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Investigate what’s great about each of the five regions in the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Food, wine, culture, adventure and sightseeing – every region has its Go straight to our Must Do Itinerary – all the favourites bundled together for one fantastic holiday.
Many people travel the route from north to south, so it’s likely you’ll begin in Hawke’s Bay – known for its stunning reds, chardonnay, Art Deco architecture and stylish country living. You can investigate Napier’s earthshaking past, cycle or drive around countless wineries, stock up at the farmers’ market and take a 4WD tour to see the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
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½ or full day Must do!Learn about the 1931 earthquake and resulting Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture with a walking tour of Napier or Hastings City. Catch a safari to Cape Kidnappers, home of the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Sample some of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country’s award-winning red wines by taking a tour with a local operator or cycling your way through the vineyards.
Next along the route is Tararua, a rural paradise offering lush farmland, native bush, adventurous beaches and rugged forest parks to experience and explore. Fresh air adventures here include horse riding, jet boating, quad biking and forest hikes. Take a visit to the historic Tui Brewery. Enjoy an eco and nature tour experience at Pukaha Mount Bruce or shop for interesting antiques in the friendly country towns.
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2 hours Must do!Take a tour of the historic Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka. The Tui HQ experience includes a brewery tour, museum, shop and café. Visit Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. Get to know our rarest birds and find out how the Pukaha forest is being restored to pre-human perfection.
Tararua leads into the Wairarapa wine region, where charming historic towns offer a tempting mix of shopping and dining experiences. Stroll around the wineries in Martinborough and throughout the region to discover artisan chocolate, gourmet mushrooms, olives, cider, French pastries and other goodies. Explore the boutique shops of beautifully presented Victorian Greytown.
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½ day Must do!Tour and discover boutique family-owned vineyards and artisan food producers in Martinborough, Greytown, Gladstone and Masterton. Drive to Cape Palliser to see the fur seals. Climb 258 steps to the lighthouse for spectacular views. Eat at the Lake Ferry Hotel with views across Lake Onoke.
Before you leave the North Island, reserve at least two days to discover Wellington - a handsome harbour city brimming with history, creative energy and culture. Enjoy visits to Te Papa (the national museum), catch a live theatre performance and discover tasty restaurant precincts. Iconic expeditions include a ride on the cable car, strolling around Oriental Bay and walking up Mount Victoria.
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At night Must do!Discover New Zealand's stories and history at Te Papa Tongarewa, one of the best interactive museums in the world. Catch the historic cable car from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden. Check out the
Cable Car Museum at the top, then stroll through Visit the Karori Sanctuary, a predator-proof safe haven for endangered native birds and other wildlife. Enjoy a live dramatic performance at one of Wellington's
A memorable ferry journey takes you over Cook Strait to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, where you can bike, hike or kayak the famous Queen Charlotte Track. There are more than 50 wineries to visit around Marlborough; many offer the additional pleasure of a vineyard restaurant. Other attractions include a ground-breaking aircraft museum, river boat cruising, fishing trips and all kinds of artisan
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½ or full day
2 hours Must do!Take a cruise in the Marlborough Sounds enjoying local wines served with fresh seafood. Tour the wineries sampling New Zealand's internationally-acclaimed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where an impressive collection of WW1 aircraft is imaginatively displayed.        MarlboroughMade without compromise, Marlborough wines are known for their extraordinary flavours and aromas. The sauvignon blanc grown here is acclaimed throughout the world for its breathtaking pungency and crisp herbaceousness. Pinot noir is also very happy here, a factor that has contributed to the region’s growing success with sparkling wines. For in-depth information on the wineries in Marlborough visit Hawke’s BayHawke’s Bay history abounds with early winemaking successes and continues today with both classic wine styles and experimental varieties new to the region. Red wine production is For a detailed guide to the wineries visit Hawke’s Bay WairarapaThe Wairarapa wine region is packed with charm, and is an essential destination for those with a palate for fine food and wine. The three sub-regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton include more 50 boutique wineries, mostly family owned. The focus is always on quality rather than volume. |
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An indulgent self-drive journey
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