Days 1 & 2 - Depart for Auckland
Cross the international date line and arrive on Day 3
Day 3 - Auckland/Waiheke Island
Arrive into Auckland, greeted by your local representative. After a private transfer to your hotel, you can rest before joining the midday ferry to Waiheke Island, where you will tour some of the island's vineyards famous for big Bordeaux-style reds. This is the first of your many wine trails. Take time to eat lunch at one of the most popular and scenic vineyards before returning to Auckland. This evening, enjoy the internationally renowned chef and culinary celebrity Peter Gordon's creations at the elegant, chic "Dine" located at your hotel.
Day 4 - Auckland/Napier
Following breakfast, a private transfer takes you to join your flight to Napier. There, you will be met by and transferred to your accommodations. Enjoy the spectacular views from this luxury lodge. Free time is provided, where you may wish to take a guided walk around the famous Art Deco town center. This evening enjoy a superb 5-course dinner in the company of a local winemaker or estate owner at the Lodge. They will talk about their passion, and you can taste their award-winning wines, carefully selected to match your meal. This is truly a unique opportunity!
Day 5 - Napier/Hawke's Bay
Eat breakfast is with your hosts before you are off on a tour designed for those serious about wine. Hawke's Bay region is known for Chardonnay and other red grape varietals. It is a great place to trial new varietals including Viognier, Tempranillo, Gamay and Zinfandel. Meet the winemakers and learn about Terroir and how it creates different wine styles. Taste wine from a barrel and eat a picnic lunch. After returning to your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 6 - Napier/Blenheim
This morning, you will be taken to Napier Airport to fly to Wellington and Blemheim. This is the largest wine-growing region in New Zealand, known for Sauvignon Blanc as well as Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and fine sparkling wines. Transfer to the Havelock Marina for an afternoon cruise through tranquil Marlborough Sounds. The Greenshell Mussel Cruise will take you through the Marlborough Sounds as well as the inner Peloru and Kenepuru Sounds. You will visit a Greenshell Mussel farm and enjoy freshly steamed mussels along with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Tonight, stay at an intimate retreat surrounded on all sides by the vineyards and olive groves.
Day 7 - Blenheim
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full day of wine touring. Some of the vineyards you'll visit today are: Forrest Estate, a unique vineyard that helps you understand why the Marlborough region is so special. You'll learn about soil, climate, the art of tasting wine, and much more. Cellier Le Brun is for a tasting of bubblies and terrace road wines. Next, go to Highfield Estate for a range of fine wines and gourmet meats, seafoods, salads, fresh breads, perfectly matched to your new favorite wines. (Lunch is not included) Some of the other vineyards to be visited today are Cloudy Bay (Marlborough's Icon Winery), Allan Scott Winery & Winters Wines. No better way to end the day than with chocolate, visit Makana and watch as hand-made chocolates are made. This evening, dinner is included at the famous Herzog Luxury Restaurant, which will no doubt be one of the highlights of your trip and one you'll never forget!
Day 8 - Blenheim/Queenstown
Following breakfast, you are transferred to the airport to join your flight to Queenstown via Christchurch. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort that caters to all interests. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features over 100 restaurants. Explore to your heart's content on your own for the remainder of the day before returning to your hotel St. Moritz Hotel.
Day 9 - Queenstown
The day begins with a full breakfast, and then the possibilities are almost unlimited! You could take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on a steam ship, visit a sheep station for a farm tour or evening meal or visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park. You could pump up your adrenalin by jet boating up narrow river chasms, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, tandem parachuting, or slow it back down taking a lakeside stroll to Queenstown Gardens or taking a guided nature walk. The entire day is yours to enjoy as you would.
Day 10 - Queenstown/Gibbston Wine Valley
This morning is at leisure to relax or shop. This afternoon, you are picked up by your guide to travel to Gibbston Wine Valley for a wine tour. Take a underground wine cave tour, hear an in-depth introduction to the four Queenstown wineries, and taste and compare wines. Later, return to your hotel, St. Moritz Hotel.
Day 11 - Conclude Queenstown
Enjoy your full breakfast at the hotel before your transfer takes you to the airport to begin your return home.
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