NZ FOOD AND WINE DELICIOUSNESS!
Indulge in the flavours of New Zealand on a luxurious journey through the country's premier food and wine regions. Discover the boutique vineyards and gourmet delights of Waiheke Island, savour world-class wines in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough, and stay in exceptional vineyard retreats surrounded by spectacular scenery. Along the way, explore Napier's iconic Art Deco architecture, paddle the crystal-clear Pelorus River featured in The Hobbit, and experience the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown and Milford Sound. From gourmet dining and wine tastings to unforgettable landscapes and luxury accommodation, this carefully crafted escape is the perfect blend of indulgence, relaxation, and adventure.
Day 1
Auckland
Private Car/Driver Auckland International Apt to City Hotel - Luxury Sedan
Accommodation at Intercontinental Auckland
1 Double King Classic City View Room for 1 Night
Settled where the city meets the sails with windows to the Waitematā, unwind and explore the city centre at InterContinental Auckland. A luxury haven overlooking the harbour, immerse yourself in the rich history, connect with the tapestry of local culture, art, and cuisine, or indulge at Commercial Bay's captivating retail and dining precinct.
Free day to wander the city
Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.
A melting pot of different ethnicities, Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city. This diversity is reflected in the lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a hip cafe culture and outstanding restaurants. The dozens of islands of the Hauraki Gulf form a distinctive aspect of the Auckland landscape and provide a magnet for boaties, fishing enthusiasts and hikers.
Day 2
Ferry Service Auckland to Waiheke Island - Return
Board your ferry and enjoy the scenic 40-minute cruise to Waiheke Island through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. This stunning island just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kilometres of beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native bush and laid back seaside villages. Some sailings will include a brief stop in Devonport on the way to Waiheke Island.
Accommodation at Omana Villas
1 Double Boutique Self-Contained Villa for 2 Nights
These self-contained luxury villas are in a peaceful, secluded location atop a hill in the Whakanewha regional park on Waiheke Island. The villas offer the utmost privacy and comfort alongside stunning ocean and forest views. This perfect spot invites peace, relaxation, and reconnection with nature. Guests can enjoy a lavish retreat with breathtaking views of a pristine, crescent-shaped private beach, accessible via a short walk or quick drive.
Day 3
Full Day Shared Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
This 7.75 hour tour is ideal for food and wine lovers. The day begins with a visit to a boutique vineyard for a guided wine tasting, complemented by gourmet tastes such as Te Matuku Bay oysters and local Waiheke honey. Continue to the award-winning Allpress Estate for an informative olive oil tasting and an introduction to the island’s renowned olive oil production. At the second vineyard, enjoy a wine and food pairing, followed by a relaxed, family-style lunch showcasing seasonal flavours in a beautiful vineyard setting. The final stop is at The Heke, a distillery, where you can enjoy a tasting of small-batch craft whisky, or simply enjoy a glass of local wine in a laidback setting. The tour concludes with the option to return to Matiatia Wharf or be dropped off in Oneroa Village to explore Waiheke Island further at your leisure.
Day 4
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Auckland Airport - Luxury Sedan
Napier/Hawkes Bay
Private Car/Driver Napier Airport to Hastings/Havelock North Hotels
Accommodation at Craggy Range
1 Double One Bedroom Vineyard Cottage for 3 Nights
Located at Craggy Range’s Giants Winery in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, Craggy Range’s Vineyard and Garden Cottages and Luxury Lodges offer boutique accommodation among the vines under the escarpment of Te Mata Peak.
Afternoon Art Deco Walk (Shared Tour)
The most complete Art Deco tour of Napier, this extended 2 hour guided walk begins at the Art Deco Centre with an audio visual introduction from your local guide. You’ll hear the dramatic story of the 1931 earthquake and discover Art Deco; the style of the times in the 1930s. Your small group will then depart on a one and a half hour guided walk through Napier’s Art Deco Quarter, including visits to the interiors of some of the most stunning examples of this architectural style in the city. On your return to the Art Deco Centre at 4.00pm you will be invited into the boutique theatre for a complimentary tea or coffee and to view a short film about our world famous Art Deco Weekend celebrations.
Day 5
Full Day Private Food & Wine Lovers Delight (Private Tour)
Become absorbed into the vibrant world of Hawke’s Bay wine – talk with the personalities who are passionate about crafting world class wines from our soils. Visit some of the best of our wineries and taste their award winning wines. Rich soils and warm growing conditions attract innovative epicurean food producers – taste touch and smell their myriad of tantalizing products. Meet these enthusiastic personalities. A highly enjoyable, fun 7 hour tour guided by a wine specialist, this is a fantastic day for wine and food lovers.
Day 6
Half Day Private Cape Winery Bike Tour - Guided
Enjoy an easy 4 hour cycling tour with focus on visiting award-winning wineries around the Cape Kidnappers area. With your professionally trained cycling guide showing you the way, you will cycle along the off-road trails past vineyards, olive groves, orchards and farmland and enjoy tasting some of Hawkes Bay’s finest wines. Your guide will provide commentary about local history and culture as well as supporting you so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Starting in the coastal village of Haumoana, you join the Tukituki River trail for a 15km cycle to the coast through orchard country and backyard roads. The coastal trails follow the sparkling Pacific Ocean and showcase the regions jewel in the crown – Cape Kidnappers. The route includes visits to 2-3 of the exceptional wineries in this area - the spectacular Elephant Hill, Te Awanga or the relaxed Clearview Estate winery. Further visits are possible to the boutique winery of Black Barn or the acclaimed Te Mata Estate winery both of which reside under the spectacular vista of Te Mata Peak.
Day 7
Private Car/Driver Hastings/Havelock North Hotels to Napier Airport
Blenheim/Marlborough
Private Car/Driver Blenheim Airport to Marlborough Lodge
Accommodation at The Marlborough
1 Double Queen Room for 3 nights
Found at the top of the South Island, this grand country estate is nestled amongst 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of park-like grounds and Marlborough’s famous Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Stay in one of ten modern, stylish suites, over two levels. The top floor offers a number of suite combinations for families, while the ground floor offers accessible rooms and some have private balconies. The lodge experience is enhanced with gourmet dining created by an onsite chef team with cuisine featuring local produce. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure and sophisticated evening dining.
Day 8
Full Day Marlborough Icons Tour
Marlborough is best known for wine and the unique Marlborough Sounds – explore both on this 7 hour Marlborough Icons Tour. A Marlborough wine tour visiting two premium wineries in the morning. Enjoy a light lunch prior to departure, then sit back for a relaxing seafood cruise in the afternoon. Cruise the calm waters of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the views accompanied by fresh local seafood.
Day
Half Day Hobbit Kayak Tour
Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun kayaking tour paddling down the scenic Pelorus river, New Zealand, used in the filming of the second Hobbit movie, "The Desolation of Smaug". Whether this is your first time on the water or you are experienced, the Pelorus river has a lot to offer. The dramatic beauty of this valley is unparalleled, so join us on this unique kayaking adventure. Drift down the crystal-clear Pelorus river paddling your own canoe. Enjoy New Zealand's pristine native forest as you float past, & learn how the flora & fauna were utilised by the Maori people. Learn the history of the gold & timber industries that shaped the top of the south. Our Hobbit Kayak Tour will help you explore this famous filming location by standing on the same rocks & passing the same waterfall as Bilbo and his friends. Get involved in this amazing Middle-earth location. Allow 4 hours ex Havelock.
Day 10
Private Car/Driver Blenheim Hotel to Blenheim Airport
Queenstown
Private Car/Driver Domestic Airport to City Hotel
Accommodation at The Rees Apartment Hotel
1 Double Executive Room - Executive Lake View for 3 Nights
Showcasing breath taking panoramic lake and mountain views, this sophisticated property is conveniently located just a gentle lakeside walk from Queenstown’s town centre. Boasting luxurious accommodation options including hotel rooms, apartments and 5 Lake Front Residences, all offer full service, complimentary WiFi, free movies, a fine dining onsite restaurant, an extensive wine cellar, purpose-built gymnasium, complimentary ski lockers, spa treatment services, library and private jetty.
Gondola Ride
Please make your way to Skyline Gondola at a time that suits and enjoy the Gondola ride to the top for excellent views of the surrounds.
The Skyline Gondola will whisk you smoothly up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, as Queenstown drops away below you. From the top enjoy breathtaking views, which extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 11
Full Day Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Experience an indulgent and diverse 6.5 hour tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Your guide will lead you on a tasting journey through three contrasting Central Otago wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, a gourmet wine barrel-cooked lunch with matching wines and a cheeseboard. Retrace history with a visit to the historical settlements of Old Cromwell (time and weather permitting) and picturesque Arrowtown. Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of stories and fun facts before returning to your accommodation.
Day 12
Full Day Milford Glass Roof Van/Cruise/Fixed Wing
On this 10 hour tour from Queenstown, travel in a custom made 16-seater Mercedes touring vehicle. This premium way of touring offers extended legroom, leather interior, panoramic windows and glass roof for the best views. Enjoy personalised commentary from your experienced guide as you travel to and from Milford Sound. As spectacular as the destination, the journey on the Milford Road offers an inspiring experience. From Queenstown, the road follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu and weaves through Southland farmland to Te Anau. From here, your journey continues into the heart of Fiordland National Park, taking you on a remote touring experience, with many scenic highlights, including glacier-carved valleys, blue lakes and native bush, as you cross the Southern Alps. Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1 hour 45 minute small boat nature cruise on the fjord and see waterfalls, spot fur seals, penguins and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Finish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic flight back to Queenstown. Flights are by fixed wing aircraft and take approx. 40 mins. The scenic flight is a truly awe-inspiring way to complete your trip to Milford Sound, and also provides a view of Milford Sound and it’s surroundings that you couldn’t possibly see any other way! Upon arrival back to Queenstown, a complimentary hotel drop off service is provided.
Day 13
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to International Airport
Today marks the end of your holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand. We trust you have made lasting memories and hope to welcome you back in the future.