Classic NZ Wine Trail

This flexible road trip travels through the North and South islands, including four key regions of New Zealand:

Hawkes Bay

New Zealand’s oldest wine  is now an official ‘Great Wine Capital of the World’, with great weather, photographic art deco architecture as well as more than 70 wineries. Best known for robust Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Bordeaux-style blended reds and Chardonnay.

Wairarapa

With stunning landscapes, world-class wineries and small towns full of character, the Wairarapa is in the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. The region has several boutique vineyard areas and is best known for its European style Pinot Noir.

Wellington

New Zealand’s small capital city is a combination of culture, history, the arts, nature and a wonderful choice of cuisine and wine available. Wellington is know for its craft beer, quality coffee and award-winning cuisine

Marlborough

At the top of the South Island, the Marlborough region offers 120 wineries and 30+ cellar doors. There is also a host of delicious fresh seafood, stunning coastal walks and landscapes and adventures such as kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. It is best known for its sunshine and famous Sauvignon Blanc.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Napier, New Zealand

Kia Ora, welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand).  On arrival into Napier, pick up your rental car and make your way to your Napier accommodation.  Stay in Napier for 3 nights.

Days 2-3: Hawkes Bay

Explore the art deco capital on a walking heritage tour, enjoy a meal at one of the outstanding local wineries such as Church Road, one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries. We recommend their ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour including underground museum, cellar door wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch platter.

We have included the following excursion: Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle Cycle to wine growing regions and enjoy tasting some of Hawkes Bay’s finest wines and food. Enjoy a leisurely pace, soak up the sun and absorb the ambiance of the wineries and surrounding countryside. This self-guided tour on the Hawke’s Bay’s trail is flat off-road cycling, with an electric bike and map to guide you through the region and visit up to seven wineries, each with the opportunity to taste and buy wines you might not find back at home. Tasting available at various venues (own expense).

Day 4: Napier – Martinborough

Travel south to Martinborough today (approximately 270km). Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south to Martinborough, the Wairarapa wine region. Stay in Martinborough for 2 nights.

Day 5: Wairarapa

You have a day at leisure to discover the Wairarapa region that packed with charm, including five small characterful towns – Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton. You can visit many boutique wineries, and enjoy artisan food producers offering a range of locally made treats including bread, chocolate, cheese and olive oil.

Day 6: Martinborough – Wellington

Continue South west today on a short drive from Martinborough to New Zealand’s capital city (approximately 80km). Wellington is set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills and offers plenty of gourmet food and fine wine. Stay in Wellington for 2 nights.

Day 7: Wellington

Today explore the city and flavours of Wellington, known as the culinary capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famous for its tucked-away bars, quirky cafes, award-winning restaurants and great coffee.

We have included the following excursion: Wellington Walking Foodie tour – a taster on what’s on offer in the city, hitting the hotspots of Cuba Street, the Waterfront, Willis Street and Lambton Quay.  This includes a Maori Waterfront eatery, an Italian family-run Pizzeria, taste award-winning Wellington-made chocolate, visit the latest ‘food alley’ and one of the most awarded restaurants in the city. This is the perfect tour to sample great food and see some local architecture, character and culture.

Day 8: Wellington to Blenheim

Board the Interislander Ferry for one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys (approximately 3 hours) across the Cook Strait to the South Island. On arrival in Picton, drive to Blenheim (approximately 28km), the heart of the wine growing Marlborough region.  Stay in Blenheim 3 nights.

Days 9-10: Marlborough

Spend the day exploring the Marlborough region at your own pace. Wines in this area are known for their extraordinary flavours and aromas, the Sauvignon Blanc is acclaimed for its breathtaking pungency and crisp herbaceousness. Pinot Noir is also very happy here – which has contributed to the region’s growing success with sparkling wines.

We have included the following experience for you – Marlborough hop on hop off wine tour   where you can choose what your day looks like and hop on and hop off at wineries, breweries and attractions you choose at your own pace. Tasting available at various venues (own expense).

Day 11: Depart Blenheim, New Zealand

Today is free in Blenheim before you return your car and depart (flight cost is not included in this package).

Want to stay longer in New Zealand? add towns such as Kaikoura, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland or perhaps end with a luxury New Zealand lodge retreat. We can also customise this trip to add Australia or a stopover in the Fiji Islands.