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Special Interest Tours >
Independent Intrepid Holidays >Gourmet Wine
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
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- Arrive in to Auckland, collect late model, automatic mid-sized rental vehicle and drive to hotel
- Use the time you have following arrival to become familiar with Auckland’s vibrant inner city area
- No visit to Auckland is complete without experiencing panoramic 360° views from the incredible Auckland Sky Tower
- Accommodation at the beautifully appointed Hyatt Regency Auckland or similar
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| Day 2 - Auckland to Rotorua |
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- This morning you will depart Auckland and commence the drive south to one of New Zealand’s most significant cultural areas; the city of Rotorua (approx. 4.0 hours driving time)
- Highlights of your drive include lush dairy farming district of Waikato, Rangariri Battle Site Heritage Centre, the Waikato River – New Zealand’s longest, the settlement of Ngaruawahia – former home of the Maori Queen, Lake Karapiro, Fitzgerald Glade - native bush reserve on the Mamaku Ranges and spectacular views of Lake Rotorua
- This evening, you will be collected from your accommodation for Maori Concert and dinner. Highlights of the evening include a staged replica Maori village, customs and traditions, Traditional Maori food cooked on hot rocks in an earthen oven and Maori dances, myths, legends and spiritual stories
- Accommodation at the delightful Springs boutique Bed & Breakfast
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| Day 3 - Rotorua to Napier |
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- Today you will depart Rotorua and travel in an easterly direction to the stunning Hawkes Bay region and the small, pretty city of Napier (approx. 3.5 hours driving time)
- Highlights of your drive include Kaingaroa forest – the largest man-made forest in the southern hemisphere, Wairakei – a unique geothermal area of billowing steam, Sparkling Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake, the Rangitaiki Plains which lead in to the Hawkes Bay, the waterfront at Marine Parade on arrival in Napier
- Accommodation at the absolutely beautiful County Hotel
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| Day 4 - Napier |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your privately guided Napier food and wine tour
- From central Napier, you will travel to the adjacent settlement of Taradale, home of the New Zealand’s oldest winery; Mission Estate. Take time to explore this fine property with it’s fascinating history and hints of ecclesiastical architecture. Your wine tasting at The Mission is in depth and delicious and your hostess will enjoy sharing her knowledge with you
- Following The Mission, you’ll travel the short distance along Church Road to the wonderful Church Road winery where you will experience an educational tour of the property including a trip down to the winery’s extensive barrel room and a tasting of some of the estate’s signature releases
- Lunch today will consist of a gourmet picnic prepared especially for you and based on your tastes and preferences
- After lunch, your epicurean adventure will continue with visits to the noteworthy Craggy Range Winery, Vidal Estate, Sileni Estate Winery and The Village Press Olive Grove
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| Day 5 - Napier to Wellington |
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- Today you will depart Napier and travel in a southerly direction to New Zealand’s vibrant capital city of Wellington (approx. 4.5 hours driving time)
- Highlights of your drive south include The Manawatu Gorge, the serene rolling green farmland interspersed with the Wairarapa’s rural towns, views of the capital city of Wellington, encircling Wellington Harbour as you approach the city from the hilltop motorway
- Accommodation at Wellington’s superb Museum Hotel
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| Day 6 - Wellington |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day wine tour in the Wellington’s neighbouring wine region of Martinborough
- This magnificent day tour allows your to indulge your senses while tasting some of New Zealand's leading wines leaving the worries of driving behind
- Enjoy the specialist knowledge of some of Wairarapa's leading wine makers and experience a day of tastings that is uniquely Martinborough
- Your trip to Martinborough takes you through the picturesque Hutt Valley, over the impressive Rimutaka Hills and into this delightful little upscale village
- Your personal tour of Martinborough includes tastings at award-winning boutique wineries, such as Murdoch James, Te Kairanga, Palliser, Muirlea Rise, Tirohana, Alana Estate and Martinborough, an opportunity to talk with local winemakers, a superb bistro lunch at a vineyard and the option of visiting olive processing estate
- Following your excellent day tour, it’s time for a celebratory farewell dinner in Wellington at the celebrated Logan Brown restaurant
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| Day 7 - Depart Wellington |
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- Drive to either the Wellington Airport or the ferry terminal where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 1 night at Auckland’s well-appointed Hyatt Regency Hotel in a regency view room
- 1 night at the beautiful Springs Bed & Breakfast in Rotorua
- Evening Hangi and Concert in Rotorua including dinner
- 2 nights at Napier’s exceptional County Hotel in a luxury suite
- Full day privately escorted Hawkes Bay food and wine tour including lunch
- 2 nights at Wellington’s fabulous Museum Hotel in a harbour room
- Full day wine and food tour in to the beautiful Martinborough region
- Celebratory dinner for two at Wellington’s celebrated Logan Brown Restaurant
- Rental vehicle for duration of time in the North Island
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| Price: |
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NZD$2,219.00 per person
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Please note that our packages are land only and do not include airfares.
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| Important Notes: |
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COST PER PERSON PRICES ARE BASED ON TWIN / SHARE ROOM OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AS A SINGLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADVISE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST. ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU’D LIKE AN ITINERARY DESIGNED FOR YOUR FAMILY GROUP, PLEASE LET US KNOW
PRICES ARE INDICATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
ALL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE CHARGED IN NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS
PRICES NOT APPLICABLE DURING BLACK-OUT PERIODS
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| Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Blenhiem |
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- Today you will arrive in to the northern South Island region of Marlborough and the town of Blenheim following either your arrival flight or ferry arrival in Picton and subsequent drive south
- Collect your compact late model, automatic rental vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar)
- On arrival in Blenheim, take some time to explore this scenic spot including the heavily planted vineyard area of Renwick; the location of your accommodation
- Accommodation at the lovely Blue Ridge Estate including daily breakfast
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| Day 2 - Blenhiem |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your full day Marlborough food and wine tour
- Spend some time at one of Marlborough's most iconic winery, Cloudy Bay, for a tasting of the range of award winning wines. Enjoy the Pelorus Bubbles, the Sauvignon Blanc, and the complexities of Te Koko Sauvignon and Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir
- Visit "The Village" where you can try stunning wines from a selection of boutique wine companies, along with Prenzel Schnapps, Marlborough Olive oils or view the crafts of Quilters Barn
- Take lunch at famed seafood café, Slip Inn Cafe before boarding the your launch for the Greenshell Mussel Cruise
- Enjoy an informative and relaxing afternoon cruising the inner Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. Take in the natural beauty of this tranquil environment, learn about the history of the Marlborough Sounds and the pioneering families who have settled here
- During the cruise you will visit a Greenshell Mussel farm where your skipper will explain the intricacies of growing this delicacy in the Sounds. Learn the history of aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds and the history of the pioneers who created this industry
- While at the mussel farm your Skipper will serve freshly steamed mussels and serve them with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This is a really neat wine and food experience in a beautiful part of Marlborough
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| Day 3 - Blenhiem to Christchurch |
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- This morning you will depart Blenheim and travel down the South Island’s spectacular East Coast to Christchurch (approx. 4.5 hours driving time)
- The coastal road south runs between the mighty South Pacific ocean on one side and the majestic Kaikoura Mountain Range and Southern Alps on the other. This is definitely a trip where you’ll want to have the camera handy
- On arrival in Christchurch, take some time to explore the delights of this pretty city
- Take the city circuit route on the lovingly restored Christchurch Tramway and become familiar with the city’s picturesque cityscape including the Avon River, the Arts Centre, the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral and delightful New Regent Street
- Accommodation Christchurch’s well-appointed Copthorne Hotel Durham
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| Day 4 - Christchurch to Queenstown |
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- This morning, you will depart Christchurch and commence your trip through the centre of the South Island to the stunning resort settlement of Queenstown (approx. 7.0 hours driving time)
- Highlights of the trip south include views of the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, views of Southern Alps from Burkes Pass, spectacular views of the azure blue water of Lake Tekapo, views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain – Mount Cook, tussock covered Lindis Pass and the ruggedly stunning Kawarau Gorge
- Accommodation at the delightful Dairy Guest House in Queenstown including daily breakfast
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| Day 5 - Queenstown |
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- This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your excellent full day food and wine tour
- Taste wines at four of the best vineyards in the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions
- Enjoy a delightful gourmet platter lunch at the award winning Carrick Winery Restaurant
- Take in views of the spectacular Kawarau Gorge, the Otago Goldfields, historic Old Cromwell Town and the newly established Lake Dunstan
- Be impressed with a tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave one of the region’s longest running estates
- Explore your senses at The Big Picture, the world’s first visual and sensory wine experience
- This is truly a day for the food and wine lover – a chance to savour the fresh, local flavours of this, one of New Zealand’s most captivating environments and enjoy the tastes and smells of some of the country’s most celebrated food and wine in the company of your knowledgeable, engaging guide
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| Day 6 - Queenstown |
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- Today is yours to spend at leisure in this beautiful and exciting location
- Activities available for your participation include the following:
- A full day guided hiking trip on the renowned and majestically beautiful Routeburn Track
- Skyline gondola, restaurant and luge – spectacular views. Try their buffet lunch or dinner
- Historic and beautiful Arrowtown, a gold mining town. The shops on the main street are a replica of the shops in the 1800’s. Stunning autumn leaves to be seen in Autumn
- TSS Earnslaw lake cruise – a vintage steamship. Cruise to Walter Peak farm and enjoy morning tea and a farm visit or try the dinner cruise
- Following your enjoyable day at leisure, it’s time for a celebratory farewell dinner in Queenstown at the superb Gantley’s Restaurant
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| Day 7 - Depart Queenstown |
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- Drive to the Queenstown Airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 2 nights at Blenheim’s beautiful Blue Ridge Estate including daily breakfast
- Full day food and wine tour of Marlborough including lunch
- 1 night at Christchurch’s well-located Copthorne Hotel Durham
- 3 nights at Queenstown’s beautiful Dairy Guesthouse including daily breakfast
- Full day Queenstown food and wine tour including lunch
- Dinner for two at Queenstown’s famed Gantleys Restaurant
- Rental vehicle for duration of time in the South Island
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| Price: |
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NZD$2,015.00 per person
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Please note that our packages are land only and do not include airfares.
|
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| Important Notes: |
|
COST PER PERSON PRICES ARE BASED ON TWIN / SHARE ROOM OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AS A SINGLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADVISE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST. ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU’D LIKE AN ITINERARY DESIGNED FOR YOUR FAMILY GROUP, PLEASE LET US KNOW
PRICES ARE INDICATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
ALL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE CHARGED IN NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS
PRICES NOT APPLICABLE DURING BLACK-OUT PERIODS
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