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9 Day South Island Food and Wine Trail
offered by supplier M18005 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 9
day(s)
Group Size: 4
- 8
people
Destination(s):
New Zealand
Specialty Categories:
Food & Wine
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 7000 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 7550 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Marlborough, Private Wine Tour. Upon arrival into the Blenheim airport, we will meet you and transfer you to the Vintners Retreat. You will have a full day of wine tasting in the magnificent Marlborough wine region. Marlborough is known to produce world-class Sauvignon Blanc,Riesling Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and more. Marlborough's Terroir is unique and has yet to be replicated in other areas of the world. The reason for this is lies in the stony and silty soils of the Wairau plains. This coupled with Marlborough's sharp change in temperature from day to evening results in the world renowned herbaceous and fruity characters that Marlborough Sauvignon is prized for.
Mid morning we visit Foxes Island, a family owned wine company which produces small volumes of premium cool climate varietals from the very heart of the renowned Marlborough , New Zealand wine growing region. Owner and Wine maker John Belsham is a perfectionist and his wines reflect the passion with which he practices his trade. The philosophy behind Foxes Island Wines is one of quality and the pursuit of complexity in fine wine style. Consequently, each release is of very limited production. Taste delicious Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
In 1996 Mike and Claire established Huia Vineyards Ltd, a small private company committed to the production of premium and classical Marlborough wines. Huia is focused on hand crafting fine unique wines expressing the richness of Marlborough grapes from the vineyard through to the table. Blending modern and traditional techniques Huia makes seven premium wine varieties: Enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Vintage Huia Methode Brut.
No other Kiwi wine has found such a following, continually the most sought after Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Cloudy Bay was masterminded by David Hohnen and realized by Kevin Judd. Taste the well balanced Sauvignon Blanc that has put the winery on the world map in such a short time along with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pelorus Methode. Wine maker Hatsch Kalberer has formed a dynamic team at Fromm to produce exceptionally full-flavored wines. The emphasis may be on Pinot Noir, but he produces an eclectic range of wines such as Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and Rielsing. This evening we enjoy a degustation dinner at Herzog. Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 2: Marlborough, Culinary Class and Marlborough Sounds Mussel Cruise. Mid morning we arrive Herzog where Head chef Louis Schindler will be delighted to unlock the secrets of gourmet cuisine for enthusiastic novices. The class will be conducted in an informative and entertaining way in Herzog's state of the art European kitchen. You will learn how to prepare and present a fresh market 3-course gourmet meal, which you will get to enjoy for lunch. The class is conducted in Herzog’s state-of-the-art European style kitchen. This experience is not only fun and educational; the class is also very entertaining. After lunch, Herzog’s wine maker, Hans Herzog, will guide you through an extensive winery tour and tasting. After after lunch we take a break and then we are off on a breath-taking Pelorus Sound Cruise, where you will try freshly steamed Green Lip mussels straight form the sea served with an inviting crisp, chilled glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. This evening Greg will prepare a Kiwi style BBQ meal. Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 3: Christchurch, Waipara Wine Tour. Early morning we drive to Christchurch passing through the Waipara wine growing region in North Canturbury. As we leave Marlborough we will take time to stop at Vavasour Wines in the Awatere Valley. Vavasour Wines are the pioneers of the Awatere Valley and were the first to plant in what is now regarded as one of the premium grape growing regions of Marlborough, New Zealand.The soils there are free draining and the climate dry, warm and frost free. The area has a climate different to the rest of Marlborough so can produce wines with a unique and distinct flavor. Waipara is renowned for its Riesling's and spicy Pinot Noir's. With its predominantly chalky, loamy and enriched limestone soil, the wines from this region display rich, intense, full-bodied wines.
Established in 1986, Daniel Schuster Wines Ltd is a small, quality-focused producer of classically structured wines with individual character that reflects the unique growing conditions of their Estate Vineyards. The company is jointly owned by the Schuster and Hull families, who share a common interest in grape growing, wine making and the appreciation of fine wine with food. Pegasus Bays intention is to give their diners a total food and wine experience. They have an emphasis on freshness and simplicity, using predominantly locally grown ingredients.
The menu is created around their wine list, with each dish matched with a suggested wine. It changes regularly to utilize seasonal ingredients whilst giving diners variety. The Pegasus Bay Pinot's and Reisling's offer a true expression of the Waipara Terrior. Mount Cass is a family owned and operated business Mount Cass was one of first three commercial vineyards planted in the Waipara Valley in 1982 . Mid afternoon we will arrive in Christchurch where you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day and evening is yours. Includes:(B).
Day 4: Christchurch, Christchurch City and Punting on the Avon. The English garden city of Christchurch is treasured by all. After breakfast, your tour begins with a brief orientation and city highlight overview. During your tour, you will see Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Thomas Edmonds former the Band rotunda (now a restaurant) and the Avon River, Town Hall, the Floral Clock, Law Courts, Provincial Chambers, Christ’s College Museum, Botanical Gardens, Arts Center, Worcester Boulevard and the Bridge of Remembrance.
Mid morning we take a punt ride along the Avon River. We start from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds you will drift past the quaint Curator's House restaurant, then through Hagley Park and the leafy Botanic Gardens. The ride goes up past the Woodland Bridge and the Bandsmen's Memorial Rotunda. Along the river you see a variety of wildlife: swans, scaup ducks, paradise shell ducks, grey and mallard ducks, eels and trout. Lunch will be at the Aintigua Boat Shed Cafe. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore and enjoy the beautiful city as you wish. Explore Canterbury Museum or take a stroll though Hagley Park. Your guide is available for suggestions and recommendations. This evening we will dine at the world-renowned, “Pescatore Restaurant,” located in our hotel. This restaurant is committed to excellence and has won international recognition for its inspirational cuisine and fine Pacific Rim dinning. Bon Appetit! Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 5: Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park. Today you will traverse the vast Canterbury plains, the largest area of flat land in New Zealand. You will stop at Geraldine, a country village decorated with pretty flower gardens and local craftsmen. Visit the local cheese maker, chocolatier or the internationally recognized Barkers fruit products. You will stop for lunch along the way before you continue crossing the Southern Alps. Your journey will take you through Burkes Pass before descending into the MacKenzie Basin where you will see the azure colored Lake Tekapo.
Before entering the Mount Cook National park, you will see the Church of the Good Shepherd and its statue of the collie dog. Once inside the park, you can relax at the world-renowned Hermitage Hotel where we will be staying. Enjoy one of the beautiful natural paths and gardens that surround the hotel. This evening we dine in our hotels Panorama Restaurant. This establishment has gained a reputation for being among the best restaurants in the country. Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 6: Mount Cook to Queenstown, Lunch in Wanaka. Breakfast at the hotel, and then you will begin one of the most scenic drives in all of New Zealand. Travel through beautiful and breath-taking passes, lakes, cliffs and hillsides before entering the Mt. Aspiring National Park and Treble Cone. You will have lunch at Lake Wanaka before traveling through the magnificent Kawarau Gorge that descends into Queenstown. This afternoon you have free time to explore the Queenstowns. Tonight we will at “The Bath House,” a delightful restaurant situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a fabulous meal with stunning lake and mountain views. Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 7: Queenstown, Wine Tour. Your day will begin with breakfast, and then it is off into wine country once again. Imagine grapevines planted among beautiful alpine mountains and gorges. First we explore the wineries of the Gibston Valley. Amisfield Lake Hayes' is stunning new winery. Taste wine maker Jeff Sinnott's delicious Riesling's and Pinot's. Peregrine's prime focus is on growing premium Pinot Noir and white varieties from their estate managed vineyards. These are all meticulously hand-tended and farmed under a sustainable philosophy. Peregrine has its vineyards in the two top regions of the area, Gibston and Cromwell. These areas typically produce intensely flavored wines of finesse and elegance with the predominantly schist soils adding mineral complexity. We continue on further up the valley to Bannockburn and stop for lunch at Mount Difficulty and taste some of their award winning Pinot Noir's. The views of Cromwell and its surrounds from this winery are nothing short of stunning.
After Lunch we visit Felton Road the vineyards of Bannockburn are nestled into small macro climates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round. Though the location is on the edge of sustainable viticulture these macro climates consistently combine hot days, cool nights and long dry autumns: perfect for the creation of fine Felton Road Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Finally we make our way down to Clyde and visit Two Paddocks a vineyard owned by actor Sam Neill. Two Paddocks is a family vineyard that specializes in premium quality Pinot Noir wine. Sam is a great believer in Terroir which is evident in all his wines. Two Paddock vines are planted in two different locations around Alexander and one in the Gibston Valley and each vineyard is prized for the its unique grape growing potential. The evening is yours. Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 8: Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy. This morning we take a tour with Nomad 4WD Safaris. The Glenorchy scenic tour offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and on into Paradise. The tour includes the Lord of the Rings film locations of Isengard and Ithilien Camp, plus beech forests near those used for Lothlorien. You can also visit the area used to film the Seat of Seeing/ the battle of Amon Hen.
This afternoon you have free time to enjoy Queenstown or your guide will take you to Arrowtown for a late lunch and a spot of shopping.
This evenings meal will be at the Postmasters House Arrowtown. There is only one word to describe this restaurant "Divine". Includes:(B,L,D).
Day 9: Queenstown, Milford Sound. This morning we fly to Milford. Milford Sound is situated on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a world renowned area of extraordinary beauty. Milford Sound is actually named incorrectly a sound, it actually is a true fiord, which measures 12 km long and is up to 320 meters deep. The fiord receives an average yearly rainfall of approximately 7.5m (300 inches) because it is situated on one of the world's most formidable coastlines, which is subject to rapidly changing weather conditions. The weather is famous for its ability to deteriorate or improve within a very short period of time.
These dramatic weather patterns result in some of nature's most amazing scenery transformations, especially when viewed from one of our scenic Milford Sound flights. At any time on the fiords visitors may see seals, dolphins, penguins and other New Zealand native wildlife. Includes:(B,L,D).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Nine nights luxury accommodation
- Most meals
- Dinners created by top chefs
- 3 VIP wine tours and tasting
- Tours and visits to scenic areas
- 1 culinary class
- Milford Flight
- 4WD Safari
- All transportation on tour
- Wine and Culinary tour guide.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Food & Wine
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, ext: 18005
