New Zealand Gourmet Food & Wine
SELF DRIVE TOUR
AUCKLAND | ROTORUA | NAPIER | WELLINGTON | KAIKOURA | QUEENSTOWN | MARLBOROUGH | CHRISTCHURCH
Calling all foodies – this self-drive tour will tantalize your taste buds! Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s fabulous wine and food culture as you travel around its greatest cities, seeing
world-renowned landmarks along the way. Will it be Marlborough’s sauvignon blanc that takes your fancy or the fresh oysters and wild honey of Waiheke Island?
What our clients say: ”The passion that went into creating and sourcing the most perfect dishes, as well as the delicious wines that were paired with them, was simply amazing. Make sure to save some room in your case for bottles of wine!”
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Get “off the beaten track” and explore unique experiences and locations
• Witness the turquoise Lake Tekapo
• Enjoy wine tasting on Waiheke Island
• Cruise on spectacular Milford Sound
Click here to check out more holidays in New Zealand.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11-12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
Day 1 : Auckland
Upon arrival at Auckland airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore New Zealand’s largest city; perhaps head down to the harbour-front for a fantastic range of restaurants to get your taste buds tantalising.
Day 2 : Auckland
Your food adventure starts today as you head out to the suburbs for a morning tastebud tour. Meet the talents, producers and artisans whose passion for their produce creates the perfect tasting plate. Go behind the scenes at the Auckland Fish Market, see the fish fresh from the water and taste the traditional flavours of the region. Visit coffee roasters, ice cream producers and farmers markets all while hearing about the history, seeing the architecture and being introduced to the culture of this great city.
Day 3 : Waiheke Island
This morning travel across the harbour to quaint Waiheke Island; a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches. Enjoy a guided tour sampling a selection of locally-produced specialty foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island’s top boutique vineyards. Delight in some treats along the way which may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and artisan cheeses.
Day 4 : Rotorua (142 miles)
Pick-up your rental car this morning and head to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Stop at the Hobbiton film set featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn and the Party Tree. Listen to spellbinding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Continue on to Rotorua.
Day 5 : Rotorua
Enjoy a breakfast cruise this morning on Lake Rotorua as the sun rises, allowing for spectacular views. Afterwards visit Wai-O-Tapu, a thermal wonderland showcasing some of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal pools. Then jump on board the Skyline Gondola to experience breath-taking views across the city. This evening take a peek inside the Maori culture; enjoy a banquet of authentic Maori cuisine prepared in the traditional Hangi style and an intimate concert.
Day 6 : Napier (136 Miles)
Leave Rotorua this morning as you travel through the heart of New Zealand’s Northland to the Art Deco town of Napier, located in the wine region of Hawkes Bay. This evening enjoy an interactive wine tasting tour; visit numerous wineries where different stages of your evening meal will be served. A night of scrumptious food, fine wine and spectacular views.
Day 7 : Wellington (200 miles)
Head south today to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Climb out of Hawkes Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterise much of your journey today. Stop off at Martinborough on the way to taste the Pinot Noir, before continuing on to the vibrant city of Wellington.
Day 8 : Wellington
This morning join a guided tour of personal sightseeing with food. Discover fresh tastes in New Zealand’s café capital as your guide introduces you to the city, its local tastes, products and people. Stroll behind the scenes at some favourite Wellington food places, taste hidden culinary treasures and meet some of the people behind a
selection of the city’s best food. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Day 9 : Blenheim (Ferry + 80 miles)
Say goodbye to Wellington this morning as you head to New Zealand’s South Island. After dropping off your rental car board the Interislander ferry for a beautiful cruise, crossing the Cook Strait and passing through the spectacular Marlborough Sound to Picton. Collect your rental car for the short drive to Blenheim, this charming village is full of characterful buildings, art galleries and boutique shops.
Day 10 : Marlborough
Your tour today incorporates the three icons of Marlborough – Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough Sounds and the Marlborough Greenshell Mussels. Start in the heart of the Marlborough wine region with two fine wine experiences before heading for lunch (own cost) on the waterfront in the Marlborough Sounds. Afterwards take a unique Seafood Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about seafood farming, take in some stunning scenery and enjoy fresh local seafood with a glass of award winning Marlborough wine.
Day 11-12 : Kaikoura (77 miles)
Travel along the coast today to Kaikoura, this picturesque coastal town is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks and tucking into a plate of crayfish, in the Maori language ‘kai’ means food, ‘koura’ means crayfish. The next day enjoy a whale watching cruise; every tour is a unique experience and sightings vary from Giant Sperm Whales and Humpbacks to New Zealand Fur Seals, dusky Dolphins and the endangered Albatross.
Day 13 : Christchurch (126 miles)
Continue down the coast this morning as you travel to Christchurch, set against a majestic alp to ocean backdrop. Christchurch is one of the country’s most unique cities, combing urban regeneration and
innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. Spend the rest of the day exploring this fascinating city.
Day 14 : Twizel (177 miles)
Head inland today to Twizel and the spectacular Mt Cook National Park. Have your camera ready as you pass the turquoise Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shephard and Lake Puakaki, they are photo stops not to be missed. Afterwards, stop off in Mount Cook Village for a glacier boat trip, an amazing close encounter with icebergs on a glacial terminal lake. Continue to Twizel, your home for the night.
Day 15 : Queenstown (124 miles)
After a leisurely morning head further south to Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and when you arrive you will see why. Sitting on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu amongst dramatic alpine ranges this town offers a unique energy, friendly locals, an array of activities and restaurants.
Day 16 : Queenstown
Today is all about the local food and wine! See the local sights, enjoy fresh cuisine and taste a selection of fine wines, cheeses and handcrafted chocolates on this full day gourmet tour.
Day 17 : Queenstown
Today travel by coach to the spectacular Milford Sound, known as the “eight wonder of the world.” Follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park; journey along one of the world’s best alpine drives to Milford Sound and cruise its length. Enjoy magnificent views of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and the surrounding mountains of this World Heritage-listed area. Return to Queenstown this evening.
Day 18 : Queenstown
Spend your last day in New Zealand exploring the alpine resort of Queenstown on your own. Perhaps you’ll ride the Skyline Gondola relaxing as you’re taken 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes. Or simply take a stroll around the city centre and soak up the electric atmosphere.
Day 19 : Queenstown Departure
Your New Zealand gourmet wine and food adventure comes to an end as you return your rental car to the airport depot and catch your onward flight back to the UK.
