A bit closer to home for you that your wife might enjoy:
Martinborough - you can arrange to stay at airfield and the wineries are all near by
Hanmer
Kaikoura - fly down and get some crayfish etc
Flat Point - think there's a cafe there, haven't tried it, but don't go there in a NW
Foxpine is always good too, friendly people, although I heard they don't have avgas anymore so check that one out first