New Zealand Culinary Adventure

Superior Private Tour in brief

Day 1: Auckland

On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Grand Windsor for 1 night. (N)

Day 2: Auckland • Rotorua

Collect 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: Rotorua

Today, 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: Napier

Enjoy 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: Napier

Today, 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: Napier

Follow 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: Martinborough

Drive 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 • Blenheim

Drive 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 Sounds

After 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: Christchurch

Travel 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: Christchurch

Enjoy 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: Queenstown

Drive towards to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown. Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

Day 13: Queenstown

Meet 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: Queenstown

Return your car hire to Queenstown airport depot and continue your onward journey.

Meal basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information Flights

International flights are not included with this itinerary. For flight options and prices, please contact your Cox & Kings travel consultant.

Superior tour

This 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.