Description

Your Deal

‘Book with Flexibility

Book with confidence with our flexible holiday options, knowing that if things change, you’ll have room to move without the fear of fees! See the inclusions below for more details on flexible bookings.

Inclusions

2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel in a Studio Room.

2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Scenic Hotel Te Pania in a Superior Room.

2 nights accommodation at the 5-star Peppers Parehua Martinborough in a Winemakers Cottage with breakfast daily

Gold Reserve Afternoon Tour in Napier.

7 days car hire of a Hyundai i20 or similar, picking up and dropping off Wellington Airport.

BONUS SAVE $109.

FLEXIBLE FREE changes & cancellations up to 4 days prior to travel.

Your Accommodation/Itinerary

This drive itinerary will take you on a gourmet tasting trail where you will discover the coffee and craft beer capital of New Zealand in Wellington, taste amazing wines in New Zealands oldest and most-loved wine region of Hawkes Bay along with other great epicurean delicacies, and the Wairarapa region for its eclectic mix of experiences of great wine, gourmet food and abundant wildlife.

Your package includes 7 days car hire, 2 nights in Wellington, 2 nights in Napier with an afternoon wine tour, and 2 nights in Martinborough.

Day 1 – 2 Wellington

Arrive in Wellington; New Zealands capital. Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, where it is known as the coffee and craft beer capital of New Zealand, with more cafes, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer, with an array of cafes, restaurants, night markets and food trucks. Wander through hidden laneways and discover street art, experience the interactive National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and be inspired by over 55 galleries.

The regions awe-inspiring landscapes create the perfect backdrop for movie-making magic, which can be experienced behind the scenes in Oscar-winning studios. Visit Weta Workshop for a must-see experience where you will see incredible props and costumes from films like The Hobbit, Avatar and Thunderbirds Are Go!

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 3 – 4 Wellington to Hawkes Bay (321km)

Make your way to the Hawkes Bay region, renowned for great food, and even better wine. Home to the twin cities of Napier and Hastings, with their art deco architecture. The city of Napiers beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is a special point of difference, being one of the world’s most uniform and exquisite Art Deco cities.

With a warm temperate climate, Hawkes Bay is one of the leading wine producers in New Zealand. Renowned for their red wines of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, they also produce delicious chardonnays. During your stay, join the Gold Reserve Afternoon Tour and taste some of the best wines Hawkes Bay has to offer, where you will visit 3 – 4 wineries with tastings including a behind the scenes winemaking tour and mid-afternoon gourmet taste Hawkes Bay Platter.

Explore the gourmet delights of the region; you will find Arataki Honey Centre at the foothills of Te Mata Peak, for honey tastings and you can purchase top quality manuka honey. Silky Oak Chocolate Company in Napier, houses a chocolate museum and serves up some amazing chocolate delights, or for more sweet treats, head to Birdwood Gallery & Sweet Shop in Havelock. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure you stop by at the farmers market to pick up local produce and artisan products.

Stay 2 nights in Napier.

Day 5 – 6 Napier to Martinborough (267km)

Take a leisurely drive to Martinborough. North of Martinborough you will pass the historic village of Greytown with its carefully restored Victorian buildings lining the main street, with many describing Greytown as the prettiest town in the North Island. Stop in for lunch at one of the many dining options, or enjoy a spot of shopping at designer boutiques and quirky local stores. For a taste of history, head to the information centre for a heritage map and follow the historic walk around town. Further 20km south is the quaint & charming village of Martinborough. Packed with colonial charm and featuring over 20 wineries, renowned for pinot noir, most are within cycling and walking distance of the village square. Discover a range of cafes and restaurants serving local produce or relax outside at one of the vineyard cafes.

Located at the edge of the historic wine village is the elegant Peppers Parehua Martinborough estate, set among the vineyards, offering sweeping views of the gardens and vineyards. Explore the countryside on a leisurely bike ride, or enjoy a game or tennis or croquet. Dine at The Pavilion, or enjoy a drink at the outdoor bar, or relax in front of the indoor fireplace in the colder months. Explore a little further south to the coast to Cape Palliser, where you can climb a lighthouse, watch a seal colony or just enjoy the panoramic views. The area is rich in history of early Maori occupation and heritage sites including the picturesque Cape Palliser lighthouse, installed in 1897. Be sure to check out the quirky fishing village of Ngawi before you drive up to the lighthouse.

Stay 2 nights in Martinborough.