New Zealand Foodie Trip

Day 1: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Kia ora (hello!) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). You will pick up your rental car and head to your Auckland hotel.  Stay 1 night in Auckland

Days 2-3: Auckland to Tauranga

Your hotel is located right on the beautiful Tauranga Harbour, in the Bay of Plenty region along the Pacific Coast Highway Scenic Route and at a pleasant 2.5 hours’ drive from Auckland city.  Stay 2 nights in Tauranga. 

Day 4: Rotorua

Check in to your hotel. Rejuvenate in the spa’s natural geothermal mineral pools and experience a delicious Maori hangi at Matariki. The lakeside hotel is the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts and families alike to see all that New Zealand’s geothermal capital has to offer. Take a short stroll to the lakefront to ride the thrilling Kawarau Jet on Lake Rotorua, or ride the local public transport to experience cultural and geothermal wonders at Te Puia, or the adrenaline-pumping action of the luge at Rotorua Skyline.  Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5: Te Puia

Join your Te Puia guide at Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Hemo Road, Rotorua, to commence Te Ra and Te Po tour. Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley has inspired the local Maori people for centuries – the guides will recount stories handed down from their ancestors as you explore this unique geothermal reserve with its boiling mud and sulphur pools and the 30 metre (100 ft) Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day. Then join Evening Cultural Experience (Te Po). Te Po is a combination of cultural storytelling, entertainment and a traditional dinner.

Includes Hangi Feast (Dinner)

Day 6: Napier

Check in to your hotel.  Your hotel enjoys a central waterfront location on Marine Parade directly across the road from the War Memorial Convention Centre. Napier is one of the first places in the world to witness the dawn of a new day, and guests are inspired by the extensive sea views the hotel offers.  Stay 2 nights in Napier.

Day 7: Hawke’s Bay Gastronomic Discovery

This 3-course progressive dinner visits three top restaurants in the Napier region. Food expertly matched with top Hawke’s Bay wines. Includes 2-6 wines to taste per venue. Tour ends with a sunset viewing at the top of Te Mata Peak and a guided commentary in luxury vehicles.

Day 8: Wellington

Check in to your hotel.  Your hotel presents an engaging selection of rooms, thoughtful amenities and gracious hospitality from the heart of Wellington’s city centre. As a leading accommodation and venue provider in Wellington city, your hotel is committed to delivering quality accommodation and conveniently located on The Terrace, nearby to the Cable Car, Parliament, TSB Arena, Te Papa and Westpac Stadium, we look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand’s thriving capital city!  Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 9: Wellington Foodies Tour

Join your coach to commence a half-day Capital Tastes Tour, which includes personal sightseeing with food. Discover fresh tastes in New Zealand’s café capital, as your guides will introduce you to the city, its local tastes, products and people on this popular tour. Stroll behind the scenes at some of our favourite Wellington food places with a personal guide, to taste hidden culinary treasures and meet some of the people behind some of the city’s best food.

Day 10: Wellington to Nelson

Take the Interislander ferry from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island).

Check in to your hotel.  Enjoy luxury boutique accommodation by the water as well as the hotel’s village setting, beautiful grounds and excellent dining options.  Stay 3 nights in Nelson.

Day 11: Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park

Board the Wilson’s Abel Tasman vessel  at Kaiteriteri, cruise past the golden coves, sculpted granite headlands and forested islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead. After a short stop at Anchorage Beach and Torrent Bay, pause to view the antics of the seal colony in Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Continue along the remote northern beaches where nikau palms and native Rata (the South Island Christmas Tree) feature in the rainforest fringing the long golden beaches. Turn around at Totaranui and return to historic Tonga Quarry cove for a self guided walk 2-2.5 hours (4.1 kms, 2.5 miles) over a forested saddle and around spectacular Bark Bay estuary with its cascading waterfalls. Re-board your vessel at the sheltered golden cove of Medlands Beach at 3:00pm (or 4:55pm-summer selfdrive passenger only) for the return cruise to Kaiteriteri.

Day 12: Nelson Wine and Artisans Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel to commence a full day Wine and Artisans tour in Nelson. Visit WOW museum, 2-3 wineries, visit local arts and craft studios and also stop for a gourmet lunch at a renowned local Restaurant. On this tour you will learn to taste wines like a professional and see some amazing Art, with the possibility of meeting the winemakers and artisans (subject to availability). Visit local outlets and Mapua Wharf. Your experienced guide will give informative information on the local European and Maori history as you travel between the wineries and art galleries cover over 100kms of pristine scenery.

Day 13: Nelson to Punakaiki

Check in to your resort.  The resort is an eco-friendly West Coast hotel, located on the stunning Punakaiki Beach on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.  Stay 1 night in Punakaiki.

Day 14: Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Check in to your hotel.  Your Franz Josef Glacier hotel sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier!  Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 15: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Check in to your hotel. Your apartment style accommodation is at an elevated position, giving guests fantastic views of the Southern Alps and over Lake Wakatipu. At the foot of the Southern Alps Queenstown offers adrenaline-packed adventure activities and other year-round attractions. This inspiring resort town attracts thrill seekers, romantics, families, young travellers, wine-lovers and anyone looking for an unforgettable getaway.  Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 16: TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm

Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, your experience starts with a Lake Wakatipu cruise in the 105 year old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.  Then disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region.  Relaxing in the charming ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead Resteaurant, the heart of the stately homestead at Walter Peak, you’ll enjoy gourmet dining prepared by our chef in front of you.

You can choose from an expansive array of New Zealand and local produce, from succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie of grill, a selection of delicious vegetables and salads.  Then finish your meal with our irresistible desserts, New Zealand cheeses and freshly brewed tea & coffee.  After dinner, an entertaining and informative demonstration gives you a glimpse of life in the high country.  The night-time cruise home is magical. Sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or simply breath in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Day 17: Queenstown 

Enjoy your time at leisure in Queenstown!

Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Check in to your hotel. Nestled between Christchurch and Queenstown, your hotel provides the perfect destination for a relaxing escape. Looking out across the spectacular Lake Tekapo encompassed by the Mackenzie Basin, this retreat offers a unique position with architecturally inspired accommodation.

When it comes to leisure activities, Lake Tekapo provides a plethora of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Experience time on the water with kayaking, or try your luck at rainbow and brown trout fishing. Discover your own slice of adventure with mountain biking or horse riding, and be sure to return to the nearby Alpine Springs Health Spa and Hot Pool for a little rest and relaxation to complete the day. Travel back in time at the old village, steeped in folklore and history.  Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 19: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch 

Check in to your hotel.  Exuding warmth and cozy comfort, your hotel is the perfect choice for a relaxing stay in beautiful Christchurch. Located in a the heart of Christchurch, your accommodations are within walking distance to Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, boutique shopping, cafes and bars.  Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 20: Christchurch Wine Trail

You will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to the departure point of your tour. Join your coach to commence a half-day Wine Trail tour exploring four of North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards. All are located in the Waipara area, which is well known for its warm dry climate and limestone rich soils. Both elements are ideal for quality wine production and each of the visited vineyards produces a fine selection of both white and red wines as a result. A platter lunch is included with this tour.

Day 21: Depart Christchurch, New Zealand

Return your car rental and make your way to the airport for your flight home.  Why not stay longer?