12 Days from $12,090 USD / person
New Zealand: Classic Wine Trail Tour
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
International Arrival
Private transfer from Auckland Airport to Hotel
Board the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island (Duration: 45 min)
Board the ferry from Waiheke Island to Auckland (Duration: 45 min)
2 Nights
Auckland
Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.
Hotel options
The Grand by SkyCity Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Grand Deluxe King Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
The Hotel Britomart – Opt 2
Room
Laneway Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Day 3 – 5
Private transfer from Hotel to Auckland Airport
Board your flight from Auckland to Napier via (Flight duration incl. Layover in : 4 hrs).
You will be transferred from Napier airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Napier
A peaceful seaside town, Napier stands on Hawke’s Bay by the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This seaport is best known for its resilient comeback following a devastating earthquake in the 1930s. Redeveloped according to the design and architecture prevalent at the time, the city displays a number of iconic Art Deco building and structures. Savor the flavors offered by some of New Zealand’s best regional eateries and wineries, especially around the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, which is also a destination for golfers. The National Aquarium of New Zealand with its marine exhibits and underwater tunnel is worth a visit, as is the statue of the Maori maiden by the waterfront.
Hotel options
Breckenridge Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Guest Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers – Opt 2
Room
Hilltop Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Day 5 – 7
You will be transferred from your hotel to Napier airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Napier to Wellington (Flight duration: 1 hr).
You will be transferred from Wellington airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Wellington
Discover Wellington, a cosmopolitan harbor city brimming with art, culture, entertainment, and natural wonders. Wellington is also home to the protected Matiu/Somes Island reserve, and the Zealandia Ecosanctuary that conserves rare native flora and fauna including the ancient-looking tuatara! Explore the city’s wooded hillsides, swanky bays, and golden sand beaches that provide for great watersports adventures and leisure activities. As the country’s moviemaking hub, Wellington offers exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, theater shows, workshops, studio visits, and screening of old-time classics at restored cinemas. World-class coffee and craft beer dominate the food culture at bohemian markets, gourmet streets, and waterfront neighborhoods. A variety of interactive exhibits and immersive museums showcase contemporary Māori and Pasifika art experiences. Take a ride up Wellington’s historic cable car to Kelburn and stroll down the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway that affords panoramic vistas of the city.
Hotel options
QT Wellington – Opt 1
Room
Harbour View King
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
InterContinental Wellington – Opt 2
Room
Club Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 7 – 9
You will be transferred from your hotel to Wellington pier in a private vehicle
Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton (Duration: 3.5hrs)
You will be transferred from Picton pier to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Blenheim
Enjoy the quaint agricultural town of Blenheim, the gateway to the boutique wineries of the world-famous, wine-growing Marlborough region. Framed by mountains and tucked in the picturesque Wairau Valley fed by its namesake river in New Zealand’s South Island, Blenheim has a relaxed vibe cherished by residents and visitors alike. The town is famous for its artisanal food culture, particularly handmade chocolates paired with fine vintages. World War history comes to life at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center that boasts theatrical exhibits and rare memorabilia of WWI and WWII airplanes featuring the personal collection of Peter Jackson, of the Lord of the Rings fame.
Hotel options
Chateau Marlborough – Opt 1
Room
Executive Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
The Peppertree – Opt 2
Room
Venetian Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Guest house
Day 9 – 10
You will be transferred from your hotel to the Blenheim train station in a private vehicle
Board the Coastal Pacific Train departing from Blenheim at 14:36 hrs and arriving in Christchurch at 20:30 hrs.
You will be transferred from the Christchurch train station to your hotel in a private vehicle
1 Night
Christchurch
Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!
Hotel options
Rendezvous Heritage Christchurch – Opt 1
Room
One Bedroom Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Heritage
Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort – Opt 2
Room
Lakefront Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 10 – 12
You will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch airport in a private vehicle
Flight from Christchurch to Queenstown
You will be transferred from Queenstown airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Queenstown
Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.
Hotel options
Azur Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Villa
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Matakauri Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Lake View Deluxe Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
You will be transferred from your hotel to Queenstown airport in a private vehicle
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
