Discover the fine wines and gourmet foods which New Zealand is rightly famous fare with this relaxed tour of New Zealand's vineyards. Explore the 3 destinations of Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay in this 10 day non-driving itinerary – we have included all transfers, boutique luxury accommodation, and gourmet winelands tours in each destination. There is also sufficient leisure time to further explore at your own pace or we can recommend and include activities to suit your tastes.

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Auckland, transfer to Waiheke Island

    You will be met on arrival and transferred to the ferry pier for the short (35 minutes) ferry ride over to Waiheke Island. You will be again met and transferred to The Boatshed, your base for the next 3 nights on the relaxed and idyllic 'Island of Wine'. The rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Day 2

    Waiheke Island Gourmet Tour

    Discover for yourself why Waiheke is famous for its wines with this private half-day tour. Enjoy succulent oysters fresh from the bay along with other locally-produced speciality foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island's top boutique vineyards. You will visit three vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. On Saturdays, you may also include a visit to the Waiheke Market. Return to The Boatshed or head directly to one of the top vineyard restaurants for a gourmet lunch. 

  • Day 3

    Waiheke Island, day of leisure

    Take the opportunity to completely unwind on this beautiful island, enjoy further visits to the wineries and associated restaurants , or take advantage of some of the activities Waiheke has to offer – walking, sailing, sea kayaking, a zip wire course, or the unique multi-activity venue 'Wild on Waiheke'.

    Or take a day-trip to Auckland to take in the attractions of the big city before returning to your island paradise. 

  • Day 4

    Ferry to Auckland, fly to Blenheim for Marlborough

    Enjoy a relaxed morning on Waiheke before transferring to the ferry back to Auckland. You will be met by your driver and transferred to Auckland's domestic terminal for the flight to Blenheim (approximately 1 hour 30 mins).

    You will be met again on arrival and transferred to The Marlborough Lodge, your base in the Marlborough wine region for the next 3 nights. Refresh before enjoying a gourmet dinner at the lodge in the evening. 

  • Day 5

    Marlborough Wine Region

    Enjoy a unique private gourmet tour of New Zealand's largest wine region - there are over 100 wineries in the region, from the smallest boutique wineries to the larger estates. Take the opportunity to visit 3 Marlborough wineries over the day – taste award-winning reserve-grade Marlborough wine, talk with respected winemakers and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch at a winery. Each part of the tour focuses on wine appreciation, wine and food matching and wine education.

    You can also sample other local Marlborough gourmet delights through the day, such as handmade chocolate. Return to The Marlborough lodge, refresh and enjoy a gourmet dinner. 

  • Day 6

    Marlborough Wine Region, day of leisure

    Take the opportunity to further explore the Marlborough wineries, enjoy a cruise on the Marlborough sounds, hike a section of the Queen Charlotte track or take a private day-trip to the Nelson region. In the evening enjoy a gourmet dinner at The Marlborough Lodge. 

  • Day 7

    Marlborough Wine Region, fly to Napier for Hawke's Bay

    Enjoy a relaxed morning and lunchtime at The Marlborough Lodge before heading to Blenheim airport for the flight to Napier (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Greenhill Lodge, your base in the Hawkes Bay region for the next 3 nights. In the evening enjoy a 'country cuisine' gourmet dinner at the lodge. 

  • Day 8

    Hawke's Bay

    Enjoy a full day private gourmet tour of the country's oldest wine growing region and 'the food bowl of New Zealand'. The lodge has over 50 wineries, organic produce stores and local farmer's markets nearby – ideal if you are in the area for the weekend.

    Enjoy personalised visits to 5 or 6 of Hawke's Bay's foremost wineries, take in the views across the region from spectacular Te Mata Peak and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the Bay's finest winery restaurants. Return to The Greenhill lodge and choose to either dine either at the lodge or at one of the excellent local restaurants in the evening (paid locally)

  • Day 9

    Hawke's Bay, day of leisure

    Take the opportunity to further explore the Hawke's Bay wineries, take a private tour of art deco Napier or along with the wider Hawkes Bay region – including Hastings and Havelock North, still focusing on the region's gourmet delights of course! If you are in the area for the weekend you could also include market visits. The area also has outstanding golf courses, including the renowned Cape Kidnappers course. 

  • Day 10

    Depart Napier

    Transfer to Napier Airport for your onward flight. 

Details

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Included

  • 3 Nights at The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, Bed & Breakfast
  • 3 Nights at The Marlborough Lodge in The Marlborough Winelands, Half-Board
  • 3 Nights at Greenhill Lodge in Hawkes Bay, Bed and Breakfast
  • Meals as per itinerary – 9 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 Dinners
  • Private transfers from and to Auckland, Blenheim and Napier airports
  • Return Ferry Tickets to Waiheke Island
  • Half – Day Private Gourmet Tour of Waiheke's boutique wineries
  • Full Day Private Gourmet Tour of Marlborough's wineries including Lunch
  • Full Day Private Gourmet Tour of Hawke's Bay wineries including Lunch

If you would like to extend the trip and continue the wine route, we can include the Martinborough winelands which would complete the 'New Zealand Wine Trail'. Or continue on from Hawkes Bay to central North Island for the idyllic lakes scenery, famous geothermal activity and Maori heritage of Rotorua and Lake Taupo.

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