This vacation is for food and wine gourmets and those with an appreciation for spectacular scenery and unique experiences!
Your journey will take into several of the magnificent food and wine regions of New Zealand while giving you the flexibility of your own rental car, allowing you to explore at your leisure.
Day 1 Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Aotearoa! Proceed to the rental car counter and make your way to The Duxton Hotel.
Overnight: Auckland, Duxton Hotel for 2 nights.
Day 2 Waiheke Island Vineyard Tour
This morning travel to the picturesque Waiheke Island. While on the island you will visit three of the best vineyards, Stonyridge, where you will be served a light lunch, Onetangi Road and Mudbrick. You will also take in a guided tour of each of the vineyards. On return you will have free time to wander through the vibrant viaduct area and go shopping along Queen Street.
Day 3 Drive: Auckland - Napier
Depart for Hawkes Bay, on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. Historical homesteads and quaint antique shops provide a glimpse of the pioneering spirit of days gone by.
Overnight: Napier, The County Hotel for 2 nights
Day 4 Napier at Leisure
The day is yours to explore the magnificent Hawke’s Bay. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading producer of Red wines, and also boasts a stunning collection of Art Deco architecture. The region is perfect for the self-driver with themed touring routes making wine trails easily accessible. And if there is a golfer among you, be sure and visit Cape Kidnappers for the ultimate challenging green.
Day 5 Drive: Napier - Wellington
Today drive your rental car to New Zealand’s capital of Wellington. The day is at leisure to make this journey.
Overnight: Wellington, Duxton Hotel Wellington for 2 nights
Day 6 Wellington at Leisure
Wellington offers a unique blend of art, culture, entertainment; and of course fine food and wine! The city is quite compact making it easy to explore all that is on offer by foot, and there are exceptional wineries accessible from Wellington, where the specialties are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Day 7 Drive: Wellington - Nelson
This morning catch the InterIslander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, then drive yourself to Nelson. On the crossing you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins cruising along side you. The remainder of today is at leisure.
Overnight: Nelson, Cathedral Inn for 2 nights
Day 8 Nelson at Leisure
The Nelson region is the sunniest area of New Zealand, inspiring a range of creative artists to settle and work here. There are over 20 boutique wineries in the region with a reputation for international Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Nelson also has a range of alfresco dining and café options.
Day 9 Depart Nelson
It’s time to say farewell to your new-found Kiwi friends.