9-DAY EXCLUSIVE WINE, FOOD AND NATURE ON THE SOUTH ISLAND

You’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation in Wellington. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington was recently named “the coolest little capital in the world”. Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer!.

From: Wellington International Airport
To: Bolton Hotel
You’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation in Wellington.

Bolton Hotel is Wellington’s finest independent hotel, New Zealand owned and operated with an excellent central location for work or leisure in New Zealand’s capital city.

Just steps from the Parliament buildings and central business district, Bolton Hotel is conveniently close to the best of the city’s shops, cafes and restaurants and within walking distance of Wellington’s vibrant waterfront.

Experience the seasonal flavours and authentic Kiwi cuisine crafted by award-winning Executive Chef MacLean Fraser at Artisan. Just steps away from Parliament, immerse yourself in sophisticated comfort in the heart of Wellington’s CBD.

Address: Bolton Hotel Bolton Street, Wellington, New Zealand

Situated at the tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington is not only the capital but also one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. The compact city is a vibrant and powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, all surrounded by stunning scenery.

The people, or Wellingtonians as they are known, are renowned for their great taste in craft beer and strong coffee. Throughout the city, the streets are teeming with great restaurants, night food markets and food trucks.

When you want to take a break from filling your belly, this fine city offers a lot to do in your free time. Head over to Oriental Bay, the city’s golden-sand inner-city beach or perhaps soak up the culture in one of the many museums, art galleries or theatres.

For those that like to spend most of their time outdoors, Wellington has you covered with adrenaline-fuelled activities such as mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as more relaxing activities such as walks in the surrounding hills and riding the famed cable car to the top of the city for an amazing view.

+ optional (not included in price)
Address: Wellington, New Zealand

Hannahs Laneway is home to the Fix & Fogg shop window which offers peanut butter tastings and gourmet toast. Leeds Street Bakery in Hannahs Laneway is one of the celebrated artisan producers in this culinary hotspot. The Wellington Chocolate Factory sets itself apart with their meticulous
process. Today, you’ll explore Hannahs Laneway culinary precinct tasting delicious sweets, treats and gastronomic delights!.

Hannahs Laneway is home to the Fix & Fogg shop window which offers peanut butter tastings and gourmet toast. Leeds Street Bakery in Hannahs Laneway is one of the celebrated artisan producers in this culinary hotspot. As well as those famous cookies (which come in regular and gluten-free versions), the bakery produces delicious bread and other baked goods which are supplied to cafés around Wellington.

With the dream of creating a better-tasting world, the Wellington Chocolate Factory sets itself apart with their meticulous process. This labour of love beings with the team sourcing beans from around the world, whose origins influence the very distinct flavour characteristics of every bar
this original Wonka factory produces. And as they craft each flavour, they tell a uniquely Kiwi story.

After years of working at some of London’s five-star hotels and high-end restaurants, British pastry chef Jackie Morrison moved to Wellington and saw an opportunity to really start creating the food she wanted to feed people. Morrison opened her brownie bar in the Hannahs Laneway culinary precinct where she makes brownie using laneway products including Fix & Fogg peanut butter and Wellington Chocolate Factory
chocolate. The vegemite brownie is a must-try.

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Address: 14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Today, you’ll leave Wellington behind and fly from Wellington to Nelson. Upon arrival, you’ll continue your drive to Golden Bay, Tasman. Before you lay eyes on Golden Bay, you’ll enjoy an amazingly scenic road journey over the Takaka Hill, known also as ‘marble mountain’. Te Waikoropupū Springs, the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, and other attractions are close by. You’ll then continue your journey to your luxury lodge near Wharariki Beach.

From: Wellington
To: Nelson
This short domestic flight takes around 40 minutes.

From: Nelson
To: Golden Bay / Mohua

Before you lay eyes on Golden Bay, you’ll enjoy an amazingly scenic road journey over the Takaka Hill, known also as ‘marble mountain’. There are signposted lookouts along the way and the subterranean marvels of Harwoods Hole (176 metres deep) and the Ngarua Caves shouldn’t be missed.

Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupu Springs) are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and the largest cold water springs in the southern hemisphere, with a clarity rating of 75 metres, meaning they also contain some of the clearest water ever measured.

The springs are located on the other side of the hill, near the town of Takaka, and are a ‘wahi tapu’ – sacred place – to the local Maori tribe. You can take a leisurely stroll around the walkways and read the interpretive panels along the way.

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Address: Golden Bay / Mohua, Tasman, New Zealand

From: Golden Bay / Mohua
To: Westhaven Luxury Lodge

A hideaway in a beautiful corner of the South Island, Westhaven Luxury Lodge is a five-star hotel in a remote, peaceful location boasting luxurious suites and rooms.

Spread over 350 hectares, on a private peninsula offering a natural wilderness sanctuary, the luxury lodge offers access to one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastlines.

The intimate accommodation, just five luxurious Lodge Rooms  and two spacious Luxury Lodge Suites boast private terraceproviding panoramic views of the Westhaven Bay and Kahurangi National Park. During your downtime, you can enjoy the hotel’s spa, swimming pool and of course indulge in its fine food with a keen focus on local organic produce.

Address: Westhaven Luxury Lodge Te Hapu Road, Mangarakau, New Zealand

An easy walk along the most spectacular coastline in the region, passing through farmland and forest. The track to Wharariki Beach travels over farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest, before arriving a the beautiful windswept coast. The best time to visit is at low tide when you can walk the length of the beach and take in spectacular coastlines, caverns, islands, and enormous sand dunes along the way.

+ optional (not included in price)
Address: Wharariki Beach, Wharariki Road, Puponga 7073, New Zealand

Sitting on a 400-plus-hectare private peninsula, Westhaven Luxury Tour is the gateway to a natural wilderness sanctuary of which you can explore during your stay. Today, your guide will show you the most beautiful regions of the property, describing its interesting history and New Zealand fauna and flora on a safari tour. Later in the day, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the activities offered at the lodge including lots of hikes into the wilderness.

Sitting on a 400-plus-hectare private peninsula, Westhaven Luxury Tour is the gateway to a natural wilderness sanctuary of which you can explore during your stay.

Today, your guide will show you the most beautiful regions of the property, describing its interesting history and New Zealand fauna and flora on a safari tour.

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Address: Westhaven Luxury Lodge Te Hapu Road, Mangarakau, New Zealand

The 404.6-hectare (1000 acre) private peninsula where you’ll find Westhaven Luxury Lodge is a natural wilderness sanctuary. Bordering as it does, the protected Marine and Wildlife Reserve as well as the Kahurangi National Park.

Hiking in this, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastlines, you will find secluded private beaches, incredible rock formations and the largest Nikau Palm forest. Or, if you prefer, you can join a guide on a hiking tour for an introduction to New Zealand’s plants, animals and Maori traditions.

Explore more than seven wide and easy walking tracks, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours walking. Also available are guided tours such as kayaking, coastal fishing, mountain biking, Farm and Safari tour.

Address: 336 Te Hapu Road, Mangarakau 7073, New Zealand

Golden Bay and the South Island’s northwest coast are renowned for their diverse and ancient landforms, endemic plants, abundant birdlife and outstanding scenery. Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet) is part of this paradise. It is one of the largest and least modified estuaries in the country.  An uninterrupted sequence of plant life, from forest to salt marsh, helps to maintain the estuary’s overall health and supports a great diversity of life. Much of the inlet is bordered by coastal forest, including kahikatea, pukatea, rata, beech, rimu and nikau palm. Eelgrass beds, salt marshes, tidal wetlands, dunes, cliffs, islands, rock platforms and underwater reefs are all found at Westhaven and are important habitats for a variety of species.

Approximately 30 species of marine fish use the inlet at some stage of their life history. It is an important breeding and nursery area for snapper, flatfish, kahawai and whitebait. Many fish enter the estuary to take advantage of the rich food supply found in the eelgrass beds and intertidal sandflats.

+ optional (not included in price)
Address: Whanganui Inlet, Tasman 7073, New Zealand

Today, you’ll drive back towards Nelson City to your next luxury lodge for the next two nights. Here, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in pure luxury at this secluded retreat looking out to the stunning waters of the Waimea Estuary. On the way, you can stop to explore the charming seaside villages of Mapua and Ruby Coast. Once in Nelson, you absorb the creative energy of this city and take part in the vast array of activities!.

From: Westhaven Luxury Lodge
To: Nelson

Just 30 minutes from Nelson City, the charming seaside villages of Mapua and the Ruby Coast are increasingly becoming favourite holiday spots for tourists and locals alike.

With a lively cluster of restaurants, art galleries, wine bars and a craft brewery, Mapua is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a long weekend away. Here you can hire a bike and cycle Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which stretches from central Nelson through to Motueka. Just
offshore, Rabbit Island offers a treat for mountain bikers with a network of trails just waiting to be explored. A little ferry departs Mapua Wharf regularly for the Island, with room for passengers and their bikes.

Address: Mapua, New Zealand

The Lodge at Bronte is the chance to immerse yourself in pure luxury. Overlooking the stunning waters of the Waimea Estuary, this five-star secluded retreat offers the ultimate escape for the seasoned traveller.

Set amongst beautiful gardens, the lodge boasts a restaurant where the chef and sommelier come together to create wonderful dinners featuring local delicacies, matched with delicious wines from the region.

Special trips and activities can be arranged by the lodge. Halfway between Nelson city and Abel Tasman National Park, there are lots of activities within easy distance of the lodge.

Address: Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte Bronte Road East, Bronte, New Zealand

Known as the sunny city, Nelson is surrounded by outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you are looking to go relax on the beach or want to challenge yourself with rafting down rapids, Nelson has it on its doorstep.

The city is best explored by bicycle which you can hire in the centre. Perhaps one of the coolest things to do while here is to find the marker that tells you the exact centre of New Zealand, right here in Nelson! You’ll find both English and Japanese gardens that are stunning to walk around as well as museums if the weather is not particularly wonderful while you are here.

Address: Nelson City, Nelson, New Zealand

Today, you’ll head out on the Golden Future Nature Cruise to explore the ecology, experience the wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park. This eco boat tour takes you on a journey to explore the coastal zones, islands, beaches, forests and streams of the park with lots of time to relax, walk and swim. You’ll discover nature, birdwatch, take photos and learn all about the area from your knowledgeable and friendly local guides.

Today, you’ll head out on the Golden Future Nature Cruise with Abel Tasman Eco Tours to explore the ecology, experience the wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park.

This eco boat tour takes you on a journey to explore the coastal zones, islands, beaches, forests and streams of the park with lots of time to relax, walk and swim. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, you’ll be able to discover nature, birdwatch, take photos and learn all about the area from your knowledgeable and friendly local guides.

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Address: Abel Tasman EcoTours meeting place, Marahau 7120, New Zealand

Today, you’ll leave the Abel Tasman National Park behind and drive to Marlborough. Marlborough plays a starring role in New Zealand’s sauvingnon blanc’s success. Scores of vineyards rub shoulders along the Wairau and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough. Marlborough’s vast flat areas are also ideal for a gentle gourmet cycle tour and it is the perfect way to explore the wineries. You’ll finish your trip with two nights at the luxury Bay of Many Coves, set in the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound

From: Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte
To: Bay of Many Coves Resort

Set in the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, Bay of Many Coves is a luxury five-star resort. Situated between stunning native bush and a secluded bay, staying here is an unforgettable experience. World-class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, abundant adventures and more await you at Bay of Many Coves. In this natural setting, you’ll escape the everyday and discover the exceptional. You’ll be able to truly unwind and recharge your batteries. Just moments from the resort you’ll find the internationallyrenowned Queen Charlotte walking track along with other adventures. At the resort’s exclusive fine dining restaurant, you’ll be able to enjoy locally-sourced meals and beautiful wine pairings.

Address: Bay of Many Coves Resort, Picton, New Zealand

Famous for being New Zealand’s largest winegrowing region, Marlborough is a world of diverse landscapes, rich climates and rolling vineyards and is home the beautiful sheltered waterways of the Marlborough Sounds.

Well known for its winemaking industry and its famous Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is made upon coastal waterways, peninsulas, small islands and coves. Referred to as the ‘mainland’ by the South Island Locals, Marlborough is popular with locals and travellers alike to due its warm climate and proximity to the Abel Tasman National Park as well as the beautiful mountain ranges of the national parks of Kahurangi
and Nelson Lakes.

During your free time in Marlborough, there is plenty to keep to busy from winery tours by bicycle, coach and car to dining in world-class seafood restaurants and visiting artisan stores. You can also visit one of the many distilleries or breweries to taste locally-produced fruit brandy, beer and liqueur. One of the best ways to see Marlborough is to get outdoors, whether that be on kayaks, bicycle or by walking one of the many trails around the city.

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Address: Marlborough, New Zealan

Today, you’ll spend the day enjoying the Marlborough sounds, including long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. For lunch, you’ll enjoy the stunning waters aboard the exclusive Seafood Odyssea Cruise, complete with a gourmet lunch of salmon, clams and mussels with Marlborough
sauvignon blanc for the definitive match. You’ll cruise near an aquaculture farm, learn about this industry in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.

Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

With 1500 kilometres of New Zealand’s coastline, Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.

The area has three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. The Department of Conservation manages over 50 reserves in this scenic playground.

Address: Marlborough 7195, New Zealand

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive Seafood Odyssea Cruise, featuring Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels with Marlborough sauvignon blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound while cruising aboard our luxury launch that departs from Picton 4-5 times a week, all year round. Cruise near an aquaculture farm, learn about this industry in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.

Address: Town Wharf 6 Picton Marina, Marlborough 7220, New Zealand

Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope to see you for another South Island New Zealand itinerary soon!

From: Bay of Many Coves Resort
To: Picton Airport