|
Before your odyssey starts let us know if you would like to stay two nights in Auckland. We can arrange visits to vineyards in the West Auckland region and Waiheke Island just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland. The Waiheke vineyards cascade down the hillsides amid stunning coastal landscapes. The island is gaining world attention for the quality of its wine.
Day 1: Hawkes Bay (D)
Our guide meets you at Napier airport, the heart of this major food and wine region. Heritage winery, Mission Estates awaits you. Lunch among the vines and visit Te Awanga’s coastal vineyards. Tonight we enter food lovers’ territory at Craggy Range vineyard’s Terroir restaurant for a celebratory dinner.
Stay: Hawthorne Country House (2 nights)
Day 2: Hawkes Bay (BL)
We try the winemakers' craft, learning how wines are blended before lunching at Te Awa's vineyard restaurant. Sample wines at vineyards in the renowned Gimblett Gravels region this afternoon. Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s food basket – orchards, olive groves and market gardens abound. Local gourmet food producers manufacture some wonderful fresh products - sample some of these this afternoon, perhaps concluding with a visit to Napier and the famed art deco trail.
Day 3: Hawkes Bay to Martinborough (BD)
We drive through Hawkes Bay’s orchards and gardens to the Wairarapa. Indulge in the wines of outstanding vineyards such as Palliser and Martinborough Vineyards in this fine pinot noir region before dining in Martinborough tonight.
Stay: Martinborough Hotel
Day 4: Martinborough to Marlborough (BD)
It’s just a short drive over the ranges to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. We sightsee in the city and visit Te Papa, the national museum, before taking the ferry across Cook Strait and through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. Welcome to Blenheim, Marlborough, and the world’s premier sauvignon blanc estates. This evening enjoy a fine dining experience at Hotel d’Urville.
Stay: Hotel d'Urville (2 nights)
Day 5: Marlborough (BD)
This morning we sample methode traditionnelle wines at Cellier Le Brun. Savour intense herbaceous flavours at Hunters, Cloudy Bay and St Clair and visit other outstanding vineyards including Seresin Estate. Tonight your farewell dinner showcases local cuisine.
Day 6: Blenheim (B)
Your odyssey concludes this morning with final tastings in vineyards before we transfer you to the airport. We can arrange additional touring - chauffeured sedan or self-drive to the fine wine regions of Nelson, Waipara, mid Canterbury and Central Otago.
|
