local towns, the Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia’s best destinations for New Zealand travellers seeking a relaxing food and wine getaway. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, girls trip or long weekend adventure, the Adelaide Hills delivers the perfect mix of relaxation, scenery and unforgettable regional experiences.

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