Vineyard Voyages

A Wine Tasting Tour of New Zealand

DAYS 1 & 2 Fly to New Zealand

Your wine-focussed holiday to New Zealand begins today with an evening flight to Auckland, which takes 24 hours with a stop in Singapore. Due to the time difference, you'll be arriving in Auckland very early on day three of your journey, so before you set off, change your clocks and watch to New Zealand time and try to sleep when it would be night time in Auckland to avoid too much jetlag.

DAY 3 Free to See Waiheke

Today is yours to spend as you please exploring the pretty island of Waiheke. Indulge in a long and leisurely breakfast before you head out to explore. We can organise a number of activities for you - from watersports and cycling to riding and fishing - or you can use your free day to simply stroll around, or for a spot of shopping and scenery (and perhaps start sampling some of the region's delicious food and wine).

DAY 4 A Tour of Napier

After breakfast today you'll make your way to the coastal city of Napier, just a short drive from your vineyard lodge. This charming city is home to some of New Zealand's most unusual and exciting architecture; the original town was levelled in a devastating earthquake in 1931 and was then quickly rebuilt within two years, meaning that most buildings, parks and structures you'll see were built in the popular style of the time - Art Deco. Today you'll take a tour of the city in a classic car, learning about the history of the area and seeing some of the town's best buildings and interiors.

Once you've completed your tour, Napier is yours to explore. Take a stroll along tree-lined streets and pop into cute cafes, soaking up the retro atmosphere at every turn.

DAY 5 A Private (Chauffeured) Wine Tasting Tour of Marlborough & Blenheim

Today is set to be one of the highlights of your wine holiday to New Zealand as you have a private tour of this most iconic of wine regions. You'll be picked up in the morning and taken on a tailor-made expert-guided tour that showcases the highlights of this vino-rich area, whether you prefer to visit some of the biggest names in the industry, want to try some of the smaller producers, or have a lovely balance of both.

Along the way, you'll be able to sample some of New Zealand's finest produce with a delicious lunch overlooking verdant scenery.

Days 6 TO 8 Remote Relaxation

For the next three nights you'll be staying in a truly incredible area called the Bay of Many Coves, overlooking the beautiful landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds. Your journey will begin with a transfer to Picton, where you'll be taken via boat to your luxury lodge. Nestled into a peaceful cove in a remote location, this is an ideal place to rest and rejuvenate while surrounded by nature.

For one of your days here we have organised a guided walk of the area, complete with a picnic. You'll get to know the history of the area - including its Maori roots and many visits from Captain Cook - as well as the interesting flora and fauna of the area. During your other days here we can organise activities if you wish, or you can simply soak up your surroundings and take the opportunity to sink into a slower pace of life in this naturally beautiful part of the world.

DAY 9 Fly to Queenstown

Today you'll be leaving the landscapes of Marlborough behind in exchange for the dramatic scenery of Queenstown, the final stop on your New Zealand wine holiday. Your three-hour flight from Blenheim to Queenstown via Wellington will land in the evening and on arrival you'll be picked up and transferred to your centrally located hotel which overlooks the mountains, Queenstown and the waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Take the evening to explore this diminutive but marvellous town on foot, popping into bars and pubs to meet both locals and travellers from around the world who have flocked to this particularly picturesque part of the South Island.