17 days/16 nights
Fly Drive Holiday
Guide Price €4,355 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Couple outstanding gourmet delicacies with world-class wineries on this foodie journey of the senses.
- Waiheke Island
- Hawke's Bay
- Akaroa
- Gibbston
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Itinerary
Days 1-2 Auckland to Waiheke Island
Take a scenic 35 minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island, home to golden beaches and many award-winning wineries which thrive in the warm temperate climate. Enjoy long lunches at boutique cellar doors overlooking the ocean and relax at your gorgeous lodge, perched on the hillside.
Days 3-4 Waiheke Island to Rotorua
Cross back to the mainland to pick up your car and head south to Rotorua to see the exploding geysers and bubbling mud pools of this volcanic region. Enjoy a captivating tour to the Tamaki Village and savour a traditional Maori hangi feast, cooked in an earth oven.
Days 5-6 Rotorua to Hawke’s Bay
Wine country and the beautiful Breckenridge Lodge awaits in sunny Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy tastings at exceptional local wineries and take a stroll through the lodge’s organic kitchen gardens.
Day 7 Hawke’s Bay to Martinborough
Continue to Martinborough, a pretty wine village famed for its Pinot Noir, with a picturesque town square and many family run vineyards within walking distance.
Day 8 Martinborough to Blenheim
Drop off your car at the Interislander ferry depot in Wellington then cross the Cook Straight to the South Island. Pick up a new car in Picton then make your way to The Peppertree, your home for the next two nights.
Day 9 Blenheim
This charming Edwardian guest house is set amongst 10 acres of olive groves and colourful gardens in the heart of Marlborough. Be sure to sample ‘The Peppertree Chardonnay’!
Days 10-11 Blenheim to Kaikoura
Continue down the coast to Kaikoura, renowned for its outstanding marine wildlife experiences. Join a cruise to spot the resident giant sperm whales and try the tasty local delicacy, crayfish.
Days 12-13 Kaikoura to Akaroa
The spectacular Banks Peninsula, home to the pretty harbourside town of Akaroa, is a haven for foodies. Influenced by its waterside location and sunny Mediterranean climate, the weekly farmers market showcases the region’s delicious artisanal produce, including fresh Akaroa salmon, olives and cheeses, perfect with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Day 14 Akaroa to Oamaru
Down the coast lies the quaint coastal town of Oamaru. Enjoy delectable cuisine at the luxurious Pen-y-bryn Lodge and head to the harbour at dusk to see the world’s smallest penguins waddle up the beach to their nests.
Days 15-16 Oamaru to Gibbston
Today, head inland to the Gibbston Valley, located just a 30 minute drive outside of Queenstown. This stunning valley is home to the gorgeous Kinross Cellar Door and Cottages where you can indulge in tastings and relax in the beautiful surroundings: the perfect final stop on your gourmet adventure.
Day 17 Gibbston to Queenstown
Drive the short distance to Queenstown and continue with your onward journey.
Map
Price & Inclusions
- 15 days Compact Inclusive Plus car hire including zero excess insurance, unlimited mileage, 24 hour Roadside Assistance & additional drivers
- Return shared Auckland ferry terminal(Queens Wharf QW1) to
- Matiatia Wharf (Waiheke Ferry Terminal) -no road transfers included.
- Interislander ferry transfer from Wellington to Picton
- 16 nights 4 to 5 accommodation
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Rotorua
- Maori Experience & Hangi Feast, Rotorua
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise
- International flights
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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