New Zealand Vacations

Culinary Vacations

16 Days Gourmet Food & Wine Self Drive Tour Package

Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: Contact Travelwizard
Dates: Departures on selected Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. Other day departure available upon request.

This Itinerary combines Luxury B+B's, and some of New Zealand finest Lodges all of which are well known for their amazing food and wine. You will also visit wine districts and experience the many wonders of New Zealand spending quality time in untouched areas of New Zealand.

Ideal for honeymooners and people who enjoy the finer things in life. Accommodation is a mixture of first class boutique hotels and guesthouses combined with some of the finest lodges in New Zealand and the world!

Day 2. Cross international dateline. You will lose a day which will be regained on your return trip.

Day 3. Arrive Auckland. Pick up your car and drive 45 minutes to Pokeno to the Hotel & Spa Du Vin home of De Redcliffe Winery for your overnight stay.

A small stream, a vineyard, native forest, and the rolling hills of the Mangatawhiri Valley set the tone for a superb accommodation experience at 4 star Hotel du Vin and De Redcliffe Winery. With inspired cuisine, award-winning architecture and friendly service, as well as gold and silver medals for its own range of Firstland wines, a stay at this unique vineyard hotel is guaranteed to leave you refreshed and relaxed.

The Vineyard Restaurant offers dining in a variety of elegant settings, the signature Vineyard Room for individual diners, as well as the outside patio areas. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant tonight (additional charge)

Day 4. Heritage Hotel & Spa Du Vin to Rotorua.

** An alternative route can be taken via Waitomo Caves ***

(Driving time 200 km/ 130 miles – 2 hours and 50mins)

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway from Pokeno to Rotorua passing through the beautiful farming areas of Hamilton and Cambridge in the Waikato region. Hamilton is well known for its themed gardens and the local zoo, which has the largest free-flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere - an excellent chance for visitors to acquaint themselves with some of New Zealand's distinctive native birds. Cambridge, 20 minutes further south of Hamilton, is the centre of the equestrian and New Zealand thoroughbred industry. Visit Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge and experience New Zealand's only 'Horse Magic Show'. The town of Cambridge is also well known for its art and craft and antique shopping.

Arrive in Rotorua late afternoon and check into the Kawaha Point Lodge (4 star) for two nights.

From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, mud pools bubbling and belching and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour. In the evening, discover the customs of the Maori people at one of the Maori concerts and traditional hangi meals staged daily, OR visit one of the many spa complexes offering therapeutic treatments and thermal bathing facilities (optional activities)

Day 5. Rotorua. The Kawaha Point Lodge is a beautifully restored family owned retreat, situated on the lakeside. The food is exceptional (dinner is additional charge but can be pre-booked). Today is free to enjoy the many activities available. B

Day 6. Rotorua – Lake Taupo.

(Driving Distance – 80 km/ 50 miles -1 Hour 20 mins)

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region on State Highway 5. If time allows, stop at Orakei Korako thermal area. Access to Orakei Korako is by boat and the average sightseeing time is about one hour.

Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Island's most popular holiday destinations, both in summer and in winter.

Today's destination is 5* Huka Lodge, New Zealand's premium deluxe Lodge, you will experience amazing food and wine this evening (Dinner included) BD

Day 7. Lake Taupo at leisure. Today is free to enjoy the area. The Lake Taupo region has some of the finest examples in New Zealand of untouched, unspoiled and uncrowned country most of which is accessible for you to explore.

A few minutes south of the Lake is Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and a World Heritage area. It was created in 1887 when it's three magnificent volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Ngati Tuwharetoa.

The western side of the Lake, the Pureora Forest Park is home to such rare creations as the shy Kaka or bush parrot and the not-so-shy fluorescent blue mushroom.

To the southeast of the Lake, the Kaimanawa Forest Park contains vast, ancient beech forests, while to the east, Whirinaki Forest Park hosts the greatest concentration of podocarps of any native forest in New Zealand and at the Lake's southern end over 40 bird species live in the largest fresh water Delta wetland in the country. BD

Day 8. Lake Taupo - Napier.

(Driving Distance - 143 Km/ 89 Miles - 2hrs and 30mins)

Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. It runs 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 fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors wine tasting and indoor/outdoor dining, experience Napier and Hastings, the two main centres in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. Following a major earthquake in 1931, the towns were rebuilt in these unique styles. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Overnight Napier – Mangapapa Lodge (4 star) B

Day 9. Napier – Martinborough.

(Driving Distance - 252 km/156Miles, 3hrs 30 mins)

Travel onwards to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area - there are 26 vineyards in and around Martinborough village. Martinborough has a growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. Spend the afternoon out and about on a wine trail of the Martinborough vineyards.

Overnight at the Martinborough Hotel (4 star) B

Day 10. Martinborough – Marlborough.

(Driving Distance 83 km, 52 Miles – 1 Hour 30 Minutes to Blenheim (ferry crossing 3 hours + 30mins to Blenheim. Total travelling time 5hours)

Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington.

Wellington is the nation's capital and the political headquarters for the country. It is also home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand - numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi and Katherine Mansfield's birthplace.

Join from Picton ferry and continue onwards to Blenheim . You could end your tour here or you could start the tour today in Wellington or Blenheim)

Blenheim is located in a wide river valley, which has proven to be perfect for 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, 290 grape growers and 4,054 hectares (10,000 acres) in grape production. The majority of the wineries are boutique operations with cellar doors and many have restaurant/café facilities on site.

Overnight in Blenheim at the Hotel Durville (4 star)

Day 11. Blenheim – Nelson.

(Driving Distance 138 km/86Miles, 3hrs)

Depart Blenheim and head north via the Queen Charlotte Drive which skirts the edge of the Marlborough sounds region, here there are many walks and boating activities, alternatively spend the morning discovering the wineries around the Marlborough region.

Drive through Mt Richmond Forest Park and stop at Pelorus Bridge, continue on to the small town of Nelson.

Nelson is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, three national parks, 300-plus working artists and craftspeople, boutique wineries, fresh local produce and seafood, historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes and restaurants, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle.

Overnight in Nelson – Bronte Lodge (4 star)

Day 12. Nelson Free At Leisure. Lots of options today including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. B

Day 13. Nelson – Lake Brunner.

(Driving Distance 327 km/203 Miles, 6hrs)

From Nelson journey through scenic reserves and earthquake riven landscapes of the Buller Gorge then onward to Greymouth.

When you reach the old gold mining town of Greymouth, head south toward Arthur's Pass/Christchurch to Lake Brunner.

The Lodge is in one of the most remote settings for New Zealand accommodation. The final stage of the magnificent drive leading to the Lodge is shingle road, flanked by pristine podocarp forest, with some trees dating back 600-1000 years. The nearest permanent house is six kilometers away.

National Parks and other protected lands surround the Lodge that is situated near small lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams and the ocean. As well as providing a unique environmental experience, the area is renown for trophy brown trout fishing.

Lake Brunner is sure to be a highlight of your stay.

Overnight Lake Brunner Lodge (4 star) BD

Day 14. Lake Brunner Lodge. Free day to relax in these beautiful surroundings and explore the area. BD

Day 15. Lake Brunner Lodge - Via Arthur's Pass - Christchurch.

(Driving Distance 342 km/212Miles, 4hrs 30mins)

Today you drive through Arthur's pass national Park all the way back to Christchurch to stay at the beautiful house of Charlotte Jane (4 star) B

Day 16. Depart Christchurch. Drop off rental vehicle and depart Christchurch. B

• International airfare from Los Angeles or Vancouver and domestic airfare within New Zealand
• 13 nights hotel accommodation
• 14 days Hertz Rental Car Group E
• Meals as specified by BLD
• Ferry crossing
• Standard co-pilot kit including backpack, driving booklet and maps

Price Excludes

• Taxes (approx $70)
• Hertz: Airport/Ferry Concession Fee Recovery (ACFR) – paid direct $28.13 per recovery fee includes GST

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

12/09

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