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Wine, dine, and drive through New Zealand!
Spend 10 nights driving through New Zealand, sampling wines and dining on delicious meals as you go! This trip brings you to the world-famous Marlborough wine region, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and a handful of other gorgeous sites. Stay overnight in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Christchurch, and more. Sip wines as you overlook beautiful Lake Rotorua, enjoy a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, visit one of New Zealand's oldest wineries! You're in control as you drive from place to place with the breeze in your hair, soaking up the beautiful scenery along the way!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Christchurch (CHC)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Grand Millennium Hotel, or similar
- Waiheke wine trail tour- includes roundtrip ferry, island tour, lunch & 3 wine tastings
- Automatic rental car- includes unlimited mileage, full coverage insurance, and GPS
- Pickup Auckland city center on Day 2, and drop off in Wellington on Day 8
- Driving Creek Railway
- 1 night in the Coromandel region (Pauanui) at the Grand Mercure Hotel Puka Park Resort, or similar
- Volcanic Hills wine tasting
- Skyline Gondola with buffet lunch
- 1 night in Rotorua at the Regent of Rotorua Hotel, or similar
- Entrance to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
- 2 nights in Napier at the Crown Hotel Napier, or similar
- Church Road Winery Tour with lunch
- 1 night in Martinborough at the Peppers Parehua Lodge Hotel, or similar
- Inter-islander ferry from Wellington to Picton
- Automatic rental car- includes unlimited mileage, full coverage insurance, and GPS
- Pickup in Picton on Day 8, and drop off at Christchurch airport on Day 11
- 2 nights in Blenheim at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough, or similar
- Marlborough tour with 3 wineries and lunch (full-day)
- 1 night in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily and 4 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Sample wines in Waiheke, Church Road, and Marlborough!
Visit the beautiful cities of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch!
-
Discover the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, one of the best geothermal parks in the area!
-
Grab a cup of coffee in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand known for its coffee culture!
-
Stay overnight in Blenheim, the gateway to the famous Marlborough wine region!
This ultimate wine lover's vacation spans 10 nights in a handful of different idyllic New Zealand locations!
Begin with a few nights in Auckland, an excellent place to start! Your first included wine tasting will happen during your time here, on Waiheke Island! The rest of your time here is free to spend at leisure. Be sure to pick up your rental car!
From Auckland, you'll drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful region of the country. Included is a trip on the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gauge train ride! You may wish to visit one of a handful of attractions in the area, including Hot Water Beach at Hahei or Cathedral Cove where "Narnia" was filmed!
Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll ride the Skyline Gondola! This experience includes a wine tasting and buffet lunch. Spend the rest of your time here at leisure.
Next, you're off to Napier! The Art Deco city is filled with fantastic architecture and history to be admired. On the way there, you'll stop at Waiotapu Thermal Reserve which is one of the best geothermal parks in the area! You may wish to stop afterward at Huka Falls, too! Your time in Napier includes a Church Road tour with lunch.
After Napier, you'll drive to Martinborough. There are a handful of boutique vineyards along the way, so plan a stop (or three!). From Martinborough, you'll drive to Wellington to drop off your rental car and catch the Interislander ferry towards Picton. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee for the trip, as Wellington's coffee culture is not-to-be-missed! Upon arrival in Picton, you'll pick up your new rental car and drive to Blenheim!
Blenheim is the gateway to the Marlborough wine region. Included during your time here is a Marlborough wine tour, complete with a lunch cruise! You'll love trying the delicious Sauvignon Blanc wines that the region is known for.
From Blenheim, you'll drive to Christchurch. Consider stopping along the way in Kaikoura to treat yourself to a whale-watching cruise! Spend the final night of your trip savoring New Zealand delicacies at dinner in central Christchurch before it's time to pack up your belongings and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Christchurch (CHC)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Grand Millennium Hotel, or similar
- Waiheke wine trail tour- includes roundtrip ferry, island tour, lunch & 3 wine tastings
- Automatic rental car- includes unlimited mileage, full coverage insurance, and GPS
- Pickup Auckland city center on Day 2, and drop off in Wellington on Day 8
- Driving Creek Railway
- 1 night in the Coromandel region (Pauanui) at the Grand Mercure Hotel Puka Park Resort, or similar
- Volcanic Hills wine tasting
- Skyline Gondola with buffet lunch
- 1 night in Rotorua at the Regent of Rotorua Hotel, or similar
- Entrance to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
- 2 nights in Napier at the Crown Hotel Napier, or similar
- Church Road Winery Tour with lunch
- 1 night in Martinborough at the Peppers Parehua Lodge Hotel, or similar
- Inter-islander ferry from Wellington to Picton
- Automatic rental car- includes unlimited mileage, full coverage insurance, and GPS
- Pickup in Picton on Day 8, and drop off at Christchurch airport on Day 11
- 2 nights in Blenheim at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough, or similar
- Marlborough tour with 3 wineries and lunch (full-day)
- 1 night in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily and 4 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Sample wines in Waiheke, Church Road, and Marlborough!
Visit the beautiful cities of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch!
-
Discover the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, one of the best geothermal parks in the area!
-
Grab a cup of coffee in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand known for its coffee culture!
-
Stay overnight in Blenheim, the gateway to the famous Marlborough wine region!
Package Overview
This ultimate wine lover's vacation spans 10 nights in a handful of different idyllic New Zealand locations!
Begin with a few nights in Auckland, an excellent place to start! Your first included wine tasting will happen during your time here, on Waiheke Island! The rest of your time here is free to spend at leisure. Be sure to pick up your rental car!
From Auckland, you'll drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful region of the country. Included is a trip on the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gauge train ride! You may wish to visit one of a handful of attractions in the area, including Hot Water Beach at Hahei or Cathedral Cove where "Narnia" was filmed!
Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll ride the Skyline Gondola! This experience includes a wine tasting and buffet lunch. Spend the rest of your time here at leisure.
Next, you're off to Napier! The Art Deco city is filled with fantastic architecture and history to be admired. On the way there, you'll stop at Waiotapu Thermal Reserve which is one of the best geothermal parks in the area! You may wish to stop afterward at Huka Falls, too! Your time in Napier includes a Church Road tour with lunch.
After Napier, you'll drive to Martinborough. There are a handful of boutique vineyards along the way, so plan a stop (or three!). From Martinborough, you'll drive to Wellington to drop off your rental car and catch the Interislander ferry towards Picton. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee for the trip, as Wellington's coffee culture is not-to-be-missed! Upon arrival in Picton, you'll pick up your new rental car and drive to Blenheim!
Blenheim is the gateway to the Marlborough wine region. Included during your time here is a Marlborough wine tour, complete with a lunch cruise! You'll love trying the delicious Sauvignon Blanc wines that the region is known for.
From Blenheim, you'll drive to Christchurch. Consider stopping along the way in Kaikoura to treat yourself to a whale-watching cruise! Spend the final night of your trip savoring New Zealand delicacies at dinner in central Christchurch before it's time to pack up your belongings and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Package ID: PK-GC4P-SH-ENZWT-AKL
Day 1. Welcome to Auckland!
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check in, spend time at leisure, and find a charming restaurant for dinner!
Transfer from Auckland Airport to hotel
Check-in - Grand Millennium Auckland
Auckland,
New Zealand
Located in the vibrant heart of Auckland, the Grand Millennium boasts chic decor, luxurious rooms, and endless amenities. With its amazing location, you'll be steps from the city's finest dining, shopping, and entertainment venues! Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, and admire the hotel's stylish interior.
Head up to your room and open the door to free WiFi, comfortable beds, flat-screen TV, and much more! Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the pool, or lace up your sneakers and work out in the fitness center. In the mood for a cocktail? Treat yourself to a drink at the posh Atrium Bar! When you work up an appetite, choose from either onsite restaurant: the Grand Millennium Brasserie or Katsura Japanese Restaurant.
Day 2. Auckland
Today, you will depart for Waiheke Island on a lunch and wine tasting tour!
This afternoon, pick up your rental car and return to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.
Taste of Waiheke Tour (with lunch and wine tastings)
Set sail on a 30 minute leisure cruise to Waiheke Island! On arrival, your tour coach will take you around the island to visit three famous vineyards for wine tastings, including Casit Miro & Mudrbrick. A quick stop at Rangihoua Estate to sample a premium range of extra virgin olive oil, pressed locally with olive groves in the surroundings. A lunch and wine tasting is included at Stoneyridge Vineyard. Return by ferry to Auckland in the early afternoon.
Day 3. Auckland - Coromandel
Today, you will depart for Coromandel! The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful location. Stop along the way for a train ride at Driving Creek Railway. Continue on, perhaps stopping again in Hahei to visit Hot Water Beach. Check into your hotel, and enjoy a scenic evening stroll along Cathedral Cove, one of the filming locations for the film "Narnia!"
Check-in - Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Pauanui,
New Zealand
Feel immersed in natural beauty at this stunning hotel on the Coromandel Peninsula! Surrounded by acres of wilderness, this secluded resort combines luxury with nature to create a tranquil retreat. Open the door to your spacious room, where you'll find WiFi, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and tons of amenities that'll make you feel right at home!
Once you're all settled, take a swing on the tennis court, or pamper yourself with a decadent massage. Work all your stresses away in the fitness center, or make a splash in the sparkling swimming pool! When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the classy onsite restaurant!
Driving Creek Railway
Driving Creek Railway is a narrow gauge train ride to visit end enjoy the lush replanted area at top of ‘Eye-full’ Tower. You may visit the local pottery studio created by Barry Brickell to outsource clay for his own work.
Day 4. Coromandel - Rotorua
This morning, you will depart Coromandel for Rotorua at your leisure. There are a handful of different routes to take depending upon your activity preferences. You may choose to visit Karangahake Gorge, a mine at Waihi, or other walking trails and historical spots!
Upon arrival at Rotorua, you will experience the Skyline Gondola, Volcanic Hills wine tasting, & buffet lunch tour! Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Check-in - Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel
Rotorua,
New Zealand
Step into elegance and sophistication at this beautiful boutique hotel! Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team and admire the stylish lobby. Head up to your room and open the door to flooding natural light, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, plush bedding, luxurious bath amenities, and more!
Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool, or lace up your sneakers and work out in the fitness center. When you work up an appetite, consider a meal at the delicious Regent Room Restaurant & Wine Bar. In the mood to explore the area? Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel is conveniently placed just steps from local shops, bars, and cafes!
Skyline Gondola, Volcanic Hills wine tasting, & buffet lunch
Board the Skyline Gondola for the ride up Mt Ngongotaha for the most spectacular views in Rotorua! Sample handcrafted wines from New Zealand’s most recognized and respected wine regions in the Volcanic Hills wine tasting room while enjoying the 180 degree panoramic views over Lake Rotorua. Then enjoy a buffet lunch in the Skyline Restaurant.
Day 5. Rotorua - Napier
Today, en route to Napier, stop to visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve!
Continue on, perhaps with a stop at Huka Falls! Enjoy the scenery change from forest and mountains to luscious vineyards and fertile land. Enter Hawke's Bay and Napier, check into your hotel, and explore this evening!
Check-in - The Crown Hotel Napier
Napier,
New Zealand
Stylish and elegant, the Crown Hotel Napier offers well-equipped rooms and breathtaking waterfront views. After checking in, open the door to your room and find crisp air conditioning, underfloor heating, LCD satellite TV, WiFi, plush bedding, and much more! With a mix of contemporary and Art Deco style rooms, you'll either find modern luxury or timeless sophistication. This historic hotel boasts old-world charm with modern twists!
Once you're all settled in your room, lace up your sneakers and work your stresses away in the fitness center! When you work up an appetite, consider a delicious meal at the onsite Milk & Honey Restaurant, a trendy eatery overlooking the ocean.
Entrance to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
Visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve to discover one of the best geothermal parks in the area. Time to learn more about volcanoes and geysers! Be amazed by Lady Knox, and effervescent geyser with a punctual eruption at 10:15am every morning.
Day 6. Napier
Today in Napier, you'll enjoy a Church Road tour with lunch!
Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you discover the Art Deco architecture and charm of Napier.
Church Road Winery Tour with lunch
Discover the passion behind Church Road wines on a guided tour through one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries. The Behind the Scenes tour includes the Church Road Winery, fascinating underground museum, cellar door wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch platter.
Day 7. Napier - Martinborough
Drive today from Napier to Martinborough! Enjoy the lush green scenery as you pass through the Wairarapa region. This area is filled with boutique vineyards to explore, so consider stopping in Gladstone or Masterton to sample delicious wines before reaching Martinborough!
Check-in - Peppers Parehua
Martinborough,
New Zealand
With world-class service, luxurious accommodations, recreational facilities, and beautiful surroundings, Peppers Parehua in Martinborough makes the perfect home away from home. Nestled on a vast country estate, this lovely hotel comes alive with green gardens and panoramic views of the nearby Wairarapa wine region. Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool, or take a swing on the tennis court!
Open the door to your cozy cottage and find a fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen, open-plan living spaces, spa-like bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. Enjoy satellite TV, free WiFi, under-floor heating, and more! Don't feel like cooking? Consider a gourmet experience at the Pavilion Restaurant, which offers fine produce and local wines from Wairarapa.
Day 8. Martinborough - Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
A short drive will bring you to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Here, you'll drop your rental car and board the Interislander ferry towards Picton! Upon arrival, you'll pick up your new rental car and drive to Blenheim, the gateway to the Marlborough wine region!
Ferry from Wellington to Picton
Check-in - Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Blenheim,
New Zealand
Step into comfort and relaxation at this modern hotel located in the heart of Marlborough Wine Country! Just a 10-minute walk from the center of Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough boasts comfortable rooms, onsite dining, and modern amenities. Check in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then make your way to your room.
Open the door to your room and find crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and much more. Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool, then steam away your stresses in the sauna. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Mondrians Restaurant & Bar!
Day 9. Blenheim
Today, you will enjoy a Marlborough tour, including vineyard visits and a lunch cruise!
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Marlborough tour with 3 wineries and lunch (full-day)
Indulge in local Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough Sounds and fresh local seafood with this full-day tour. A Marlborough wine tour visiting two wineries in the morning is followed by a delicious Marlborough Sounds waterfront lunch, then a relaxing seafood cruise for the afternoon, accompanied by fresh local seafood and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as you cruise the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Day 10. Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Today, you will depart Blenheim and head for Christchurch. Stop along the way in Kaikoura to enjoy the scenery. If you'd rather blaze your own trail to Christchurch, you can do just that by stopping elsewhere along the way.
Upon arrival in Christchurch, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore this great city and find a delicious-looking restaurant to indulge in some New Zealand specialties on the last night of your trip!
Check-in - Sudima Christchurch City Hotel
Christchurch,
New Zealand
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel is a new boutique hotel can be found among the bustling cafes, bars, and restaurants on Christchurch's Victoria Street. The hotel is in close proximity to Christchurch's CBD and Hagley Park. After an invigorating day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for canapes and a refreshing cocktail or kick back in your spacious guestroom for a good night's sleep.
Day 11. Depart New Zealand
Drop your rental car off at the Christchurch Airport before catching your flight home!
Fly home!
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Auckland, New Zealand
Grand Millennium Auckland
Lavish luxury in the heart of Auckland
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Pauanui, New Zealand
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Surround yourself with natural beauty
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On a full map
Rotorua, New Zealand
Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel
Comfort and elegance near the heart of town
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Napier, New Zealand
The Crown Hotel Napier
Timeless elegance with ocean views
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Martinborough, New Zealand
Peppers Parehua
Luxury cottages near the vineyards
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Blenheim, New Zealand
Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Modern comfort in the heart of wine country
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel
A stylish city stay
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