| Duration: | 16 Day(s) - 15 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Wine Tours |
Kia Ora - Welcome to New Zealand
Auckland to Christchurch 16-day Wine Region Explorer Tour
Nationwide Self Drive
This 16-day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
All-inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
We offer Self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accommodations, activities, and attractions (you select) we book your rental car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day, or perhaps you prefer a Private driver trip (fully guided) or, Escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
This 16-day itinerary follows some of New Zealand's world-famous wine regions including the boutique vineyards surrounding Auckland, Marlborough famed for its Sauvignon Blanc, include Peter Yealand's famous "Seaview" winery at Seddon overlooking Cook Strait - also visit Central Otago home to delicious pinot noir. In each region, you’ll be guided by a local expert so you have the very best possible experience.
Also included is an amazing tiger moth flight over Wanaka with a private picnic lunch, an afternoon of unique native Maori cuisine in Rotorua, and the spectacular TranzAlpine scenic train journey (rated top 10 in the world!).
Quick Summary
Auckland to Christchurch 16-day Wine Region Explorer
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Day 2: Explore Auckland's Wineries Today
Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Waikato
Drive south through the rich fertile farmland of the Waikato and maybe stop at Hobbiton Village on your way to Rotorua.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Maori
Today take a Maori food trail tour and this evening visit Tamaki Maori Village
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Speciality Dinner
Day 5: Sightseeing Tour
Today is filled with fantastic scenery including Lake Taupo, the Desert Road, and the Kapiti Coastline as you approach Wellington.
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Cook Strait
Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Marlborough Vineyards
A full-day tour exploring the Marlborough Vineyards - famed for their Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Christchurch
Head South today to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Canterbury
Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing Superior Room
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Lindis Pass
Cross the Lindis Pass then pass through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown. Tonight take a scenic cruise across the lake for dinner.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 11: Queenstown
The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Wineries Tour
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the Central Otago wineries with your private guide
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Mou Waho Island
Cross the Crown Range Road to Wanaka and discover Mou Waho Island.
Accommodation: Edgewater
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Haast Pass
Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast, allowing plenty of time for photo stops.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Christchurch
Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: Departure
Depart Christchurch today
