A 12-day culinary adventure to Waikehe Island, Hawke's Bay, Nelson and Queenstown

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

What's included

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers and domestic flights
  • Winery tours and wine tastings
  • Scenic flight to Milford Sound
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

New Zealand’s rich soil and favourable climate means it produces some of the world’s best food and wine. Embark on a 13-day culinary journey across both the North and the South Island, visiting beautiful vineyards, world-class wineries and artisan food producers.

On arrival into Auckland, you will head to Waiheke Island by ferry. You’ll spend two nights exploring from the beautiful Boatshed lodge, perched above the sandy beaches of Oneroa. Visit the island’s wineries in the company of an expert guide and self-confessed oenophile, learning what makes New Zealand wine so special. As well as being a wonderful destination for foodies, Waiheke Island is home to beautiful beaches and boasts a number of great hiking trails.

A helicopter will bring you back to Auckland from where you’ll fly to Napier and enjoy three days exploring Hawke’s Bay, the North Island’s wine country. The landscape here is a patchwork of vineyards and orchards and you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the region’s top food and wine producers. From Napier, the next part of your food discovery takes you to the area around Nelson and Abel Tasman, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. The last three days are spent around Queenstown, visiting the majestic Milford Sound and the vineyards and wineries around Cromwell.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-3

Waiheke Island

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Meet and greet at Auckland airport

Transfer

Private transfer and ferry to Waiheke Island

Lodges on Waiheke Island

Three days on Waiheke Island Three days on Waiheke Island

Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf. White sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest.

Wine tasting on Waiheke Island Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Meet your guide, a local wine expert and explore the island's wineries, learning what makes New Zealand wine some of the best in the world. Of course you will have the opportunity to taste some of their signature sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir.

inflite-helicopter-2
Helicopter flight to Auckland Helicopter flight to Auckland
Flights & transfers

Flight

Flight from Auckland to Napier

Transfer

Private transfer to your lodge in Hawke's Bay

Days 3-6

Hawke's Bay

Lodges in Hawke's Bay

Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, Napier, Hawkes Bay
Three days Exploring Hawke's Bay Three days Exploring Hawke's Bay

The North Island’s wine country is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains. The scene here is made up of vineyards and orchards laden with fruit, fertile farmlands that sweep to the perfect waves on the coast and laidback seaside settlements.

Hawke’s Bay food and wine tour Hawke’s Bay food and wine tour

Become absorbed into the vibrant world of Hawke’s Bay wine. You'll have the chance to meet the people passionate about crafting world-class wine, visit some of the best wineries, and taste their award-winning labels. Rich soils and warm growing conditions attract innovative food producers and you'll get to sample a myriad of delicious products.

Flights & transfers

Flight

Flight from Hawke's Bay to Nelson

Transfer

Private transfer to your lodge in Nelson

Days 6-9

Nelson and Abel Tasman

Lodges near Nelson and Abel Tasman

Three days exploring Nelson and Abel Tasman Three days exploring Nelson and Abel Tasman

New Zealand’s sunniest region has a diverse geography ripe for exploring from golden sand beaches to dense forests, the clearest fresh water lake in the world and secluded, enticing rivers. At the heart of it all is a creative, easy-going city deemed one of New Zealand’s most liveable. The region’s biggest attraction is the Abel Tasman National Park, the country’s smallest national park that frequents the front pages of tourist brochures with its dream-like golden sand beaches, emerald green waters and friendly fur seal population. Hike, boat or kayak into one of its many beaches and coves.

new-zealand-picnic
Nelson food foraging tour Nelson food foraging tour

Nelson has long had a reputation as one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand and has attracted innovative food, wine and craft beer producers from around the world. The amazing climate is ideal for many latitudinal crops and combined with the unique local and international flair of the residents an amazing array of food and produce can be found.

Among the city and surrounding hills and in the markets there is a tantalizing array of delicious treats and gourmet products that you can taste and collect. Your host will prepare and serve these as a Kiwi picnic in an idyllic setting while you relax with a glass of wine. The choice of food is wide and varied but will include different types of cheese, breads, fish, olives, nuts, fresh fruit and veg, and chocolate, as well as wine and craft beer.

You'll also visit a wild mushroom grower and enjoy a bowl of the best mushroom soup ever.

Kayaker, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, New Zealand
Abel Tasman day trip Abel Tasman day trip

Get a taste of all the Abel Tasman has to offer from the comfort of an Abel Tasman Charters' boat. You can just stay on board and relax or take one of the kayaks for a paddle. Go for a swim, snorkel over the marine reserve or be dropped off for a bush walk. Enjoy a delicious lunch and then do it all again. During the day you'll pass Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands, and cruise on to Tonga Island seal colony. The cruise itinerary is flexible, and your friendly, knowledgeable skipper will ensure you are able to learn about the national park - if there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then it can happen.

Flights & transfers

Flight

Flight from Nelson to Queenstown

Transfer

Private transfer to your lodge

Days 9-12

Queenstown

Lodges near Queenstown

Three days exploring Queenstown, Wanaka and Milford Sound Three days exploring Queenstown, Wanaka and Milford Sound

From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka and the incredible Milford Sound, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka and you’ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery. And, of course, Milford Sound with its spectacular 1692m-high Mitre Peak (Rahotu in Maori) is unmissable.

milford-sound-helicopter
Helicopter Experience: Milford Sound with fjord cruise Helicopter Experience: Milford Sound with fjord cruise

Explore Milford Sound's stunning fjord from both the air and the water. Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land on Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Upon landing in Milford, you'll enjoy an unforgettable cruise past sheer cliffs and waterfalls - keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins.

vineyard-cromwell-new-zealand
Visit the wineries around Cromwell Visit the wineries around Cromwell

Enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery the South Island has to offer. See Aoraki/Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki and experience the unique landscape of the Lindis Pass as you head south to Cromwell.

Located deep in the heart of Central Otago in the valley of Upper Clutha, Cromwell is a special place not to be missed. From rugged to rolling hills, two great rivers and the sparkling waters of Lake Dunstan, the natural beauty of the area is overwhelming. The Cromwell basin is home to a host of award-winning wineries; enjoy the scenery while enjoying some the world’s finest pinot noir vintages. The area also has a rich heritage past with remnants of goldfields. Wander down to the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct for a selection of boutique shops, art galleries and cosy cafes.

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12-Day Example Trip
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Every trip helps support Conservation.

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