A Food & Wine Journey
The rich soil of New Zealand, combined with a favorable climate means it produces some of the world’s best food and wine. Embark on this 14 day journey for a real taste of New Zealand that takes you to the best of the North and South Islands, visiting the renowned wine regions where you will have the opportunity to meet the winemakers, taste world-class wines, and dine on fresh local produce. From the hidden gem that is Waiheke Island, to Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago near Queenstown, indulge and enjoy the best they each have to offer.
Trip Type: Adventure, Food & Wine
Day By Day
Day 1 – Welcome to Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival into Auckland International Airport you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: The Grand by SkyCity
Day 2 – Waiheke Island
Your stunning and memorable day begins with the 45-minute ferry transfer from Auckland over to Waiheke Island on the sedate 'Quick Cat' Ferry. As you journey across Auckland's spectacular Waitemata Harbour, your guide will run through your Waiheke wine tour itinerary and answer any questions you may have.
Once at the Island, begin your tour and taste wines at three premium boutique Waiheke vineyards (currently Mudbrick, Kennedy Point and Te Motu - but subject to daily opening and schedules). Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a Waiheke winery restaurant, soak in the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on New Zealand's own Treasure Island of wine and food.
Starting Accommodation: The Grand by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Travel to Napier
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Auckland Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Napier you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: Mangapapa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Napier Full Day Wine Tour
Today's full day private wine tour will take you on a journey through gorgeous countryside and into the most famous wine growing regions of Hawke's Bay. Visit five internationally recognized wineries, where you'll take part in a series of comprehensive wine tastings, with plain English explanations from your tour guide. The wineries visited are located in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, and may include;
-Taradale: Mission Estate, Church Road, Brookfields, Tironui
-Gimblett Gravels: Trinity Hill, Ash Ridge, Abbey Cellars, Wairiki, Paritua, Sileni, Element Wines, Oak Estate.
-Havelock North: Black Barn, Craggy Range, Te Mata Estate, Askerne, Smith & Sheth
-Te Awanga: Clearview, Te Awanga Estate
-Eskdale: Linden Estate
All tastings are included in the tour price (except at Craggy Range) and if you don't know anything about wine, you won't be alone. This tour is designed for beginners and experienced tasters alike.
Starting Accommodation: Mangapapa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Napier to Wellington
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Napier Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Wellington you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Martinborough Wine Tour
Leaving from your hotel for the Wairarapa via the Lower and Upper Hutt Valleys, climb the Rimutaka Ranges, through the mountain pass descending to Featherston, the first of the Wairarapa towns. The Maori people called this area the ‘Land of Glistening Waters’. Leaving Featherston, drive through some of the Wairarapa’s most stunningly beautiful farmland to the boutique Martinborough Wine Village. Learn the history of this sleepy rural town and how it blossomed into an internationally renowned wine region. Your day includes conversations and tastings with wine makers and vineyard owners, of the best Martinborough vineyards. Where available you will taste new vintages from barrels and cellared vintages of past years.
Enjoy a sumptuous two course lunch of local gourmet cuisine at one of the many vineyard or village cafes. Martinborough’s climate and soils are ideal for growing fine foods and beverages. You can choose to taste one other of, artisan cheeses, olive oils, boutique beers, gin or chocolate. Or maybe a visit to historical Greytown, established in 1853 from land purchased by Governor Grey from the Maori. Greytown was New Zealand’s first planned inland town & as the oldest town in the Wairarapa, it has retained its delightful colonial village character with New Zealand’s most complete main street of wooden Victorian buildings. These once settler cottages are now home to boutique stores and cafes.
Departing the Wairarapa, return to Featherston where you may like to try the unique New Zealand Hokey Pokey ice cream.
Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Wellington to Marlborough
Today you will be transferred to the Wellington ferry terminal by private vehicle. Travel from Wellington to Picton on the InterIslander Plus. On arrival into Picton you will be transferred to your accommodation in Marlborough.
Starting Accommodation: The Marlborough
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Marlborough Food & Wine Tour
Your Gourmet Food and Wine Tour has been designed for those who have a real interest in wines and gourmet foods. Each of the stops has been specifically designed with an emphasis on wine appreciation, wine and food matching and wine education.
This morning, you will be picked up from accommodation and start the day with a scenic tour around the wine region, taking in some of the best vineyard views, landscapes and hidden valleys. Today’s tour will take in a selection of exceptional private wine experiences. First, visit Marlborough’s iconic winery, Cloudy Bay, for a private “Tailor Made” tasting with a senior staff member - the vineyard's top wine tasting offering. These world-famous wines are Marlborough’s best-known wines internationally.
Enjoy a truly divine lunch with wine pairings at a Marlborough leading winery restaurant –Wither Hills Winery. Enjoy a 3-course wine and food match lunch that highlights the very best of fresh local product and local wines. Finish the day with a sweet treat - a visit to Makana Chocolates. Watch as the chocolates are handmade and enjoy a tasting of the finished product.
Starting Accommodation: The Marlborough
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Marlborough to Christchurch
Travel from Marlborough to Christchurch by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: The George
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Christchurch City & Wine Tour
The full day tour departs from your accommodation for a drive through the city center to see the progress of the rebuild following the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Your guide will discuss the reasons for the event, its impact and the exciting plans for the future, as well as delve into the history of area and also why New Zealand's flora and fauna is unique.
The Selwyn area is home to many vineyards that thrive on the flat Canterbury plains. Several wines reflect the vibrant qualities of the iconic Waimakariri River that provides a pure and constant water supply. Many of the vineyards in this area are family run and are the local producers of award winning Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Depending on the season and the weather, your guide will take you to a selection of wineries where you will be able to experience the diverse range of different wines. Having the opportunity to speak to experienced wine operators will provide you with a comprehensive insight into each vineyard. After visiting 3 vineyards, return to Christchurch where you will be dropped off to your city accommodation and your guide will bid you farewell.
Starting Accommodation: The George
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Christchurch to Queenstown
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport by private vehicle. Upon arrival into Queenstown you will be transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Starting Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Queenstown Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced local guide lead you on a tasting journey through three contrasting Central Otago wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Enjoy a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and savor a unique lunch with 5 dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and perfectly matched with 5 wines.
You will also have an opportunity to retrace history with a visit to the historical settlements of Arrowtown and Old Cromwell (when time permits). Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable wine guide. For your final indulgence of the day, you will be given some artisan chocolates to enjoy before returning to your accommodation.
Starting Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – Queenstown at Leisure
Today you are at your leisure to enjoy Queenstown.
Starting Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – Depart Queenstown
Prior to your flight you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport by private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Package Level: Deluxe |
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
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| Twin Share |
| 10/1/2024 - 10/31/2024 | $11,260 |
| 11/1/2024 - 12/31/2024 | $11,710 |
| 1/1/2025 - 1/31/2025 | $11,650 |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $11,710 |
| Single Traveler |
| 10/1/2024 - 10/31/2024 | $21,640 |
| 11/1/2024 - 12/31/2024 | $22,550 |
| 1/1/2025 - 1/31/2025 | $22,425 |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $22,550 |
Add internal air to this package from $490* |
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Terms and Conditions
Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
www.swaindestinations.com/terms
