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 Postage Stamp). 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, Dinner
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, Dinner
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
Enjoy a guided private 6-hour winery tour to the Pinot Noir Capital of the North Island – Martinborough!
Begin the day with the scenic drive from Wellington up through the Hutt Valley to the Remutaka Hill summit, 555 meters above sea level. View the Remutaka Crossing monument commemorating 60,000 New Zealand troops who made the crossing from the Featherston Military Camp to the Port of Wellington in World War One. Visit 3 boutique, family-owned wineries where you will taste a wide range of wines from Martinborough’s famous Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. You will have the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with a Wine Maker/Vineyard Owner to understand what it takes to produce consistently great wine, and enjoy a beautiful platter lunch at one of the wineries featuring local produce.
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 – Waipara Wine Tour
Discover the best of both worlds on this exclusive private tour, blending the vibrant charm of Christchurch city with the exquisite flavors of the North Canterbury wine region.
The adventure begins from your inner-city accommodation in Christchurch. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the revitalized city center, a testament to innovation and creativity. Stroll through pedestrian-friendly streets adorned with eclectic architecture and colorful murals, each telling a story of resilience and rebirth. Then, venture beyond the city limits and into the picturesque North Canterbury wine region, renowned for its exceptional aromatic wines. Your guide, a connoisseur of local vintages, will carefully select two or three boutique wineries to visit, showcasing the diversity and caliber of New Zealand's winemaking artistry. Immerse yourself in the winemaking process, learn about the unique terroir, and of course, indulge in tastings that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy a delectable lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the region, allowing you to truly savor the flavors of Canterbury. This intimate tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Christchurch and its surrounding wine country. With personalized attention from your expert guide, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the city's vibrant spirit and the exquisite wines that have made New Zealand a global wine destination.
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 – Picnic on a Peak
Helicopter to a remote area, where you will enjoy a leisurely champagne luncheon and time in the wilderness before calling on the helicopter to return you to civilization. Courtesy hotel transfers (from city area) included. Flights are weather dependent and subject to the pilot's discretion. Weight restrictions apply to helicopter travel, and so passenger weight information is required prior to confirming this excursion. A minimum of four passengers is required for the shared tour to operate - Over the Top will notify us if the minimum is not met and the departure is changed or cancelled.
Starting Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – 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 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 |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $11,155 |
| Single Traveler |
| 2/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $21,475 |
Add internal air to this package from $465* |
|
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
