New Zealand : New Zealand Wine Trail

Day 1 arrive Auckland-Cambridge (136 km) You will be met on arrival in Auckland; collect your rental vehicle and drive south to the picturesque town of Cambridge for an overnight stay at Thornton House.

Day 2 Cambridge-Waitomo-Rotorua (370 km) Drive to the Waitomo caves for a subterranean cruise and a cave walk revealing a hidden world of glow worms and limestone formations.  (Entrance to Waitomo and Ruakuri Caves is included). Later travel across the Mamaku Hills to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua. Overnight at the Lodge at 199. 

Day 3 Rotorua-Napier (223 km) Spend the morning exploring this geothermal wonderland with entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Agrodome Sheep Show and Paradise Valley Springs included. Drive via Taupo to Napier, the Art Deco centre of New Zealand for a two-night stay at The County Hotel.

Day 4 Napier Explore the parks, gardens and superb coastline of this scenic region, which is the second largest wine-producer in the country and is known for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Enjoy lunch and a vineyard tour at one of Hawkes Bay’s famous wineries.

Day 5 Napier-Wairarapa (286 km) From Hawkes Bay, journey south to the attractive town of Martinborough just east of Wellington. This boutique wine-producing region is renowned for its pinot noir production and conveniently many of the vineyards in the area are within walking distance of the town, which also has its own wine centre. Overnight at Peppers Martinborough Hotel.

Day 6 Wairarapa-Picton-Marlborough (119 km) Drive to short distance to Wellington and drop off your car before boarding the ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Collect another car at Picton and drive to Blenheim in the Marlborough region for a two-night stay at The Peppertree.

Day 7 Marlborough Spend the day exploring the largest and best-known wine producing region of New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc is the region’s specialty, but many other wines produced here are also highly acclaimed, including the Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Day 8 Marlborough-Christchurch (308 km) Travel to Christchurch via the beautiful coast road, stopping at Kaikoura for an optional whale watching trip or swim with the dolphins. On arrival in Christchurch drop off your vehicle at the city or airport depot.