Gary Barlow and Jason Manford Head to New Zealand for New ITV Food and Wine Adventure

Gary Barlow is heading back on the road for a new ITV travel series, and this time Jason Manford is joining him for an adventure through New Zealand packed with food, wine, spectacular scenery and some distinctly Kiwi experiences.

Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: New Zealand is the third chapter of Gary’s global food and wine travels, following previous journeys through South Africa and Australia. The new six-part series sees Gary and Jason travelling together across the country, with the pair swapping traditional tour buses for everything from camper vans and trains to jet boats and tandem bikes.

Gary said New Zealand had long been somewhere he wanted to explore properly, particularly because of its reputation for wine and dramatic landscapes. He explained that the amount of choice proved one of the biggest challenges when planning the series, with far more potential locations and experiences than could possibly fit into six episodes.

Jason’s involvement also changes the format. Rather than welcoming different guests along the way, Gary spends the entire journey with his longtime friend, something he said came about because filming required someone he genuinely enjoyed being around for long periods.

The adventure begins in Auckland, where Gary receives a traditional Māori welcome before exploring the city’s food scene and travelling to Waiheke Island. Jason then joins the journey before the pair head south to Queenstown, where their itinerary includes the Shotover Jet, local wineries, a cold plunge and a lakeside sauna.

Central Otago brings more wine alongside a Kiwi pie breakfast, mountain trails and a visit to Highlands Motorsport Park, before Gary fulfils a long-held ambition to visit Cloudy Bay. Their travels continue through Blenheim and Marlborough, including a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific train, tandem biking through vineyards and visits to several wineries.

The Marlborough Sounds provide another change of pace as Gary and Jason visit a working mussel farm before crossing Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Their final stop is Hawke’s Bay, where they explore Napier’s Art Deco streets, visit the National Aquarium and experience an autumn equinox gathering at Ātea a Rangi before finishing their journey at Craggy Range.

Gary described the Coastal Pacific section as one of the highlights of the entire trip, saying the journey brought together New Zealand’s vineyards, coastline and wildlife. He also spoke warmly about the Māori welcome received during filming, describing the experience as moving and an important opportunity to understand more about the country’s history and heritage.

By the end of filming, New Zealand had clearly made an impression. Gary admitted there was still plenty he wanted to see and said he was already keen to return, describing the country as a destination deserving of a trip in its own right rather than simply being added onto a visit to Australia.

Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: New Zealand airs at 12.30pm on Sunday 30 August on ITV1 and ITVX. Images: ITV / Rock Oyster Media.