Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is poised between two large harbours...
Read more >On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Grand Windsor for 1 night. (N)
Day 2: Auckland • RotoruaCollect your hire car and drive through farmland, lakeland and forest on the way to Rotorua. Ride the Skyline Gondola up Mount Ngongotaha. Sample handcrafted wines from New Zealand’s most recognised wine regions as you enjoy panoramic views over Lake Rotorua. Afterwards, enjoy a buffet lunch in the Skyline Restaurant before continuing to the Springs Hotel for 2 nights. (B, L)
Day 3: RotoruaToday, take a walk and lake cruise amid stunning volcanic landscapes with spectacular views of hot crater lakes, steaming cliffs, hissing fumaroles and colourful silica terraces. Step back into the past with a walk in the magnificent Whirinaki rainforest, where you can see cascading waterfalls and abundant birdlife. (N)
Day 4: NapierEnjoy the changing scenery from forest to rugged mountains and then to fertile vineyards as you continue to the Hawke’s Bay region. Hawke’s Bay has had successes from its early winemaking to today’s classic red wines such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet franc and malbec and its main white varieties, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Continue to Craggy Range for 3 nights, where the boutique cottages overlook a vineyard. (B)
Day 5: NapierToday, visit a winery for a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Finish by sampling a range of award-winning wines and a delicious lunch platter. (B, L)
Day 6: NapierFollow the Water Ride Trail by bike passing Marine Parade, where you can enjoy spectacular views out towards Cape Kidnappers, along the coast and inland through orchard country to Havelock North. We suggest a visit to Te Mata cheese factory and stops for wine tasting at wineries along the way. Transfer back to your accommodation. (B
Day 7: MartinboroughDrive south through the green Wairarapa scenery to Martinborough. The Wairarpa wine region is packed with charm. The three sub regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton include boutique wineries, mostly family owned. Stay overnight at Peppers Parehua Country Estate. (B)
Day 8: Wellington • Picton • BlenheimDrive the short distance to Wellington, known as the culinary capital of New Zealand with its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes and awardwinning restaurants. Drop off your hire car and board the Interislander ferry for a scenic journey across the Cook Strait to South Island. Collect your hire car in Picton and drive to Blenheim, the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region, and stay at The Peppertree for 2 nights. (B)
Day 9: Marlborough SoundsAfter a morning of wine tastings, enjoy an informative and relaxing afternoon cruising through the Marlborough Sounds, learning about its history. Visit a marine farm and learn why marine life is so abundant in the sounds followed by a seafood tasting accompanied by a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. (B)
Day 10: ChristchurchTravel along the rugged coastline between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the steep Kaikoura Ranges, crossing the rivers and rich farmland of the Canterbury region to reach Christchurch. Stay at the Classic Villa in Christchurch for 2 nights. (B)
Day 11: ChristchurchEnjoy a half-day wine trail tour exploring four of North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards in the Waipara area, known for its rich limestone soil and warm dry climate, the perfect elements for producing quality white and red wines. (B, L)
Day 12: QueenstownDrive towards to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown. Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel for 2 nights. (B)
Day 13: QueenstownMeet in downtown Queenstown for your transfer to the Shotover river for a thrilling jet boat ride in the canyon. Skim past rocky outcrops, around crags and boulders and through the dramatic and narrow canyons at high speed. Return to Queenstown for an afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 14: QueenstownReturn your car hire to Queenstown airport depot and continue your onward journey.
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information FlightsInternational flights are not included with this itinerary. For flight options and prices, please contact your Cox & Kings travel consultant
Superior tourThis tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Tailor-made travel:For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
The Peppertree takes its name from the grove of pepper trees that line the drive leading to this gracious Edwardian villa. Built in 1901, this luxury bed and breakfast is located in four hectares of lush farmland, surrounded by an extensive country garden, a boutique vineyard and an olive grove. The timeless elegance of this homestead flows through into each of the five individual guest suites that open out on to a veranda, balcony or private garden. Stays include breakfast, complimentary tea / coffee, homebaked cookies and fresh fruit.
NZH2020
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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