Trade itinerary
This 6-day itinerary includes top spots and trade-friendly products for clients planning a journey along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. While the itinerary shows the minimum days required, make the most of the experience by exploring the additional suggestions across a recommended 8-10 days.
Itinerary overview
Travel time between regions has been factored into this 6-day itinerary.
Day 1: Hawke’s Bay
Day 2: Wairarapa
Day 3: Wairarapa/Wellington
Day 4: Wellington
Day 5: Wellington/Marlborough
Day 6: Marlborough
Starting the trail
Whether travelling from the North or South Island, the 380km trail is well-signposted and marked by distinctive brown grape signs.
If travelling from Auckland in the North Island, you can fly or drive south to Napier, Hawke’s Bay via the Thermal Explorer Highway or Pacific Coast Highway. Arrive in Napier the night before for a full day of exploring.
Finishing the trail
Extend your trip after finishing the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail in Marlborough by taking the Coastal Pacific Train. Known as one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand railways, the journey travels along the Pacific Coast between Picton and Christchurch, delivering spectacular views that are hard to find with any alternative mode of transport.
If this is the end of your New Zealand itinerary, travel from Marlborough to Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland to depart internationally.
Day 1: Hawke’s Bay
Morning
Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on a guided walking tour around the city. Learn about the destructive 1931 earthquake and the resulting Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. Napier proudly claims to have the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, making it a unique destination for enthusiasts of this architectural style.
Afternoon
Explore the vineyards on a bicycle or book a half-day, full-day, or evening wine tour to sample Hawke's Bay's award-winning wines with a local guide.
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Prinsy’s Experiences
Informative winery tours with knowledgeable local guides.On Yer Bike Winery Tours
Self-guided cycling experiences through vineyards and olive groves.Bay Tours and Charters
Private wine tours, bespoke charters, and sightseeing experiences.Tākaro Trails
Self-guided day tours and three-day and five-day tours of the region.Napier City Bike Hire & Tours
Explore the best of the region by bike. Self-guided day tours available. -
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safaris
Book a tour of the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.Cape Kidnappers International Golf Course
Challenge your clients to a round of golf atop dramatic cliffs at the internationally acclaimed golf course.The Silky Oak Chocolate Factory
Choose from a selection of chocolate tours & experiences, taking you from the chocolate shop to the chocolate museum.The Giants Estate Experience at Craggy Range
Taste award-winning wines and immerse yourself in a guided tour of the estate and cellar.TOM Experience at Church Road
An intimate wine flight experience within the atmospheric surroundings of Church Road’s underground wine museum.Smith & Sheth Heretaunga Studio
With your own personal sommelier to guide you, explore three New Zealand wine regions through sampling limited-production wines.National Aquarium of New Zealand
Get upclose with a wide range of saltwater, freshwater and land animal exhibits from New Zealand and around the world.Art Deco Walking Tour & Vintage Car Tour
Take a leisurely guided walk or vintage car tour of Napier, the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand.
Travel
Hawke’s Bay to Wairarapa
Drive time | 3.5 hours
Drive south through the Tararua district, which leads to the boutique vineyards of Wairarapa. This is an easy circuit, driving through pastoral landscapes to outlying vineyard clusters and charming small villages. Allow half a day for the drive, and on the way, stop at the historic Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka or for a guided tour at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
Day 2: Wairarapa
Afternoon
Explore the vineyards and artisan food producers of Martinborough by bike. Book a guided bike tour or hire bikes at leisure with Green Jersey Explorer Tours.
Home to wineries Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, and Lighthouse Gin, The Runholder provides a one-stop shop for great Martinborough fare. With a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, and gin distillery overlooking Martinborough’s rolling hills and vineyards, it's the perfect place to savour Wairarapa's delicious food, fine wines, and original gin. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy an early dinner.
Evening
Wairarapa is arguably the most accessible Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Escape on an astronomical journey with Star Safari for an incredible star-gazing experience where expert guides unravel the mysteries of the Southern Hemisphere's constellations.
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Martinborough Wine Tours
Enjoy a half or full-day tour, visiting 4-5 wineries to experience a delicious line-up of award-winning wines.Martinborough Wine Walks
Trespassing with permission - walk through a selection of small award-winning vineyards. Visit wineries with a knowledgeable local guide, providing an immersive and thorough tasting experience in exclusive locations.
Day 3: Wairarapa / Wellington
Morning
Greytown, Wairarapa is a Victorian country village with a metropolitan style. There is a sophisticated mix of independent boutiques, galleries, stylish stores, restaurants and cafés that make it one of New Zealand’s premiere shopping destinations. Spend a couple of hours along Main Street to dine and shop.
Before driving to Wellington, book your clients a Beekeeping Experience at Greytown Honey to see the process from hive to jar. This fifth-generation family business is the perfect addition to their foodie Wairarapa stay.
Travel
Wairarapa to Wellington
Drive time | 75 minutes
In the afternoon, head south across the Remutaka Ranges to the centre of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington. The capital city of New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, craft beer, vibrant arts and culture, as well as captivating nature and wildlife experiences.
Evening
Wellington stands out on the culinary map with award-winning restaurants and cafés. Opt for an evening at one of the many stylish wine bars or restaurants to indulge in excellent food. Sample a curated selection of local and international wines, where knowledgeable wine experts can assist you in finding the perfect match for your chosen dish.
Day 4: Wellington
Morning
Explore the stories and history of Aotearoa New Zealand with a guided tour at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This interactive national museum spans 36,000 square meters across six floors. It houses an extensive collection of over two million items, including artworks, cultural artifacts, historical archives, and scientific specimens.
While the museum is free to visit, booking a guided tour helps you make the most of your visit, with knowledgeable guides offering insights and ensuring you don’t miss out on the key exhibits.
OR
Head to Wētā Workshop to see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television. This Academy Award-winning design and effects company played a pivotal role in shaping the worlds for Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and other major productions.
Join a tour to explore prop-making, costumes, and special effects that bring movie magic to life. You can also get hands-on in workshops for sculpting, leatherwork, and special effects makeup to unleash your creative side.
Afternoon
Book a Day, Twilight, or Night tour at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne to discover some of New Zealand’s endangered native birds and other wildlife. This world-first, predator-free urban eco-sanctuary is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
On the way, catch the historic Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. Check out the Cable Car Museum at the top, then stroll through the Botanic Garden, where you’ll find manicured rose gardens, winding pathways and spectacular views over more than 25 hectares.
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The Big Foody Tours
From fine-dining establishments to tiny holes in the wall, this three-hour walking tour will give you a great taster of the best bites in the capital and plenty of guidance if you're staying on.Capital Personalised Tours
Your choice for private and tailormade tours across Wellington, Kāpiti Coast, and Wairarapa, with the option to explore The Lord of The Rings movie locations.Switched on Bikes
Explore the city by push, electric, or mountain bike. You can choose to head off on your own, take advice on specific routes, or take a guided tour.Te Wharewaka o Pōneke
Get a unique Māori cultural experience on land and water in the heart of Wellington. Offering cultural walking tours and traditional waka tours.Wellington Helicopters
Tours that offer a different perspective, taking you above and beyond the usual sights. Choose from a range of scenic helicopter rides and heli-lunches.NZ Fine Art Tours
Take a private tour to explore the best of Wellington, past and present. Tour options include walking tours, food tours, and a day trip to neighbouring region, Wairarapa. Customised itineraries available.Kaewa Tours
From craft beer and winery tours to creative and scenic options, Kaewa is dedicated solely to private tours showcasing the best of the Wellington region.Zozo Travel
Offering day, multi-day, and private small group tours. Zozo staff showcases the best Wellington has to offer, from the rugged coastline to the luscious vineyards of Wairarapa.Xplor Tours
With a passion for showcasing the Wellington region, Xplor provides a personalised take on the local sites and stories. Offering mainly small group tours, with large group tours on request. Customised tours available.
Day 5: Wellington / Marlborough
Travel
Wellington to Marlborough
Ferry time | 3.5 hours
Described as one of the most spectacular cruises in the world, travel from Wellington to Marlborough by ferry through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds with the Interislander ferry. Alternatively, if they are limited in time, travel by air, arriving in just 25 minutes with Air New Zealand or Sounds Air.
Afternoon
Book a Seafood Odyssea Cruise for a taste of Marlborough Sounds' beauty. Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and savour local seafood, like salmon and Greenshell mussels, paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Stay overnight in one of the many accommodation options available in the Marlborough Sounds, from lodges and vineyard cottages to luxury hotels.
Day 6: Marlborough
Full-day
Sample the exquisite wines that put Marlborough on the world map, particularly the renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, boasting over 30 inviting cellar doors. Choose to join a wine tour, or curate your own trail through the region's stunning vineyards.
OR
Experience the uniqueness of the Queen Charlotte Track with stunning coastal views, the Marlborough Sounds, and native bush. The 73.5km track combines the best of New Zealand walking and biking with a seamless network of cruise and pack transfers, resorts and lodges, and great food and wine. Choose to walk different sections or the full length.
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Affinity Cruises
Two to six-night cruises in the Marlborough Sounds.Beachcomber Cruises
A range of cruises, including the Magic Mail Boat Run.Sea Kayak Adventures
Enjoy some of the best sea kayaking experiences away from the crowds.Lochmara
Lochmara is a small waterfront resort set on 11 acres of land. Offering accommodations and plenty of activities, explore on a day trip or stay for longer.Marlborough Tour Company
Food and wine cruises in both the Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds.Pelorus Air Scenic Flights
Access the Marlborough Sounds and the top of the South Island by air.Pelorus Mail Boat
Mail delivery service in the Pelorus Sound.Wilderness Guides
Specialist tours of the Queen Charlotte Track. -
Hop ‘n Grape Wine Tours
A variety of educational wine tours.Explore Marlborough
Guided wine tours by bike as well as gourmet food, art and wine tours.Helicopters Nelson
Tailored wine tours by helicopter.Marlborough Tour Company
Daily personalised wine and food tours.Marlborough Wine Tours
Customised wine tours to suit your style and budget.Blenheim Corporate Cars
High-quality corporate taxi service to Marlborough.Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours Marlborough
Travel at your own pace with over 10 venues to choose from.Precision Helicopters
Helicopter rides, scenic flights and adventure tours.Sounds Connection
Daily scheduled and private wine tours. -
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Features Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of WWI and WWII aircraft and artifacts.Harvest Restaurant
Indulge in Marlborough's local food and wine scene at this authentic restaurant where you can relax, enjoy yourself and have your every need anticipated.Makana Chocolate Factory
Visit Marlborough’s boutique chocolate factory. Watch how the chocolate artists make their chocolates, taste a few samples and, of course, shop for delicious treats.
