New Zealand Culinary Adventure

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

This morning collect your car hire 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)

Today, take a walk and lake cruise amid stunning volcanic landscape 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 birdlife. (N)

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)

Today, visit one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries with a behind-the-scenes guided. Finish with a cellar wine tasting and a delicious lunch platter. (B, L)

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)

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)

Drive the short distance to Wellington, known as the culinary capital of New Zealand with its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes and award-winning restaurants. Drop off your car hire and board the Interislander ferry for a scenic journey across the Cook Strait to South Island. Collect your car hire in Picton and drive to Blenheim, the heart of the wine growing Marlborough region, and stay at The Peppertree for 2 nights. (B)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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