ENQUIRE NOW

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel (self drive passengers collect your rental car at the airport on arrival). Known as the City of Sails", Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant city offering an array of cosmopolitan experiences. Enfolded by two huge harbours, Auckland is an environment that's alive with cultural excitement and sea-flavoured challenges.

Day 2: Auckland - Waiheke Island (B)
Late morning join your scenic helicopter flight across Auckland's Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, a magical island paradise in the treasure trove of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf islands. On arrival you land at Mubrick Vineyard where a sumptuous four course lunch awaits you. After your meal and some time to relax, enjoy a privately guided vineyard tour on Waiheke. With tastings at the best boutique wineries, the secrets of Waiheke's stunning world wide success in fine reds will be revealed. You will come away with a deep appreciation of the vintner's art, and the understanding of terrior, weather and the tides of tradition that make up this fascinating milieu. Late afternoon join the ferry for a scenic journey across the Waitemata harbour to Auckland city and enjoy the short stroll back to your hotel.

Day 3: Auckland - Napier (B)
Farewell the City of Sails" today as you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Continue through Hamilton - New Zealand's fourth largest city and the fertile Waikato region before arriving at the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the spectacular Huka Falls. Your journey then continues over rugged mountain ranges, through gentle plains and well cultivated farmland to arrive in the fertile Hawke's Bay region and the "art deco" city of Napier.

Day 4: Napier, 'Hawke's Bay Wine Country' (BL)
Today enjoy a full day guided tour of the Hawke's Bay Wine Country where you start your exploration of the range of New World wine excellence in both white and red varietals. Visit the very best of the wineries and taste the best of the wine. Guided by a vineyard owner and medal winning wine expert, this is a fantastic day for wine lovers! A picnic lunch is included.

Day 5: Napier - Martinborough (B)
Travel from Napier to Martinborough today on a comfortable 3 hour drive south on State Highway 2, through typical New Zealand farmland, towns and orchards to arrive in Martinborough. Pinot Noir is the regions most planted and most acclaimed grape variety. The success of Martinborough Pinot Noir has to a large extent driven the rapid development of this very dynamic and quality-focused region. If time allows, start your Martinborough experience with a late afternoon wine tasting, or simply relax at your accommodation in Wairarapa.

Day 6: Martinborough - Wellington (B)
A morning stroll around Martinborough Wine Village offers a leisurely start to a day of fine food and wine tasting. Leading wineries such as Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate are all within easy walking distance of the Village Square. The Martinborough Wine Centre is a must, with its extensive cellar and tasting of local wines. Then less than 2 hours drive away, Wellington, New Zealand's Capital beckons. Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact walking city", vibrant, exciting and cultured the nation's capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village.

Day 7: Wellington - Marlborough (BD)
Depart Wellington this morning on the Lynx Ferry. On arrival in Picton, travel onto Marlborough. Marlborough's first vines were planted in 1973, few people predicted that in a little under 30 years it would become New Zealand's largest and best known internationally winegrowing area. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner at Herzog. This is truly a special regional dining experience fresh modern Mediterranean cuisine with New Zealand's finest ingredients.

Day 8: Marlborough (B)
Today explore the famous Sauvignon Blanc vineyards of Cloudy Bay, Grove Mill (featuring the country's only 'vine library'), Seresin Estate and Hunter's - an institution in Marlborough! We suggest that you enjoy lunch (own expense) at Allan Scott, which offers a range of Marlborough's most famous wine styles, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Methode sparkling wine. The winery restaurant is one of the region's best.

Day 9: Marlborough - Christchurch (B)
Enjoy a leisurely drive today as you depart Marlborough and make your way south to Christchurch. Known as the Garden City", Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.

Day 10: Christchurch (B)
Your tour today explores some of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards, Waipara Springs, Mark Rattray, Canterbury House and Pegasus Bay, all producing a fine selection of both white and red wines. Mark Rattray, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs are all located in the Waipara area, well known for its warm dry climate and limestone rich soils, both ideal for quality wine production.

Day 11: Christchurch - Queenstown (B)
Depart Christchurch today and travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving at Lake Tekapo. Continue south to the small town of Twizel before arriving in the historic Central Otago region and onto Lake Wakatipu and the 'Alpine Resort' of Queenstown.

Day 12: Queenstown (BL)
Depart mid-morning and enjoy a relaxed and informative day out in the company of a senior wine tour guide. During today’s tour you will get to taste a selection of some of the regions premium cool climate wines whilst visiting some of the best vineyards in the Queenstown region as you visit five vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn and/or Alexandra with lunch included.

Day 13: Queenstown (B)
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown. Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horseriding, jetboating or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, ecotours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round.

Day 14: Depart Queenstown (B)
Sadly, your holiday is at an end as you travel to the airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

ENQUIRE NOW