New Zealand Wine Trail Tailor-Made Tour

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Itinerary Highlights

Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Marlborough Sounds on an afternoon cruise.
Enjoy a tour and wine tasting at one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries.
Ride the Skyline Gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for spectacular views.
Enjoy seafood tasting matched with a glass of crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast
Car Hire
International Flights

10 nights from £3,158 per person

Best time to travel MAR 2019

01244 435 806

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist

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On this wonderful ten-night self-drive tour, take a journey through regions that account for more than 80% of New Zealand’s world-famous wine production! You will encounter award-winning wineries, eateries, farmer’s markets and artisan food producers, collecting incredible memories and delicious souvenirs along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Auckland

Board your flight to New Zealand from the UK. If you like, we can arrange for you to break up your journey in North America, the Middle East or the Far East; just ask your Travel Specialist!

Day 2 Auckland

On arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be transferred to your city centre hotel, before spending the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the area. Hotel – Hotel DeBrett

Day 3 Auckland - Rotorua (143 miles)

This morning, head south in your rental car, passing scenic farms, lakes and forests, before reaching the geothermal region of Rotorua, boarding the Skyline Gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for breathtaking views. The Volcanic Hills are home to an incredible wine tasting room, where you can sample some of the region’s finest, most renowned labels while enjoying panoramas over lovely Lake Rotorua. Refuel with lunch in the Skyline Restaurant. Hotel - Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

Day 4 Rotorua - Napier (136 miles)

On your journey towards Hawke’s Bay, watch the passing scenery blend from dramatic forests and mountains into enchanting, sprawling vineyards. An area known for its Art Deco architecture and incredible gourmet cuisine, Hawke’s Bay also produces some exquisite wine – both classic labels and innovative experiments. Regional reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the dominant white varieties. Hotel - Craggy Range

Day 5 Napier

Today, visit Church Road Winery, one of the oldest in New Zealand, enjoying the ‘Behind the Scenes’ guided tour and learning more about the wine’s production. Then, taste some of these incredible bottles, accompanied by a delicious platter for lunch. Hotel - Peppers Parehua Country Estate

Day 7 Martinborough – Wellington (50 miles) - Picton - Blenheim (17 miles)

Often dubbed the culinary capital of New Zealand, Wellington is home to hidden bars, unique cafes and fine-dining restaurants, as well as a bustling harbour area. After exploring, board the Inter-Islander ferry for an ultra-scenic crossing to South Island. With a new rental car, drive to the heart of the Marlborough region, renowned for its aromatic and flavoursome wine varieties – including Sauvignon Bland and Pinot Noir. Hotel - The Peppertree

Day 8 Blenheim

Experiencing the very best that Marlborough has to offer, today you will taste the region’s delicious Sauvignon Blanc and fresh seafood, as well as cruising through the Marlborough Sounds. Prepare to be awed by the natural beauty of your surroundings, learning more about the history of this unique valley landscape. Hotel - The Peppertree

Day 9 Blenheim - Christchurch (192 miles)

Cruise along scenic coastal roads and past striking mountains, perhaps stopping for a whale watching cruise from the coastal town of Kaikoura. Continue to charming Christchurch. Hotel - The Classic Villa

Day 10 Depart Christchurch