Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
Auckland
Famous for its wines, embark on a self drive through New Zealand’s Classic Wine Trail sampling gourmet food while taking in culture and some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Highlights
- Taupo
- Hawkers Bay
- Wine & Gourmet Odyssey
- Boutique wineries, delis and cafes of Martinborough
- Wellington
- Blenheim
- Afternoon Greenshell Mussel Cruise ex/to Havelock Marina
- Hanmer Springs
- Christchurch
- Day 1 - Auckland to Taupo
- Day 2 - Lake Taupo
- Day 3 - Lake Taupo to Napier
- Day 4 - Napier
- Day 5 - Napier to Martinborough
- Day 6 - Martinborough
- Day 7 - Martinborough to Wellington
- Day 8 - Wellington
- Day 9 - Wellington to Blenheim via Picton
- Day 10 - Marlborough Sounds
- Day 11 - Marlborough Region
- Day 12 - Blenheim to Hanmer Springs
- Day 13 - Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
- Additional Information
Approximately 277km (172 Miles)
Head south through the beautiful Waikato region and Hamilton to the Lake Taupo region. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake and provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, visit Tongariro World Heritage Park and explore the local geothermal phenomena.
Millennium Hotel & Resort
Boasting a spellbinding lake edge location, this welcoming Taupo Hotel and Resort presents you with uninterrupted views of the magnificent lake and mountains from guest rooms, restaurants and bar areas. The hotel is luxuriously furnished with an ambience and art collection to delight all visitors.
Today is at leisure for you to explore Lake Taupo region.
Meals Included: RoMillennium Hotel & Resort
Boasting a spellbinding lake edge location, this welcoming Taupo Hotel and Resort presents you with uninterrupted views of the magnificent lake and mountains from guest rooms, restaurants and bar areas. The hotel is luxuriously furnished with an ambience and art collection to delight all visitors.
Approximately 153kms (95 miles)
Travel to the Hawke’s Bay region via the Tarawera Ranges. Journey from rugged mountain range to gentle plain, from desert-like pumice lands to a vineyard area and from marginal farmland to well cultivated fields. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for its wine, food and lively arts scene.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water.
Today is at leisure for you to explore the Hawkes Bay region.
Meals Included: RoScenic Hotel Te Pania
Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water.
Approximately 282kms (175 miles)
Continue onto the tiny wine village of Martinborough and discover a host of top-class vineyards in and around Martinborough, famed for its international award-winning Pinot Noir. Spend the afternoon out and about on a wine trail of the Martinborough vineyards.
The Martinborough Hotel
Property Location Located in Martinborough, The Martinborough Hotel is minutes from Muirlea Rise and Martinborough Vineyard. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Palliser Estate and Ata Rangi Vineyard.
Today you are at leisure in Martinborough to explore the Wairarapa Wine region and Greytown.
Meals Included: RoThe Martinborough Hotel
Property Location Located in Martinborough, The Martinborough Hotel is minutes from Muirlea Rise and Martinborough Vineyard. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Palliser Estate and Ata Rangi Vineyard.
Approximately 83kms (52 Miles)
Continue over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills onto Wellington, the nation’s capital. The compact city is nestled between an expansive harbour and bush-clad hills. The downtown area is ideal for walking around, with all shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s attractions within close proximity.
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington is centrally located on downtown Featherston Street with a unique combination of harbour and city outlooks.
Today is at leisure for you to explore Wellington city.
Meals Included: RoRydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington is centrally located on downtown Featherston Street with a unique combination of harbour and city outlooks.
Approximately 27kms (17 Miles) Picton to Blenheim
Board the Interislander Ferry for the scenic journey to Picton on the South Island.
Continue on to Blenheim which is located in a wide river valley and has proven to be perfect or growing grapes - not least of which is the flagship Sauvignon Blanc variety. Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest grape growing and winemaking region with 65 wineries.
Meals Included: RoScenic Hotel Marlborough
Property Location With a stay at Scenic Hotel Marlborough, you'll be centrally located in Blenheim, steps from Seymour Square and Millennium Art Gallery. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of ASB Theatre Marlborough and Marlborough Convention Centre.
At leisure for you to explore the best wineries in the region.
Meals Included: RoScenic Hotel Marlborough
Property Location With a stay at Scenic Hotel Marlborough, you'll be centrally located in Blenheim, steps from Seymour Square and Millennium Art Gallery. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of ASB Theatre Marlborough and Marlborough Convention Centre.
At leisure for you to explore the best wineries in the region.
Meals Included: RoScenic Hotel Marlborough
Property Location With a stay at Scenic Hotel Marlborough, you'll be centrally located in Blenheim, steps from Seymour Square and Millennium Art Gallery. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of ASB Theatre Marlborough and Marlborough Convention Centre.
Approximately 258km (160 Miles)
Journey south along the scenic coastal road through the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, world renowned for whale watching and continue onto the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs, famed for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, this charming town has a main street filled with boutique shops, cafes and eateries.
Heritage Hanmer Springs
Property Location With a stay at Heritage Hanmer Springs in Hanmer Springs, you'll be minutes from Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve and close to Conical Hill Walkway. This 4.5-star hotel is within the vicinity of Hanmer Forest Park and Waiau Ferry Bridge.
Approximately 133km (83 miles)
Continue on your last leg of your journey to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Christchurch is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon River.
- Deluxe Documentation Pack
- 12 nights accommodation, room only basis unless specified
- 13 days Hertz Group D car rental
- Interislander Ferry (Passenger) from Wellington to Picton
- Morning Deco Walking Tour
- Wine & Gourmet Odyssey Tour
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise
Months: Year Round
Days: Daily
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Accommodation (Motel):
Taupo Acapulco Motor Inn or similar
Napier Bella Tuscany on Kennedy or similar
Martinborough The Claremont or similar
Wellington The Thorndon Hotel or similar
Blenheim Colonial Motel or similar
Hanmer Springs Hanmer Inn Motel or similar
Accommodation (Hotel):
Taupo Millennium Hotel Manuels or similar
Napier Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar
Martinborough The Martinborough Hotel or similar
Wellington Rydges Wellington or similar
Blenheim Scenic Hotel Marlborough or similar
Hanmer Springs Heritage Hanmer Springs or similar
Accommodation (Boutique):
Taupo The Pillars Retreat or similar
Napier McHardy Lodge or similar
Martinborough The Martinborough Hotel or similar
Wellington Harbor Lodge or similar
Blenheim Marlborough Vintners Hotel or similar
Hanmer Springs Heritage Hanmer Springs or similar
Blockout dates:
Please note additional blockout dates are subject to change. Additional block out dates may apply during special event and public holiday periods.
Motel:
The Claremont: 27 Apr 20, 01 Jun 20, 25 Dec 20, 01 - 02 Jan 21
The Thorndon Hotel Wellington: 03-04 Jul 20, 10-11 Jul 20, 17-18 Jul 20, 24-25 Jul 20, 29-30 Jul 20, 31 Jul -02 Aug 20, 07-08 Aug 20, 14-15 Aug 20, 21-22 Aug 20, 28-29 Aug 20, 24 Sep - 11 Oct 20, 08-13 Dec 20, 20 Feb - 09 Mar 20.
Hanmer Inn Motel: 2 night minimum stay over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
2-night minimum stay applies during 13 Apr 20, 25 Apr 20, 01 Jun 20, 26 Oct 20, 01 Dec 20 - 28 Feb.
Hotel:
The Martinborough Hotel: Surcharge will apply for stays over Friday & Saturday nights.
Rydges Wellington 03-04 Jul 20, 10-11 Jul 20, 17-18 Jul 20, 24-25 Jul 20, 29-30 Jul 20, 02 Aug 20, 07-08 Aug 20, 14-15 Aug 20, 21-22 Aug 20, 28-29 Aug 20, 01 Sep - 31 Oct 20.
Heritage Hanmer Springs: 10-13 Apr 20, 25-27 Apr 20, 30-31 May 20, 07 Jun 20, 12-16 Jul 20, 15 Aug 20, 29 Sep - 01 Oct 20, 23-26 Oct 20, 24 Dec 20 - 09 Jan 21, 21-23 Jan 21.
Boutique:
The Pillars Retreat: Property Closed: 04 Jun - 31 Aug 20. This property does not cater for children under 16 years.
McHardy Lodge: This property does not cater for children under 12 years.
The Martinborough Hotel: Surcharge will apply for stays over Friday & Saturday nights.
Harbor Lodge Wellington: 2-night minimum stay applies during 01 Oct 20 - 31 Mar 21
Heritage Hanmer Springs: 10-13 Apr 20, 25-27 Apr 20, 30-31 May 20, 07 Jun 20, 12-16 Jul 20, 15 Aug 20, 29 Sep - 01 Oct 20, 23-26 Oct 20, 24 Dec 20 - 09 Jan 21, 21-23 Jan 21.