Gourmet Food & Wine Self Drive New Zealand Example Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! On arrival, take your private transfer to the hotel. The following day, you’ll be picked up for a foodie tour through Auckland. Visit the lively fish market, browse specialty food shops and chocolatiers, and stop at cafes, farmers markets, artisan producers and so much more. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of this exciting city.

Stay: Two nights, Rydges Auckland Hotel

Collect your rental car from the Auckland city depot and relax on your drive south to Rotorua. You may choose to stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set along the way (extra cost). In the evening, you’ll be collected for a tour to Tamaki Maori Village. Get a taste of traditional Maori culture and village life, with a fabulous dinner and a concert. The following day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit Te Puia, the geothermal park and hot springs, or experience a Kiwi Encounter at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park (extra cost).

Stay: Two nights, Sudima Rotorua

Continue your road trip south to Napier. On the way, you may choose to stop at beautiful Lake Taupo, the caldera lake of the Taupo Volcano. The next day is all yours to discover the beautiful coastal town of Napier. With its wonderfully preserved Art Deco architecture, surrounded by vineyards and long stretches of coastline, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to how to spend your day.

Stay: Two nights, Napier, The Crown Hotel

Jump back in the car and head for Martinborough, known as the gourmet capital of the North Island. Arrive at your quaint bed and breakfast, a 10-minute stroll to the cafes and restaurants in the town centre. A highlight of your time here is a private luxury food and wine tour. A relaxed and personal experience, your guide will take you on a journey to explore the wonderful wines and produce of the renowned Martinborough wine region. Call in on boutique wineries and cellar doors, and enjoy wonderful food along the way.

Stay: Two nights, Martinborough, The Claremont Motel & Apartments

Drop your car at the ferry terminal in Wellington and board the Interislander Ferry to Picton. This is known as one of the world’s most beautiful ferry journeys. Once ashore, you’ll be whisked away on a seafood cruise. As you glide through the landscapes of the Queen Charlotte Sound towards your accommodation at the Bay of Many Coves, you’ll get your fill of fresh Marlborough seafood. Think Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and the region’s famous Greenshell mussels, washed down with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The next day is all yours to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. Or, you might simply choose to relax and enjoy your luxury accommodation, hidden away in a secluded bay of the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Stay: Two nights, Bay of Many Coves Resort

Take a water taxi back to Picton, where you will pick up your rental car for the drive down to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura. Dinner will be served in the dining room at your luxury accommodation, where you can watch food being prepared and chat with the chefs.

Stay: Kaikoura, Hapuku Lodge

Take your time on a leisurely drive down to Christchurch. You’ll look forward to an evening at leisure.

Stay: Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City

Make your way further down the coast to Oamaru. Renowned for its Victorian architecture as well as two penguin colonies, it is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful town and surrounds, where you will find shops, galleries and traditional crafts. Perhaps visit Steampunk HQ, a unique museum of art, sound and light showing an altered universe set within a historic grain elevator building.

Stay: Two nights, Oamaru, Bella Vista Motel