Cities, Beaches & Vineyards Self Drive

Description

2nt Christchurch
1nt Kaikoura (via Blenheim / Marlborough)
2nt Nelson (Abel Tasman)
2nt Wellington
1nt Martinborough
2nt Napier
1nt Gisborne
1nt Whakatane
1nt Tauranga
1nt Whitianga
2nt Auckland (Optional 2 Night Bay of Islands Extension)

If you would love to explore New Zealand’s world famous wine regions, get to know the country’s fantastic cities and enjoy miles of magnificent coastline with golden sandy beaches, then this is the trip for you.

Itinerary

UK - Christchurch (2 Nights): First, you will fly from your chosen UK Airport to Christchurch on the South Island. Spend 2 nights here exploring this wonderfully laid back city with its beautiful parks and gardens. Visit the famous Botanic Gardens, get around by vintage tram and enjoy the abundance of shopping and dining options at the Re:START project with its pop-up shops and cafes.

Christchurch - Kaikoura (1 Night): Then make your way to Kaikoura for a night where the peninsula, with its mountain backdrop, is home to sperm whales, penguins and seals. You can go out to sea whale-watching or hike the Peninsula Walkway for magnificent coastal views.

Kaikoura - Nelson (2 Nights): Next, head north towards Nelson stopping en route in Blenheim. This agricultural town lies in the heart of the Marlborough region world famous for its wineries. With 2 nights in the arty town of Nelson you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park. With its beautiful beaches, coves and sealife it is well worth taking a boat trip, or walk along sections of this popular coastal path.

Nelson - Wellington (2 Nights): Take the 3hour Interislander ferry to Wellington on the North Island where you can spend 2 nights getting to know the city with its reputation for a thriving art scene and great cuisine. Take the cable car up to the Wellington Botanic Gardens for excellent views across the city and harbour.

Wellington - Martinborough (1 Night): Then drive the short distance to Martinborough for a night in the renowned pinot noir region. With its boutique wineries, either head to the Martinborough Wine Centre where you can sample numerous wines in one place or explore the region by bicycle and stop at vineyards for cellar-door tastings and lunch.

Martinborough - Napier (2 Nights): Further up the east coast you will come to Hawkes Bay where you can base yourself in the beautiful Art Deco town of Napier for 2 days. One of the country’s leading wine producers with its warm, dry climate the bay is renowned for its artisan producers, and award winning restaurants. With over 100 vineyards and 70 wineries there are endless wine tours and tasting opportunities to enjoy.

Napier - Gisborne (1 Night): Head on up to Gisborne, being the most eastern city in the world it is the first place to greet the sun each morning! With its reputation for fantastic Chardonnay along with great food and surf beaches, Gisborne is a great place to stay. Along with a wine trail leading to boutique wineries, you can also learn more about the fascinating Maori culture.

Gisborne - Whakatane & Tauranga (2 Nights): Make your way up to the Bay of Plenty where its sunny weather encourages kiwifruit and avocados to grown in abundance, and along with the local seafood and wine means that you are sure to dine well! With a night in Whakatane followed by a night in Tauranga you will have plenty of time to relax, fish or take a dolphin tour out at sea. Nearby, Mount Maunganui is a mecca for surfers all year round and is also the place to enjoy a soak in the saltwater hot pools.

Whakatane - Whitianga (1 Nights): Head on to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula for more golden beaches, fishing trips and boat excursions of Mercury Bay. Surrounded by rainforest, the rugged coastline is home to plentiful sealife, delicious scallops and hot thermal pools!

Whitianga - Auckland (2 Nights): Finally spend your last 2 nights in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city boasts two harbours, museums and fine restaurants. Easily accessible is the nearby island of Waiheke. with its white-sandy beaches and beautiful vineyards it is well worth a visit.

You can also extend your trip by an extra 2 nights to fit in the gorgeous Bay of Islands. Home to 144 subtropical islands and a number of pretty resort towns you can see the penguins, swim with dolphins or visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.