auckland & the coromandel peninsula Tours New Zealand's Food and Wine Trail

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 Auckland to Waiheke Island    
Take a scenic 35 minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island, home to golden beaches and many award-winning wineries which thrive in the warm temperate climate. Enjoy long lunches at boutique cellar doors overlooking the ocean and relax at your gorgeous lodge, perched on the hillside.        

Days 3-4 Waiheke Island to Rotorua    
Cross back to the mainland to pick up your car and head south to Rotorua to see the exploding geysers and bubbling mud pools of this volcanic region. Enjoy a captivating tour to the Tamaki Village and savour a traditional Maori hangi feast, cooked in an earth oven.

Days 5-6 Rotorua to Hawke’s Bay    
Wine country and the beautiful Breckenridge Lodge awaits in sunny Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy tastings at exceptional local wineries and take a stroll through the lodge’s organic kitchen gardens.

Day 7 Hawke’s Bay to Martinborough        
Continue to Martinborough, a pretty wine village famed for its Pinot Noir, with a picturesque town square and many familyrun vineyards within walking distance.      

Day 8 Martinborough to Blenheim        
Drop off your car at the Interislander ferry depot in Wellington then cross the Cook Straight to the South Island. Pick up a new car in Picton then make your way to The Peppertree, your home for the next two nights.        

Day 9 Blenheim        
This charming Edwardian guest house is set amongst 10 acres of olive groves and colourful gardens in the heart of Marlborough. Be sure to sample ‘The Peppertree Chardonnay’!  

Days 10-11 Blenheim to Kaikoura  
Continue down the coast to Kaikoura, renowned for its outstanding marine wildlife experiences. Join a cruise to spot the resident giant sperm whales and try the tasty local delicacy, crayfish.

Days 12-13 Kaikoura to Akaroa  
The spectacular Banks Peninsula, home to the pretty harbourside town of Akaroa, is a haven for foodies. Influenced by its waterside location and sunny Mediterranean climate, the weekly farmers market showcases the region’s delicious artisanal produce, including fresh Akaroa salmon, olives and cheeses, perfect with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc.        

Day 14 Akaroa to Oamaru        
Down the coast lies the quaint coastal town of Oamaru. Enjoy delectable cuisine at the luxurious Pen-y-bryn Lodge and head to the harbour at dusk to see the world’s smallest penguins waddle up the beach to their nests.        
Days 15-16 Oamaru to Gibbston        
Today, head inland to the Gibbston Valley, located just a 30 minute drive outside of Queenstown. This stunning valley is home to the gorgeous Kinross Cellar Door and Cottages where you can indulge in tastings and relax in the beautiful surroundings: the perfect final stop on your gourmet adventure.  

Day 17 Gibbston to Queenstown      
Drive the short distance to Queenstown and continue with your onward journey.