9 days / 6 nights from $2,299 pp

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail brings together New Zealand’s finest experiences in wine, food and stylish accommodation in a unique scenic tour. It links three leading wine regions – Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough which produce 70% of New Zealand’s total wine. The Trail is 240 miles in total length so daily driving times are short on the mainly quiet, high quality rural roads.

Vacation Includes:

Roundtrip Pacific class (economy) air on Air New Zealand
Los Angeles or San Francisco – Auckland
Domestic air on Air New Zealand - Auckland – Napier & Blenheim - Auckland
7 days car hire Hertz group D
Two nights in Napier
Two nights in Martinborough
Inter-Island ferry Wellington to Picton
Two nights in Blenheim

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1/2
Fly from Los Angeles to Auckland. Cross the International Dateline and lose a day.

Day 3 Travel to Hawke’s Bay
Fly from Auckland to picturesque Napier or drive from Rotorua (allow 3 hours) or Taupo (allow 2 hours) past lakes, sheep stations, and forestry plantations. Stay in Hawke’s Bay for your first two nights on the trail. Bed & Breakfast: McHardy House or Luxury Lodge: Mangapapa Lodge

Day 4 Hawke’s Bay
An early breakfast is recommended. Allow a few hours to tour Napier’s Art Deco buildings. By now a winery lunch is on the agenda – try Te Awa Farm Winery, or the Epicurean center at Sileni Estates, which boasts gourmet products, two restaurants and a culinary school. Many wineries are open year round, including Mission Estate, established by Catholic missionaries in 1851.

Day 5 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa/Martinborough
This morning, view the magnificent gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers or the Bay’s coastal attractions, before a comfortable 3-hour drive south on State Highway 2, through typical New Zealand farmland, towns and orchards. Stop in Woodville for antiques and at the vast Mt Bruce Wildlife Reserve with its breeding programs for endangered wildlife. If time allows, star your Martinborough experience with a late afternoon wine tasting, or simply relax at your accommodation in Wairarapa where you will stay for two nights. Bed & Breakfast: Martinborough Hotel or Luxury Lodge: Fernside.

Day 6 South Wairarapa and Martinborough Wine Village
A morning stroll around Martinborough Wine Village offers a leisurely start to a day of fine food and wine tasting. Leading wineries such as Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard Palliser Estate is all within easy walking distance of Village Square. The Martinborough Wine Centre is a must, with its extensive cellar and tasting of local wines. After lunch, take a short drive to craft shops in the charmingly restored buildings of Greytown, many of which date back to 1854 when the town was established

Day 7 Wairarapa/Wellington/Marlborough
In the Wairarapa, the seal colony and Palliser lighthouse will absorb a full morning; the fishing fleet at Ngawi is an inspiring sight and Featherston offers several intriguing museums. Less than 2 hours away, Wellington’s arts, cuisine and culture beckon before the afternoon ferry departs. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, is modern, interactive and informative. Allow a generous half-day to travel from Wairarapa to Marlborough by road and ferry. Stay for two nights in Marlborough. Bed & Breakfast: Hotel D’Urville or Luxury Lodge: Timara Lodge.

Day 8 Marlborough and Blenheim
This region is known for its Sauvignon Blanc. More than 40 wineries are within a mere 10 miles of Blenheim, including the iconic Cloudy Bay Winery. Lunch al fresco at Allan Scott’s or Wairau River Wines, visit boutique producers, or head south to Kaikoura, famous for year round whale watching. Or explore the tranquil shores of the Marlborough Sounds on forest walks, by sea kayak or cruise boat. The Hotel d’Urville cooking school includes gourmet guided tours to both Kaikoura and the Marlborough Sounds.

Day 9 Travel from Marlborough
On this last leisurely morning, visit Marlborough’s potters, craft shops and gourmet food producers, or linger for a last drip of wine tasting. Take one of the many flights daily from Blenheim to major centers or opt for the spectacular coastal drives south or west to complete your tour.

Some Non-Wine Activities (not included)
Hawke’s Bay: Napier Art Deco Walk, Marineland, Gannett Colony, Te Mata Peak
Martinborough: Mount Bruce Wildlife Center, Wine Village Walk, Quad Adventures, Wet n’ Wild, Seal Colony
Wellington: Te Papa Museum, City Gallery, Parliament House, Zoo
Marlborough: Kayaking, Walks, Cruises, Dolphin Watch