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Waiheke Island to Hunter Valley
19 Days / 18 Nights from $2999
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Tour Name
New Zealand and Australia Wine Tour
Duration
19 days, 18 nights
Description
If you love wine, great food, and travel then look no further for your perfect vacation. Starting in Auckland, New Zealand (near Waiheke Island), you will travel down (to the South Island) to the Sauvignon Blanc capital of Marlborough and then to Central Otago, near Queenstown, to sample great Pinot Noir. Moving then to Australia, you will sip wines at the world-famous Yarra, Barossa, and Hunter Valleys. You will stay in comfortable hotels in the heart of the action; and, with leisure days scattered throughout your trip, you will end your vacation feeling refreshed . . . and wanting to return!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Start your trip in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Today is your day to explore as you wish and prepare for the wine adventures to come!
Stay 2 nights: Auckland Rydges
Day 2 - Waiheke Island Vineyard Tour
On your tour, you will visit 3 of Waiheke Island's best vineyards: Stonyridge, Cable Bay, and Mudbrick. Enjoy lunch at one of the vineyards. In addition to wine tasting, you will also get to try some of the region's delicious olive oil.
Day 3 - Auckland to Blenheim
Fly to Blenheim on the northern coast of New Zealand's south island. Check into your boutique hotel, the luxurious Blenheim Chateau Marlborough. Take a stroll through the delightful town before a memorable dinner and a quiet evening, sipping your first bottle of Marlborough wine.
Stay 3 nights: Blenheim Chateau Marlborough
Day 4 - Marlborough Wine Tour
The Marlborough Region is one of New Zealand's sunniest and driest areas, allowing the grapes a long and slow ripening period. As a result, Marlborough has gained international recognition for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Your tour will take you to many of the great vineyards of this region, where you can sample various wines and learn about the unique processes of each vineyard.
Day 5 - Blenheim at leisure
Go exploring more vineyards or return to those you really enjoyed yesterday. Conversely, take a break from wineries and go adventuring in the region: hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, rent a sea kayak, or join a dolphin cruise.
Day 6 - Blenheim to Queenstown
Travel south to Queenstown. Once you arrive and stop off at your hotel, you have the day for leisure activities as you wish. From hot air ballooning, skiing and snowboarding (season permitting), jet boating to world-famous spas, Queenstown has an activity to suit everyone's fancy.
Stay 3 nights: Browns Boutique
Day 7 - Central Otago Wine Tour
Your tour will take you to some great vineyards in the Central Otago region - known for its world-class Pinot Noir. A region that's focusing on quality, rather than quantity, of wine, you will have the opportunity to sample several wines that are extremely hard to find in the USA. Try to sample some of the region's delicious apricots, cherries, plums, pears and/or apples, too.
Day 8 - Queenstown at leisure
Depending on your interests, spend the day trying an exhilarating adventure sport, day hiking, shopping, or enjoying some more Pinot Noir as you people-watch from an outdoor café.
Day 9 - Queenstown to Melbourne
Say goodbye to New Zealand as you catch your flight to Australia. You will end the day in Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital.
Stay 3 nights: Rydges Melbourne
Day 10 - Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Explore Australia's Yarra Valley, home to several cool climate wine styles, including: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. You will have the opportunity to visit the tasting rooms of some of Australia's largest wine producers, as well as many of the smaller, family-run vineyards.
Day 11 - Melbourne at leisure
Explore the exciting city of Melbourne. Catch a glimpse of the Parliament House of Victoria, go shopping at the Queen Victoria Market, and tour the Melbourne Museum. If you have time, maybe stop by the Melbourne Zoo or view the numerous bats and plant life at the Botanical Gardens. Treat yourself this evening at one of Melbourne's premier restaurants.
Day 12 - Melbourne to Adelaide
Journey to Adelaide, "The City of Churches," just an hour south of the famous Barossa Valley. Spend the afternoon discovering the highlights of South Australia's capital. Since Adelaide has several professional sports teams, see if you can get tickets to a soccer or Aussie Rules game or a cricket match.
Stay 4 nights: Majestic Garden Roof Hotel
Day 13 - Adelaide Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
A truly memorable afternoon! Indulge in Adelaide's vibrant culture as you spend the afternoon with great food and outstanding wines. The "Grazing on Gouger" tour is a 5-restaurant progressive lunch that explores the delicious restaurant scene of Adelaide's Gouger Street, Central Market and Chinatown.
Day 14 - Barossa Valley Wine Tour
Leaving Adelaide, you'll travel north thought beautiful countryside, stopping in quaint Williamstown for morning tea. Lunch will be at Peter Lehman Wines, serving delicious varieties of meat, cheese, and - of course - wine. Spend the afternoon visiting several Barossa Valley wineries. Since the tour is small, your tour guide will take you to wineries based on your wine preference. (One of the many joys of small group touring!)
Day 15 - Adelaide at leisure
Today is your day to do whatever you choose. Relax in Adelaide, join another tour to Barossa Valley, or maybe take a day-trip to Kangaroo Island.
Day 16 - Adelaide to Sydney
Travel to Sydney. Your hotel is in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance from many of the sights. Take time this afternoon to explore some of the following: the Sydney Opera House, Botanical Gardens, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and Sydney Aquarium
Stay 3 nights: Amora Hotel Jamison
Day 17 - Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine producing region, famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. Again, you will have the opportunity to sample wines from both the large producers and the small family-run vineyards. Your knowledgeable tour guide will be there to answer any questions you might have and offer recommendations.
Day 18 - Sydney at leisure
Today is your last, full day on your vacation. Fill it with wonderful memories!
Day 19 - Tour Concludes
Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport, to catch your flight back home.
Pricing
Starting from $2999 per person |
