This 16-day New Zealand vacation takes you to wineries across the nation, from Auckland on the North Island to Queenstown on the South Island, as well as landmarks such as Hobbiton, the Marlborough Sounds, and Doubtful Sound. It features first-class accommodations and shared tours.
Your journey begins in Auckland, the nation’s largest city and a city blessed with easy access to gulfs and rainforests. Take advantage of the city’s location to visit Waiheke Island, where you’ll head on a winery tour to taste local vintages and learn about the winemaking process. Connect south to the charming English-style country town of Cambridge before visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore the remaining sets of The Lord of the Rings movies, including Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. Reach the famous tourist town of Rotorua, known for its Maori culture and geothermal activity. A day at a Polynesian Spa will blend the cultural and natural history of the area. Recharge in thermal mud pools and experience the rejuvenating influence of a Polynesian mud wrap.
Continue to the coastal city of Napier, where you’ll connect to famous Hawke’s Bay, an acclaimed wine and food region. Head on a gourmet odyssey through the region to visit wineries, travel the winemaking route, and feast on local dishes. Reach the capital Wellington, on the southern edge of the North Island. Ride the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island and connect to Blenheim. Discover the celebrated wine region of Marlborough, known for perhaps the best vintages of Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Then cruise the Marlborough Sounds and learn about the local seafood industry while you sip Sauvignon Blanc and try fresh seafood for yourself.
Reach Christchurch and tour the city to learn about the reconstruction efforts that are still ongoing after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. You’ll also see the celebrated Botanic Gardens before heading outside the city to visit nearby wineries and enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside from the Port Hills. Connect to Queenstown, the nation’s adventure capital, driving by Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook along the way. You’ll have the option to board a scenic alpine helicopter flight above the tallest mountain in New Zealand if you wish.
Based in Queenstown, you’ll tour four boutique wineries in the region of Central Otago and visit Old Cromwell. Then explore the fjords of the Southern Alps. Journey across Lake Wakatipu, cruise Lake Manpouri, and pass through dense rainforest en route to Deep Cove, where you’ll board the Patea Explorer for a cruise along Doubtful Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins in the water and penguins along the shoreline, as well as the bountiful mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests surrounding the waterway. Connect back to Queenstown for another day at leisure.
At the end of your stay, head to the airport for onward travels.
