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New Zealand Food & Wine Trail

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14 Day Classic NZ Wine Trail Self Drive Tour Auckland to Christchurch

Auckland - Rotorua - Napier - Martinborough - Wellington - Blenheim - Christchurch

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a self-drive touring route that lets you discover five of New Zealand's most beautiful regions. While this touring route has a food and wine focus, you'll also find plenty of culture, adventure and scenery. Visit Hawkes Bay, for fabulous reds, Art Deco architecture and wildlife tours; walk in the forests of the Tararua region and enjoy a beer at the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka; explore the vineyards and historic towns of the Wairarapa region; shop, dine and be entertained in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city; then catch the vehicular ferry to Marlborough, where you can go fishing, kayak the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and find your way to more than 50 cellar doors. Take it slow and savour every sip of the journey..

Total Driving Time About: 17 hrs 30 mins                        Distance: 1,266 kms

Itinerary - 14 Day Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Arrive Auckland and collect your rental car. Depending on your arrival into Auckland, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Mercure Hotel, Superior - Sebel Suites

Day 2:Auckland

Enjoy a scenic cruise to waiheke island. Throughout your tour you will learn about the island's history and culture. You'll see Waiheke's most stunning coastal vistas, pass beautiful hillside vineyards and get a real insider view of island life. Take advantage of the complimentary All Day Bus Pass allowing you to further explore the island.

Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 50 mins                  Distance: 346 kms 

Depart Auckland and head south to the geothermal area of Rotorua. An option on the way is to travel via Waitomo for a visit to the glow worm caves. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi and Concert at Tamaki Village. Two Nights Accommodation, Standard - Hotel Ibis, Superior - Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.

Day 4: Rotorua

A full day to explore Rotorua's many attractions, centre of New Zealand's Maori Culture. Take in such attractions as the Whirinaki Rainforest walk or visiting Rainbow springs for the opportunity to spot a Kiwi. Whilst in Rotorua don't miss the opportunity to indulge your senses at Polynesian spa and soak in the healing waters of the hot pools. This evening you could take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha and experience the amazing views over the lake and enjoy an extensive 5 course dinner.

Day 5: Rotorua to Napier

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs             Distance: 226 kms

Depart Rotorua and drive through pine forests and past Wairakei power station to Lake Taupo where you can stop to view the powerful Huka Falls. Enjoy the incredible scenery and native forests on the road to Napier, which was devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and is now famous for it's Art Deco architecture. This afternoon enjoy a 1 hour Art deco tour of Napier in a vintage Buick.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Deco City Motor Lodge, Superior- Scenic Hotel Te Pania.

Day 6: Napier

Enjoy today in Napier and Hawkes Bay, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. The region is recognised world wide for the quality of it's reds. The wines are typically Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The sunny, warm climate of the Bay also produces some of New Zealand's best Chardonnays. You could visit New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate and enjoying the tasting and knowledge of wine makers from other wineries.

Day 7: Napier to Martinborough

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs  45 mins                 Distance: 273 kms

Spend the morning in Napier before travelling south through Hastings, and then inland through the rural landscape of Hawkes Bay until you reach Mangatainoka. Known for the famous Tui Brewery, you can explore or just enjoy lunch before setting off on your way to Martinborough.

Two nights accommodation, Standard & Superior,The Peppers Martinborough Hotel. 

Day 8: Martinborough

Enjoy your free day in the Wairarapa region, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. You could take an optional Martinborough Food and Wine Tour and go behind the scenes of boutique specialty food producers and sample products. Explore premium wines and enjoy a 3-course lunch where local foods are matched with specially selected local wines.

Day 9: Martinborough to Wellington

Estimated Driving Time: 1 hrs  15 mins                 Distance: 82 kms

This morning you will explore the regions award winning wineries and a chance to sample some of the local produce on a Taste Martinborough Food & Wine Tour. On completion you're only a short distance from New Zealand's capital city, sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops.. A vibrant city, filled with great cafes, restaurants and bars. In your spare time don't miss out on visiting Te Papa- Museum of New Zealand and take a cable car for great views over the city and harbour..

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Bay Plaza Hotel, Superior - James Cook Grand Chancellor, Deluxe - Museum Apartments.

Day 10: Wellington

Today get a in depth locals view of New Zealand's Capital city with a Zest Walking Gourmet Tour, which gives you an insight into Wellington's food and coffee culture, followed up with an afternoon free to discover the amazing retail secrets which wellington is known for. 

Day 11: Wellington to Blenheim

Estimated Driving Time: 25 mins                    Distance: 29 kms

Drop your car off in Picton, then sit back, relax and soak in the scenery as you cruise across Cook Strait and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander Ferry journey to Picton, the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds.

Pick up another car for your drive to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough wine region famous for its Savignon Blanc and gourmet food.

Two nights accommodation, Standard-Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel , Superior - Chateau Marlborough, Deluxe - Old St Mary's Convent.

Day 12: Blenheim

This morning you could explore the newest Aviation Heritage centre in New Zealand, known for it being Peter Jacksons (Lord of the Rings Director) own personal collection of planes. The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre will not only entice the aviation enthusiast, designed to fascinate and inspire visitors of all ages. This afternoon you will join your Marlborough Wine Tour.  Home to over 50 wineries the region is the best place to explore the world of wine and your guide will include up to 5 wineries in your itinerary, including tastings.

Day 13: Blenheim to Christchurch

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 15 mins            Distance: 310 kms

Drive south along Kaikoura Coast and be sure to stop at Kaikoura for lunch, renowned for its whale and dolphin watching. Further south are the Canterbury Plains and the Waipara Wine Region with cellar doors open for tastings, before arriving into Christchurch. This afternoon explore Christchurch on board a historic tram and see the main sights as the tram loops around the city.

Overnight accommodation, Standard-Pavilions Hotel, Superior - Scenic Circle Fino Cassementi, Deluxe - The George Hotel.

Day 14:  Depart Christchurch

Today you are free to explore Christchurch before returing your rental car for your onward journey.

Total Driving Time About: 17 hrs 30 mins                        Distance: 1,266 kms  

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