11-Nights New Zealand’s World-Class Wines - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made New Zealand: The Best of Wine Country

Day 1 Auckland, New Zealand

Upon arrival into Auckland, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with your room ready for immediate check in. Later, meet your A&K driver-guide to admire city highlights, including the city’s gardens; vibrant Viaduct Harbour waterfront; and Tamaki Paenga Hira (Auckland Museum), a world-renowned institution celebrated for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific Island treasures.

Board a ferry to Waiheke Island. Once you arrive, set out on a guided culinary tour highlighting an award-winning olive oil mill and two boutique vineyards, each offering pairings that may include oysters from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, artisan cheeses and the renowned local green herb spread. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of New Zealand's top vineyard restaurants. Return to Auckland via ferry for an evening at leisure.

Fly to Napier, your gateway to Hawke’s Bay, a coastal bowl of market gardens, rich orchards, and vineyards. Upon arrival, transfer to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and explore the rugged coastal property by ATV. Take in the views south towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island, as well as unrivalled vistas across the entire farm towards Napier and the surrounding ranges as you venture through an old creek bed across expansive farmland and down to historic Rangaika Beach. Enjoy dinner at your lodge this evening.

Explore the Hawke’s Bay region your way today as you choose from activities including a walk amid the diverse art deco buildings of Napier, a tour of local farmsteads or orchards, a look behind the scenes at prestigious local wineries, a visit to local artists’ studios, an insider’s glimpse of a local ranch, a stroll through a stunning historic country garden, or a relaxing afternoon at a remote beach.

This morning, fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital. After checking in to your hotel, set out on a walking culinary tour of the city. Gain an insider’s perspective as your passionate foodie guide introduces you to local producers and curates tastings of local artisan favorites such as coffee, scones, kiwi pie and kombucha.

Today, embark on a full-day exploration of Wellington, beginning at Lambton Quay, the city’s premier shopping mile, starting with a ride on Wellington’s iconic cable car to Kelburn for fabulous views of the city. Proceed to the Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden for panoramas of the rainforest canopy from a treetop walkway. Drive to the suburb of Thorndon to explore its galleries, gift shops, boutiques, restaurants, and renowned Speight's Ale Pub, taking time to stroll amid the blooms of the Begonia House and Lady Norwood Rose Garden, where over 500 varieties of roses are grown. Continue past the magnificent Parliament Buildings and iconic Beehive, pausing to tour the timber-framed Old St. Paul's Cathedral, and ascend through Roseneath to the summit of Mount Victoria for breathtaking panoramas of Wellington and the harbor. Meander along the rugged coastline to your final stop, the National Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa, where you browse exhibits chronicling the region’s Maori and European histories and cultures.

Fly from Wellington to Blenheim, a coastal paradise of secluded bays, pristine beaches, rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries celebrated the world over for their deep-bodied reds. Upon arrival, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel.

Today, embark on a wine tour of the Marlborough region. Begin with a scenic drive to an iconic Marlborough winery for a private tasting. Continue for two courses of inspired pairings at a renowned local winery and restaurant. Then, cast off on a shared cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, sampling fresh local salmon and mussels paired with local wine along the way.

Set out overland toward Christchurch, pausing for a private, hands-on cooking experience at Hapuku Kitchen, a renowned local culinary school. Here, forage the on-site garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs. Then, head to the teaching kitchen to prepare your own farm-to-table dish with help from the school’s expert chefs. After savoring your creation with a local wine or beer pairing, continue to Christchurch and check in to your hotel.

Fly to Queenstown, located on the southern end of New Zealand's South Island. Once a Maori settlement and, later, a gold mining outpost, Queenstown has transformed in recent decades to become a frontier resort town renowned as an adventure destination. Upon arrival, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your lodge.

Today, board a helicopter for a private flight spanning secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, and rugged mountain peaks. Sweep over Milford Sound, a coastal inlet flanked by sheer mountains. Conclude your flight with a chance to land on top of the Fiordland Glaciers (weather permitting). Return to Queenstown aboard the helicopter for a tour of the city’s iconic sights, including AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge — famous for bungee jumping — as well as historic Arrowtown. Next, explore the renowned pinot noirs of the Central Otago District, learning about the colorful vintners and bold wines that put this region on the map. Finally, tour Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, where you enjoy a vineyard tour and curated tasting at a pioneering local wine estate.

This morning after breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your international departure.