Trans-Tasman Ties: Why Kiwis are Flocking to the West for 3 Days
There’s always been a friendly rivalry between New Zealand and Western Australia when it comes to wine.
Ask a Kiwi about Sauvignon Blanc and chances are Marlborough enters the conversation pretty quickly. Ask a West Australian and they’ll happily counter with Margaret River Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, or the quaffable Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends.
But lately, more and more New Zealand wine lovers are making the trip across the Tasman to experience the Margaret River region for themselves – and discovering it offers something completely different. Not better. Not worse. Just an entirely different style of wine region. One with ancient caves beneath the earth, towering karri forests above it, a Mediterranean
climate, glorious coastline and long winery lunches that feel a world away from everyday life. At McLeod Tours, we’ve been welcoming more wine-loving New Zealanders than ever before, keen to experience the South West properly.
A wine region as diverse as they come
For Kiwi wine lovers, one of the biggest surprises is just how big and diverse Margaret River is. Over 100km north to south, the climate diversity alone makes for a range of warm to cool climate wines.
Although it’s one of the world’s youngest wine regions, it has rapidly earned international acclaim for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with more than 90 cellar doors and over 65 Halliday 5-star wineries. The cellar doors themselves offer completely different experiences too – some with sleek architecture and stellar views, others are simple mud-brick tasting rooms or trestle tables within the winery.
You might start your day tasting at iconic family-owned estates like Vasse Felix or Leeuwin Estate, then find yourself an hour later driving through towering karri forests, walking coastal headlands or exploring ancient limestone cave systems.
There’s also a strong focus on sustainability and innovation across the region, with wineries like Cullen Wines leading the way in biodynamic, organic and carbon-neutral winemaking. The result is a wine region that feels modern in philosophy, but ancient in its foundations.
Wine and dine across the region
Home to some of Australia’s best wine, it’s no surprise the region offers great gourmet food experiences too.
Explore the founding cellar doors that made the region famous, including Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate which offer elevated dining experiences alongside art collections, guided tastings and winery tours.
Other favourites for memorable winery lunches include Wills Domain in Yallingup, Amelia Park Restaurant and Miss Chows next to Edwards Wine.
As for food – come with a second stomach! The region has attracted and created world-class chefs that draw inspiration from the abundance of fresh local produce, and pristine environment. Indulge in a paired cheese and wine degustation, taste premium chocolate made onsite at Gabriel Chocolate, savour award-winning olive oil varieties at Olio Bello or sample jewel-like
petit gateaux at Maison Lassiaille.
Stunning weather
It’s true – our visitors from New Zealand are often seeking a slightly warmer escape – and the opportunity to go for a swim or surf and soak up our milder weather.
In the peak of summer we’ll often have 30-degree days – which are tempered by an afternoon sea breeze. This cooling breeze works wonders for people and grapes alike – it slows the ripening, allowing the fruit to develop greater flavour.
Autumn is lovely – the region abuzz with harvest, mild sunny weather and fewer tourists.
Winter temperatures can drop to 13 degrees (ish) – warmer than New Zealand, and again, being surrounded by ocean on 3 sides means mild winters and no frost. Rain and winds lashing a tin roof, with the fire roaring, lamb shanks in the oven and a bottle of red, makes for the perfect winter evening.
Spring sees the annual whale migration, stunning native wildflower displays and a gradual move from rain and shower to sunshine and hiking weather – time to tackle the Cape to Cape Track.
An abundance of natural wonders
The seaside town of Busselton forms the gateway to the region. Known for the 1.8km-long, wooden piled jetty, you can stroll along the 148-year-old jetty or take the train to reach the Underwater Observatory at the end. The calm, protected waters of Geographe Bay make Busselton the perfect launchpad for water lovers too.
Further south, pass through the ever-popular towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup, as well as lesser-known gems including Wilyabrup and Gracetown, before arriving at the heart and soul of the region – Margaret River.
Home to towering karri trees, mobs of grey kangaroos, world-class surf and rolling vineyards, Margaret River is primed for travellers. Drive through the Boranup Forest and marvel at the awe-inspiring trees towering over 65-metres in height. Venture out to Gnarabup Beach and spot the big surf breaks that attract professional surfers from around the world.
Closer to Cape Leeuwin, don’t forget to explore the understated town of Augusta, which banks onto the tranquil Blackwood River. Closer to the coast, you’ll find Hamelin Bay – a tourism hotspot thanks to its beautiful beaches, and the remarkably friendly stingrays that swim right up to the shore line.
What McLeod Tours offers discerning Kiwis
With so much to see and do, so many natural wonders, acclaimed wineries and unforgettable food experiences packed into one region, planning a trip to Margaret River can feel a little overwhelming – especially when you’re travelling from across the Tasman and want to experience the best of the South West in just a few days.
That’s where McLeod Tours comes in. Our award-winning, family-owned business has spent decades proudly showing off our backyard to visitors, curating immersive multi-day journeys through the region’s wineries, forests, caves, coastlines, breweries and gourmet producers, all led by knowledgeable local guides who know Margaret River intimately.
Arrive as a visitor, leave feeling like a local.
Lincoln Mcleod
Interested in learning more about the wineries in the region? Ask us about our range of wine tours available or contact us for more information about a fully customised private tour to suit your itinerary.
Learn more about the beauty of Western Australia and what is on offer. Read further on how wonderful of a journey it is and then come with us to experience something unforgettable.
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About Mcleod Tours
Neil and his wife Coralie and son Lincoln operate McLeod Tours from part of the old family farm that Neil grew up on, sharing the Margaret River experience with visitors from near and far.
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