Cities, Beaches & Vineyards

If you’d love to explore New Zealand’s world-famous wine regions, discover the country’s vibrant cities and enjoy miles of spectacular coastline, this itinerary is the perfect choice. Travelling from the South Island to the North, you’ll experience everything from boutique vineyards and art-deco towns to golden beaches, dramatic fjords and laid-back coastal life – all at your own pace.

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Discover New Zealand’s vibrant cities, famous wine regions and spectacular coastlines on a varied self-drive holiday.

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

✈️ UK – Christchurch (2 nights): Fly from your chosen UK airport to Christchurch on the South Island. Spend two nights exploring this wonderfully laid-back city with its beautiful parks and gardens. Visit the famous Botanic Gardens, hop on the vintage tram, and enjoy the pop-up shops, cafés and dining options at the Re:START project.

🚗 Christchurch – Kaikoura (1 night): Make your way to Kaikoura for a night where the dramatic peninsula, backed by snow-capped mountains, is home to sperm whales, penguins and seals. Take a whale-watching trip out to sea or hike the Peninsula Walkway for magnificent coastal views.

🚗 Kaikoura – Nelson (2 nights): Head north towards Nelson, stopping en route in Blenheim, at the heart of the world-famous Marlborough wine region. With two nights in the arty town of Nelson, you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park. Its golden beaches, turquoise bays and abundant marine life make it perfect for a boat trip or a walk along sections of its spectacular coastal path.

⛴️ Nelson – Wellington (2 nights): Take the scenic three-hour Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Wellington, the nation’s capital. With two nights here, you can enjoy its vibrant art scene, harbourside dining and boutique shopping. Ride the iconic cable car up to the Botanic Gardens for superb views across the city and harbour, and explore the interactive exhibits at Te Papa Museum.

🚗 Wellington – Martinborough (1 night): Drive the short distance to Martinborough, the heart of New Zealand’s renowned pinot noir region. Visit boutique wineries by bike or call into the Martinborough Wine Centre to sample local vintages in one place. Stay overnight and enjoy leisurely vineyard lunches among the vines.

🚗 Martinborough – Napier (2 nights): Continue north to Hawke’s Bay and spend two nights in the beautiful Art Deco town of Napier. This sun-drenched region is one of the country’s leading wine producers, home to artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants. With more than 100 vineyards and 70 wineries, there are endless opportunities for tastings and tours.

🚗 Napier – Gisborne (1 night): Head on to Gisborne, the first city in the world to greet the sunrise each day. Known for its excellent Chardonnay, great surf beaches and relaxed pace, Gisborne combines wine country with rich Maori heritage. Follow the local wine trail or visit cultural sites to learn more about New Zealand’s indigenous traditions.

🚗 Gisborne – Whakatane & Tauranga (2 nights): Travel into the Bay of Plenty, where sunny weather and fertile soils yield kiwifruit, avocados and world-class seafood. Spend a night in Whakatane and another in Tauranga, where you can relax on the beach, take a dolphin-watching tour or hike Mount Maunganui. After a day exploring, unwind in the saltwater hot pools overlooking the Pacific.

🚗 Tauranga – Whitianga (1 night): Continue to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula for a taste of New Zealand’s laid-back coastal life. With its golden beaches, rainforest-covered hills and sheltered bays, this is a wonderful spot for fishing, sailing or boat excursions around Mercury Bay. Don’t miss the natural hot pools that appear at low tide along the coast.

🚗 Whitianga – Auckland (2 nights): Finish your journey with two nights in Auckland, the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. With two harbours, fine restaurants and fascinating museums, it’s a great place to end your adventure. Take a day trip to nearby Waiheke Island to enjoy its beautiful beaches, vineyards and relaxed island atmosphere.

✈️ Auckland – UK: After your stay in Auckland, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK, marking the end of your unforgettable New Zealand adventure.