New Zealand’s Premier Wine Regions – A Private Tour

Indulge your senses in this New Zealand tour. Follow fine food and wine trails in New Zealand’s premier wine regions of Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough. We’ll introduce you to creative chefs and winemakers with experiences especially designed for Concierge travellers. Taste the fine wine of renowned vineyards and enjoy gourmet dining – you’ll be inspired.

Suggested Itinerary:

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAPIER (D)
Fly into Napier airport in the heart of this premier wine and food region - orchards, vineyards and market gardens abound. Renowned for its Art Deco architecture, Napier was rebuilt in this style after a disastrous earthquake in 1931. Hawthorne is a lovely country house close to the vineyards. Celebrate the start of this New Zealand tour with a wine and food matched four course dinner at Craggy Range vineyard’s Terroir restaurant.

Accommodation: Hawthorne Country House

DAY 2: HAWKES BAY WINE TOURING (BL)
After breakfast this morning your wine guide meets you at Hawthorne for your private tour of Hawkes Bay’s premier vineyards. The Gimblett Gravels region is studded with notable vineyards including CJ Pask, Trinity Hill, Te Mata Ngatarawa and Matariki Wines. Lunch at Te Awa Vineyard’s acclaimed restaurant. In the afternoon visit the coastal vineyards at Te Awanga to taste at Kim Crawford and Clearview and some of the most interesting New Zealand wines.

Accommodation: Hawthorne Country House

DAY 3 HAWKES BAY – MARTINBOROUGH (BD)
The New Zealand tour continues today as you travel south from the vineyards and gardens of Hawkes Bay to the farmlands of the Wairarapa. The Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre is where many of New Zealand’s endangered species thrive, including the kiwi and the prehistoric tuatara, a lizard-like reptile. Just beyond Carterton is antique shop-ladden Greytown. Continue to Martinborough, a pretty village at the centre of vineyards renowned for Pinot Noir. Visit outstanding vineyards: Palliser Estate Wines, Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard before dining in Martinborough tonight.

Accommodation: Peppers Martinborough Hotel

DAY 4: MARTINBOROUGH – BLENHEIM (B)
A short drive takes you over the ranges to Wellington. Sightsee in this capital city, catch the cable car from Lambton Quay and drive up Mt Victoria for the views or visit Te Papa, the national museum. This afternoon take 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 where you will have the chance to taste excellent New Zealand wines. A private transfer is arranged from Picton to Hotel d’Urville, Blenheim.

Accommodation: Hotel d’Urville

DAY 5: MARLBOROUGH WINE TOURING (BD)
With your private wine guide enjoy exclusive wine touring in the stunning Marlborough landscape. Savour intense herbaceous flavours at Hunters, Cloudy Bay and St Clair and visit other outstanding vineyards including Seresin Estate, Isabel Estate, Staete Landt, Te Whare Ra and Bladen. This evening as a firring finale to this New Zealand tour, dine out in the vineyards in Herzog’s award winning restaurant, with a Michelin starred chef – it’s a fitting finale. You will meet the winemaker and enjoy a 5 course degustation dinner matched with Herzog’s wines.

Accommodation: Hotel d’Urville

DAY 6 BLENHEIM (B)
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning.

Typical Inclusions:

• Medium size rental vehicle hire Napier – Wellington
• 5 nights quality accommodation
• Your own private wine guide for one day’s touring in Hawkes Bay and Marlborough vineyards
• Breakfast daily
• Wine and food matched dinner at Terroir Restaurant, Craggy Range vineyard. Four courses with premium wines
• Lunch at Te Awa Vineyard restaurant
• Dinner in Martinborough
• Special dinner and meeting the winemaker at Herzog’s award winning restaurant in Blenheim. Five course degustation menu with matching Herzog wines, coffee and sweet treats.
• InterIslander ferry crossing
• Private transfer Picton – Blenheim
• Private transfer to Herzog’s restaurant and return
• All wine tastings

Prices and departures may vary please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for more information.

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