On arrival into Auckland’s International Airport please make your way to the appropriate rental car desk to collect your rental vehicle. Start your holiday by heading south of Auckland to your vineyard accommodation an hour’s drive.

Dinner at hotel.

This lovely country estate rests on its own vineyard and produces fine wines in its winery. Tastings are welcomed in the tasting room, and gourmet dining is casual in the terra cotta dining room that looks out over the vineyards. Rest and relax, take a bicycle ride along the quiet country roads, or a balloon trip over the region.

Breakfast at hotel.

Today, you will drive further south of the Auckland area to the wine-producing region of the Hawke’s Bay. From the early ripening varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to the later Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc – Hawke’s Bay consistently produces stunning examples of all of them.

Napier has one of the largest concentrated collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. This is a legacy of the 1931 earthquake that totally destroyed central Napier and much of the neighbouring city of Hastings. Rebuilding of the city began in the style of the times, which was Art Deco.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore and perhaps sample some produce!

Enjoy an intimate gourmet dinner this evening, complemented by rare local wines.

Breakfast at guest house.

This morning is at leisure.

This afternoon please make your way to the Art Deco Shop to join a guided Art Deco walking tour at 2.00pm. This tour allows you to discover story of history, architecture and the human spirit of Napier, with an introductory slide presentation and leisurely 1½ hour walk that concludes with a video screening and refreshments.

Dinner this evening is your own arrangements.

Breakfast at hotel.

Today you bid farewell to the Hawke’s bay region and travel south through farmland to the Waiarapa district arriving in Martinborough.

Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s most fashionable wine regions. The success of this area lies in good free-draining soils, low rainfall for the growing season and very reliable, dry autumns’. There are currently 14 wineries and vineyards regularly open for tasting and sales.

Breakfast at hotel.

Today head for the Capital city of New Zealand, - Wellington.

Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation’s capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. Extending just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is a truly ‘Walking city’. Here you’ll find a unique blend of national treasures, Arts and Culture, Gastronomic Delights, Shopping sensations and scenic beauty, making Wellington the ultimate urban destination in New Zealand.

This villa style guesthouse boasts three spacious, beautifully appointed rooms that provide the essential ingredients for a luxurious stay in the capital city - firm comfortable beds, antique furniture, private ensuite bathrooms, private telephone & modem lines. The self contained rooms have been purpose built for maximum privacy, and entry is via a security keypad at the front door. Providing all elements of a secluded executive holiday retreat, it is yet just around the corner from Victoria University and only a short stroll from Wellington's central city, shopping and entertainment.

Breakfast at guest house.

This morning please make your way to the Wellington Ferry terminal to connect with the 9.30am-ferry departure. Please return your rental car off at the appropriate terminal before making your way onto the ferry.

On arrival into Picton, collect your rental car and drive to Blenheim – about a 30 minute drive. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the region – vineyards, wineries, shops with gourmet jams and jellies.

Blenheim is set in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This region is well known internationally for it’s exceptional wines. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has made arguably the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Taste Chardonnay’s that are traditional in style yet have their own regional character. Enjoy a taste of some of these premium wines and sample the warm hospitality and discover why Marlborough attracts so many visitors from all parts of the globe.

This gracious Edwardian Villa was built in 1901 from native timbers and is situated in ten acres of lush farmland surrounded by an extensive country garden and a boutique vineyard. The timeless feel of this beautiful homestead flows through into each of the five guests suites where the ambiance of an open fire prevails. Stroll around the lovely garden planted with native trees and soak up the birdsong, fresh air and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a country style breakfast in the rich ambience of the dining room with its open fireplace, or perhaps savoir the taste of a superb glass of Marlborough's world famous wine, as you stroll within the tranquil setting. Activities include Croquet, Swimming Pool, Wineries & Vineyards, golf courses and driving ranges nearby.

Breakfast guest house.

Today you will journey further south to the Garden city of Christchurch, about a 4-5 hour drive. Travel leisurely, perhaps stopping in Kaikoura to for whale watching, or a walk out to a seal colony. Arrive into Christchurch and your hotel.

Often described as the most English City outside of England, this reputation reveals Christchurch’s origins. Church of England settlers with a mission tamed, drained and carved wild swampland on the wide Canterbury Plains to build a better version of home. Many of their neo-Gothic stone public buildings still stand, now mellowed by the passing of almost 150 years, set amongst the many parks and gardens that were included in the plans of the city’s founders. Today, Christchurch is known as the "Garden City" of New Zealand winning international acclaim.

Breakfast guest house.

You will have a sightseeing excursion with local guide, Jill Neame of Chrsitchurch. Included is lunch in a private home. At the completion of this tour, drive to Christchurch Airport and drop off your rental car, before flying to the township of Queenstown this afternoon. On arrival, collect your rental car from Budget and drive to your boutique bed and breakfast accommodation. Wonderful hosts!!!

Queenstown has captured hearts since the first Maori came in search of Pounamu (greenstone or jade) and to hunt the giant Moa Bird and the same magic remains today. Queenstown is now an established resort town for visitors from all parts of the world and all spectrums of life. This town deep in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand is pure escapism. This is the place where limits stop and people’s imaginations take over. This is your opportunity to discover the wonders of Queenstown and the surrounding areas.

This small lodge overlooks magnificent Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkable mountains. You are pampered with a gourmet breakfast daily. A gymnasium, sauna and solarium are for the exclusive use of guests, or relax in your own private courtyard with a book from the library. Relax in the evening with your hosts over a glass of wine before venturing out to Queenstown’s many restaurants, café’s and bars. Your hosts will insure that your visit to Queenstown is memorable.

Breakfast at guest house.

You are picked up from the hotel by Guided Nature Walks for a morning of potpouri of nature, peace and solitude, and plentiful birdlife amidst superb lake and mountain views. Walk with an expert guide and learn more about this beautiful lake and mountain area, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful.

You will be collected in the afternoon by Queenstown Wine Trails at 12.15pm from your accommodation to join a Wine Trail tour. Your tour will take you to four different wineries and a cheese factory. We also stop for a viewing of the bungy and include sightseeing around the Wakatipu Basin. Wineries visited include: Gibbston Valley Winery (lunch is available here for an extra cost), Gibbston Valley Cheesery, Wentworth Estate, Waitiri Creek Vineyard and Chard Farm.

Queenstown’s "nectar of the gods" is crisp and elegant, vibrant and subtle. The Climate best suits European varieties like Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Breakfast at guest house.

Return your rental car to the Queenstown Airport before checking in for your outbound flight arrangements.

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Cost: (click here)

This tour can accommodate 2-6 persons traveling together; costs will alter based on numbers traveling and sharing vehicles. For a larger group, it is recommended to hire a small touring coach and driver and this can be easily arranged.