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FOOD AND WINE IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is fast gaining a reputation for its superb cuisine and wines.
Given its climate, rich soils and fertile farmlands, wide open spaces and relatively low population and pollution, it’s no surprise that produce is fresh, crisp and incredibly tasty. Similarly seafood, venison, lamb, beef and pork is that much fresher and tastier.
New Zealanders are great travellers and a huge number have worked in top bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels around the worlds. Many have returned full of innovative and creative ideas on combining their experiences with different menus and styles with New Zealand’s fresh produce. As a result, it’s not at all unusual to find superb small restaurants offering eclectic menus using ingredients sourced locally that same day.
Likewise, the microclimates and soil conditions in many regions of New Zealand have allowed the planting of a wide variety of grapes and the resulting wines have been winning international awards and alcades for years.
For the purist, we can develop a specific itinerary that maximizes the opportunity to experience our superb foods and wines, complimented perhaps by boutique style accommodation.
Once again we can develop self drive itineraries, escorted with car and driver – or customized group tours with local guest lecturers, cooking demonstrations, wine makers tours through vineyards….
For many, visits to a selection of restaurants throughout their stay – perhaps with a visit to a winery or two will suffice.
A sample itinerary follows.

On arrival into Auckland’s International Airport please make your way to the appropriate rental car desk to uplift your vehicle.
Vehicle:    ICAR – (Medium Automatic)

Start your self-drive holiday by heading South of Auckland.  Your first night in New Zealand has been reserved at Hotel Du Vin.  Hotel Du Vin is situated in the rural setting of Pokeno, which is just under 1 hour’s drive from Auckland City.
Accommodation:    Hotel Du Vin  (ROH)

Home to a population of more than one million people Auckland represents the largest urban city in New Zealand and is recognised as having the largest concentration of Polynesian people in the world.  As an evolving modern city, Auckland has undergone a renaissance - with an ever-changing skyline, a pulsating waterfront and a new infusion of restaurants and bars, it has become a Mecca for nightlife, buzzing with an atmosphere of fun and excitement.

Breakfast at Hotel Du Vin.
Today, you will drive further south of the Auckland area to the wine-producing region of the Hawke’s Bay.  From the early ripening varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to the later Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc – Hawke’s Bay consistently produces stunning examples of all of them.
Napier has one of the largest concentrated collections of Art Deco buildings in the world.  This is a legacy of the 1931 earthquake that totally destroyed central Napier and much of the neighbouring city of Hastings.  Rebuilding of the city began in the style of the times, which was Art Deco.
Accommodation:    Masters Lodge – Napier (ROH)
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast Basis

The rest of your afternoon is at leisure to explore. 

Breakfast at Masters Lodge
This morning is at leisure.
This afternoon please make your way to the Art Deco Shop to join a guided Art Deco walking tour.  This tour allows you to discover story of history, architecture and the human spirit.  This programme last’s for 2½ hours, and includes an introductory slide presentation, a leisurely 1 ½ hour walk and concludes with a video screening and refreshments.  The tour start time is 2pm.
Accommodation:    Masters Lodge – Napier ROH
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast Basis 

Breakfast at Masters Lodge.
Today you will farewell to the Hawke’s bay region and travel south through farmland to the Waiarapa district arriving in Martinborough.
Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s most fashionable wine regions.  The success of this area lies in good free-draining soils, low rainfall for the growing season and very reliable, dry autumns’.  There are currently 14 wineries and vineyards regularly open for tasting and sales.
Accommodation:    The Martinborough Hotel (ROH)
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast basis 

Breakfast at hotel.Today head for the Capital city of New Zealand - Wellington.
Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation’s capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. Extending just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is a truly ‘Walking city’. Here you’ll find a unique blend of national treasures, Arts and Culture, Gastronomic Delights, Shopping sensations and scenic beauty, making Wellington the ultimate urban destination in New Zealand.
Accommodation:    Duxton Hotel Wellington
Inclusions:    Deluxe Room 

This morning please make your way to the Wellington Ferry terminal to connect with the 9am-ferry departure.  Please drop your rental car off at the appropriate terminal before making your way onto the ferry.
On arrival into Picton, and after you have completed the necessary procedures the day is yours to explore this quaint little town.  Your accommodation has been reserved in Blenheim for this evening, this is approximately ½ an hour drive from Picton.  Blenheim is set in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.  This region is well known internationally for its exceptional wines. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has made arguably the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world.  Taste Chardonnay’s that are traditional in style yet have their own regional character.  Enjoy a taste of some of these premium wines and sample the warm hospitality and discover why Marlborough attracts so many visitors from all parts of the globe.
Accommodation:    Pepper Tree Homestead, Blenheim
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast

Dinner this evening has been arranged at the Herzog Winery and Luxury Restaurant.  Sample a beautiful meal from a set menu.  Hanz Herzog studied at the Wine University in Wadenswil Switzerland.  He showed with his prestigious Pint Noirs and Chardonnay’s from his Swiss winery what can be achieved by a low yield philosophy and consequent quality thinking. An innovator and in pursuit of making the best Pinot Noir, his success could not stop him searching for the ideal wine region.  He found it in Marlborough.   Sunny days and cool nights combine for, a long ripening period, and physiologically mature fruit which, results in flavourful authentic wines. 

Breakfast at Pepper Tree
Today you will journey further south to the Garden city of Christchurch.
Often described as the most English City outside of England, this reputation reveals Christchurch’s origins.  Church of England settlers with a mission tamed, drained and carved wild swampland on the wide Canterbury Plains to build a better version of home.  Many of their neo-Gothic stone public buildings still stand, now mellowed by the passing of almost 150 years, set amongst the many parks and gardens that were included in the plans of the city’s founders.  Today, Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” of New Zealand winning international acclaim.
Accommodation:    The Charlotte Jane B&B (ROH)
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast 

Breakfast at the Charlotte Jane.
This morning you will depart our Garden City and head further south to the Resort Township of Queenstown.
Queenstown has captured hearts since the first Maori came in search of Pounamu (greenstone or jade) and to hunt the giant Moa Bird and the same magic remains today.  Queenstown is now an established resort town for visitors from all parts of the world and all spectrums of life.  This town deep in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand is pure escapism.  This is the place where limits stop and people’s imaginations take over.  This is your opportunity to discover the wonders of Queenstown and the surrounding areas.
Accommodation:    Dairy Guesthouse (ROH)
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast

This evening, please make your own way to Queenstown’ steamer wharf to connect with the TSS Earnslaw.  You will cruise to Walter’s Peak Station where you will enjoy a buffet style dinner, before returning to Queenstown’s steamer wharf area.
The TSS Earnslaw - Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage 1912 steamship TSS Earnslaw. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake," the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of the people of Queenstown.
Step aboard - watch the stokers fuelling the fireboxes and hear the sound of the steam engines working as the "Lady" takes you on a cruise of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. 

Breakfast at the Dairy Guest - House
This morning will be at leisure to enjoy some of the attractions and activities Queenstown has to offer.
You will be collected in the afternoon at 12.15pm from your accommodation to join a Wine Trail tour.
Queenstown’s “nectar of the gods” is crisp and elegant, vibrant and subtle.  The Queenstown Wine Trail is your best way to enjoy its rich variety and the people and country which creates it.  The Climate best suits European varieties like Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.  Your full afternoon tour will visit four award-winning vineyards.
Dinner has been reserved at Gantley’s Historic Restaurant in Queenstown.  Sample local cuisine from a set menu.
For intimate tables for two, or large groups of 100, Gantley’s is Queenstown’s most romantic restaurant.  A unique historic stone building, set in 2 acres of landscaped country gardens, provides a nostalgic and romantic ambience for fine dining by candlelight. As New Zealand’s only “Award of Excellence” winner 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 Wine Spectator, New York, Gantley’s has earned an enviable reputation for superb food and wines.
Accommodation:    Dairy Guesthouse (ROH)
Inclusions:    Bed and Breakfast Basis 

Breakfast at Dairy Guest-House
This morning check out of your accommodation.
Return your rental car to the Queenstown Airport before checking in for your outbound flight arrangements. 

END OF TOUR ARRANGEMENTS