Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Grand
Windsor for 1 night. (N)
Day 2: Auckland Rotorua
Collect your hire car and drive through
farmland, lakeland and forest on the way to
Rotorua. Ride the Skyline Gondola up Mount
Ngongotaha. Sample handcrafted wines from
New Zealands most recognised wine regions
as you enjoy panoramic views over Lake
Rotorua. Afterwards, enjoy a buffet lunch in
the Skyline Restaurant before continuing to the
Springs Hotel for 2 nights. (B, L)
Day 3: Rotorua
Today, take a walk and lake cruise amid
stunning volcanic landscapes with spectacular
views of hot crater lakes, steaming cliffs,
hissing fumaroles and colourful silica terraces.
Step back into the past with a walk in the
magnificent Whirinaki rainforest, where you
can see cascading waterfalls and abundant
birdlife. (N)
Day 4: Napier
Enjoy the changing scenery from forest to
rugged mountains and then to fertile vineyards
as you continue to the Hawkes Bay region.
Hawkes Bay has had successes from its early
winemaking to todays classic red wines such
as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet
franc and malbec and its main white varieties,
chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Continue to
Craggy Range for 3 nights, where the boutique
cottages overlook a vineyard. (B)
Day 5: Napier
Today, visit a winery for a behind-the-scenes
guided tour. Finish by sampling a range of
award-winning wines and a delicious lunch
platter. (B, L)
Day 6: Napier
Follow the Water Ride Trail by bike passing
Marine Parade, where you can enjoy
spectacular views out towards Cape Kidnappers,
along the coast and inland through orchard
country to Havelock North. We suggest a visit
to Te Mata cheese factory and stops for wine
tasting at wineries along the way. Transfer back
to your accommodation. (B
Day 7: Martinborough
Drive south through the green Wairarapa
scenery to Martinborough. The Wairarpa wine
region is packed with charm. The three sub
regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton include boutique wineries, mostly
family owned. Stay overnight at Peppers
Parehua Country Estate. (B)
Day 8: Wellington Picton Blenheim
Drive the short distance to Wellington, known
as the culinary capital of New Zealand with its
tucked-away bars, quirky cafes and awardwinning restaurants. Drop off your hire car
and board the Interislander ferry for a scenic
journey across the Cook Strait to South Island.
Collect your hire car in Picton and drive to
Blenheim, the heart of the wine-growing
Marlborough region, and stay at
The Peppertree for 2 nights. (B)
Day 9: Marlborough Sounds
After a morning of wine tastings, enjoy an
informative and relaxing afternoon cruising
through the Marlborough Sounds, learning
about its history. Visit a marine farm and learn
why marine life is so abundant in the sounds
followed by a seafood tasting accompanied by
a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. (B)
Day 10: Christchurch
Travel along the rugged coastline between the
mighty Pacific Ocean and the steep Kaikoura
Ranges, crossing the rivers and rich farmland
of the Canterbury region to reach Christchurch.
Stay at the Classic Villa in Christchurch for 2
nights. (B)
Day 11: Christchurch
Enjoy a half-day wine trail tour exploring four
of North Canterburys boutique vineyards in
the Waipara area, known for its rich limestone
soil and warm dry climate, the perfect
elements for producing quality white and red
wines. (B, L)
Day 12: Queenstown
Drive towards to New Zealands adventure
capital, Queenstown. Stay at Browns Boutique
Hotel for 2 nights. (B)
Day 13: Queenstown
Meet in downtown Queenstown for your
transfer to the Shotover river for a thrilling
jet boat ride in the canyon. Skim past rocky
outcrops, around crags and boulders and
through the dramatic and narrow canyons
at high speed. Return to Queenstown for an
afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 14: Queenstown
Return your car hire to Queenstown airport
depot and continue your onward journey.
