Wine Lovers New Zealand

On arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax before beginning your exploration of the city.

Waiheke Island boasts 92 km's of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, wineries, olive groves and seaside villages and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of New Zealand's most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world.  This best-selling culinary experience visits four iconic vineyards and artisanal producers.  Highlights include:  Two-course lunch and glass of wine at Batch Winery, Award-winning wine at Mudbrick Vineyard, Olive oil tasting at Allpress Olive Groves and Beer tasting at The Heke Kitchen Brewery & Distillery.

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. After the tour at Hobbiton board the shuttle at Shire's Rest Cafe for your journey to Rotorua.

Choose from a range of massage or aromatherapy treatments, under warm water jets known as AIX hydrotherapy, or indulge in body polishing rituals leaving you feeling blissful and restored.

There is a Swedish massage for complete body relaxation, or gentle rhythmic strokes releasing nervous tension in our relax your mind aromatherapy massage.

Timeless, age refining or triple berry anti-oxidant facials replenish and rehydrate with nourishing botanicals and pure essential oils. Our signature treatments with NZ Manuka Honey or Rotorua Geothermal Mud are nurturing experiences, wrapping you in a calming and nourishing cocoon.

All therapies include a pre-therapy soak in the deluxe lake spa hot pools, leaving you relaxed, distressed and revived.

This morning, prepare to depart from Rotorua for your transfer to Napier.

On arrival at Napier, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax before beginning your exploration of Napier.

Your self guided cycle adventure starts with the wineries of Black Barn, Te Mata Estate and Akarangi in Havelock North where the wine tasting starts early! With your first two winery visits under your belt we also highly recommend a visit to the Chalk and Cheese Cafe and Origin Earth sample room to savour some of the best cheeses you'll ever taste before departing Havelock North. From here you enjoy a 16km cycle on the limestone cycle trail of the landscapes ride, following the Tuki Tuki River, to the coastal communities of Haumoana and Te Awanga. The views are stunning as you cycle the raised stop-bank trail and look out over orchards, vineyards, corn fields and farmland.

Reaching the coast you'll be ready to taste some more fine wine at Beach House (summer weekends only), Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate (summer only).

This morning, prepare to depart from Napier for your transfer to Wellington.

On arrival at Wellington, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax before beginning your exploration of Wellington.

This morning, depart from Wellington for your transfer to Blenheim.

Depart Wellington by Ferry, cross the Cook Strait, and arrive at Picton.

On arrival at Picton, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Blenheim.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax before beginning your exploration of Blenheim.

Your tour guide will show you through the fabulous Marlborough wine region stopping to enjoy two fine wine experiences including Marlborough's Iconic winery, Cloudy Bay. After two wonderful winery visits we will depart the wine region through to the Marlborough Sounds for a nice lunch right on the waterfront (own cost lunch). After lunch we depart the marina on the Marlborough Tour Company launch for a truly unique Seafood Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Take in the natural beauty of the native bush and the tranquility of the Sounds. Learn from your experienced Skipper the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over 6 generations. Visit a marine farm and learn why seafood grows so well in the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy a divine seafood tasting matched perfectly to a complimentary glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. A perfect wine and food match in a beautiful part of Marlborough. On arrival back in the marina transfer back to accommodation.

This morning, depart from Blenheim for your transfer to Christchurch.

On arrival at Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax before beginning your exploration of Christchurch.

This tour explores four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards, Canterbury House, Mark Rattray, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs all producing a fine selection of both white and red wines. Glenmark, Pegasus Bay Canterbury House and Waipara Springs are all located in the Waipara area, well known for its warm dry climate and limestone rich soils, both ideal for quality wine production. Should any of the above named wineries be unavailable on the day of the tour an alternative winery in the Waipara area will be included.

Today, transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier, making it the ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge.

Join our small group tour for an afternoon amongst the boutique vineyards and splendid alpine scenery of Central Otago. Enjoy visits to four premium wineries over 2 contrasting wine sub-regions, learn about the wine and pioneering history of the area, and visit the historic precinct of Old Cromwell (time and weather permitting). This tour includes a delightful shared platter lunch and a premium glass of wine with lunch.

On boarding the coach in Queenstown, visitors are treated to a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. They then board a Real Journeys vessel and cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm before travelling by coach through dense rainforest across Wilmot Pass. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. Once at Deep Cove, visitors board the catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3 hour cruise of beautiful Doubtful Sound. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. An onboard nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region's history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. On the return cruise, the vessel's engines are turned off and passengers are treated to the 'sound of silence'.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Transfer to the Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.