New Zealand Vineyard Tour

Three nights in the ‘city of sails’ is an ideal way to experience the cosmopolitan side of New Zealand. Head to the top of the Sky Tower for stunning views of the city and its harbour. Dine at some of the best restaurants in New Zealand and allow our guide to take you to excellent nearby vineyards.

A ferry ride across to Waiheke Island is perfect for this and a day spent here can include wine tasting, private guided nature walks and a romantic dinner at a mudbrick restaurant. Back in Auckland, you can also dine at excellent restaurants and enjoy some relaxing nightlife along the harbours. Sea and boat lovers will adore the countless yachts, boats and ferries visible on the ocean.

Head south to Rotorua and visit the spectacular geothermal geysers and mud pools at Orakei Tarakao. Volcanic activity spews hot thermal water high into the air, creating a spectacle of steam. You’ll also find thermal baths and the chance to see brilliant wood carvings made by Māori craftsmen.

From Rotorua, drive on towards Taupo, taking a scenic drive through New Zealand’s beautiful countryside. Spend the night next to Lake Taupo and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.

Spend the morning walking in some spectacular hill country around Tongariro National Park. After, continue on the wine trail by heading east to the Hawkes Bay region, famous for its beautiful rugged coastline, vineyards and gourmet food. Arrive in charming Napier where you’ll embark on an evening Twilight Odyssey tour of the vineyards of the region and enjoy an equally impressive dinner to match.

Spend the day strolling around this wonderful town, which boasts some superb 1930s Art Deco architecture. A walking tour around the town can be booked here. Alternatively, enjoy the day at one of the many excellent vineyards and sample the region’s local produce.

Close by is the stunning coastline of Hawke’s Bay where you can see the largest gannet colony in the world, ideal if you are a nature lover. A trip to the top of Te Mata peak is also well worth the effort for stunning views of the rugged coastline and ocean. Napier boasts some excellent restaurants and is a great location for those wanting to continue the gourmet trail by indulging in some of the country’s finest cheese, olives, honey and chocolate. Some of the best wines of this region include Pinot Gris and Syrah. A great place to try these is at one of the fine restaurants overlooking the waterfront.

Follow the grapevine trail south to Martinborough via Carterton, Greytown and Featherstone. Stop for a break in Featherstone for a visit to the historic lighthouse at Palliser Bay and the possibility of seeing native fur seals on this rugged stretch of coast. Martinborough is another gem of the Hawke’s Bay area. Enjoy a relaxing walk around this charming village while admiring its wonderfully preserved colonial architecture.

Hire a bicycle from Hawke’s Bay and tour some of the 20 vineyards in the area. Stay at one of the vineyards for an idyllic experience of wine, countryside and luxury. Alternatively, more laid back and simple accommodation can be found at the holiday park.

Today is free for you to enjoy the delights and charms of Martinborough at your own pace. A perfect way to experience the area is by joining a Gourmet Wine Escape Tour. You are sure to meet fellow wine lovers and you’ll visit four top of the range vineyards. Have lunch at a vineyard café and quench your thirst with some Pinot Noir, the world famous produce of the region.

Head south on a scenic drive towards Wellington. The route will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the North Island - the Rimutaka Hills. Make your way to Rimutaka Summit for incredible views of the surrounding country and the distant southern ocean.

If you want to take this leg of the tour slowly, head out to Wairarapa and the beautiful Castlepoint Beach. Ascend the famous Castle Rock, which stands at 162 metres high and offers fantastic views. At Pukuka Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, you’ll have the chance to see the rare white Kiwi. Finally, arrive in the nation’s vibrant and friendly capital city, Wellington.

Finish your wine tour of New Zealand with a three night stay in the capital. Wellington boasts excellent cuisine, a relaxed café culture and wonderful sights which will grab your attention. Explore the Te Papa Interactive National Museum down by the harbour. You’ll learn about New Zealand’s fascinating history and enjoy some of the finest art exhibitions in the country.

Boutique coffee houses line Cuba Street, where you can spend the afternoon sampling their produce. More wine tasting can be done at the specialist stores too, where they’ll help you mix and match with three course meals. A trip to the Botanical Gardens by cable car is a great way to unwind, enjoy views of the city and spend time in nature.