12 Day Food and Wine Tour of New Zealand:
including Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Marlborough and Central Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka.

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12 Day New Zealand Food and Wine Tour Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough Queenstown Central Otago and Wanaka

Testimonial by Bonnie Shane Dayton, Ohio 26 Apr 2010

We had a fabulous time on our Grapeescape wine tour in the South Island with Greg. My husband Guy and I, joined by our daughter Julie, who lives in Guam, spent 9 awesome days in New Zealand tasting wonderful wines, eating great food and having exciting adventures. I usually plan our trips abroad, myself, but I was so glad I chose Grapeescape’s wine trail this time. Greg willingly worked with us to modify one of his regular advertised trips to meet all our interests and our time schedules. It was absolutely fabulous. Greg started us off in Marlborough at Mahi where we were treated to tank samples - something I had not done before on previous food/wine tours. Next it was “bubbles” at No. 1 – fun! By the end of the day we had visited 7 wineries, and the Makana chocolate factory. We ended the day with a wine/food degustation at Herzogs; great flavors and but tiny food samples were a disappointment to all of us. After more wine the next day, (loved Howard, at Gibson Bridge,) we headed to Abel Tasman National Park. My daughter talked me into a 10.5k hike, and I was really glad. It is a magical place The next day while Julie went kayaking , Greg, Guy and I took a water taxi to the park lodge for lunch. We were really fortunate to see a huge school of dolphins on the way. And that was just the start! After four days in the Marlborough/Abel Tasman area, we flew south to Queenstown. For five days we drank awesome wines, including some really good pinot noirs, and also had several fun adventures. Greg arranged for us to fly in a small plane and a Milford Sound cruise in the Fiord National park. Beautiful does not begin to describe it. We drank wine in many wonderful wineries in the Otago region, including Felton Road, Olssons, Mt. Difficulty and Chard Farm. For our final adventure we flew in an even smaller plane, landed in a meadow, hiked in Mt. Aspiry National Park and then took a jet boat back to our starting point. New Zealand is truly magical and we can’t thank Greg enough for showing us wonderful sights, cooking lamb on the “barbie” and green lip mussels, staying in beautiful lodgings everywhere we were, eating at outstanding restaurants, including The Butchery in Wanaka and the Boat Shed in Nelson. Thanks, also, for sharing many very tasty wines with us. Wish I could wriggle my eyebrows like Greg when we found a special wine. In fact, wish I could do it all again!

Day 1: Napier (Hawke's Bay)
Maori Welcome and Vineyard Tour

Accommodation 2 nights County Hotel

(B,L,D)

We start the day with a drive to the top of Te Mata Peak taking in panoramic views of Hawke's Bay and are greeted with a Powhiri (Maori Welcome) by local Maori.

Mid morning we visit the Craggy Range winery for a tour of their winery followed by a tasting of their single vineyard wines from the Gimblet Gravels.

Midday we travel back out to the Gimblet Gravels and the Western Plains.

Before lunch we meet Kingsley Tobin of Kingsley Estate renowned for Bordeaux style Gimblett Gravel wines. Kingsley uses organic methods to form the basis of an overall quality focus. Low yields and hand harvesting also contribute to the intensity of his wines.

We lunch at Sileni Estate followed by a tasting of their fantastic range of wines. Sileni are renowned for luscious Chardonnay and well structured Merlot's.

Discover the secrets of the Gimblet Gravels with John and Rosemary O'Connor owners of the Matariki Winery home of gold medal winning wines such as Matariki Quintology a blend of five varietals.

Finally we visit Trinity Hill famous for Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends. This winery is at the forefront of experimenting with new varietals such as Pinot Gris and Tempranillo which both have a great future at this winery and in the Gimblet Gravels District.

Dinner tonight will be at the Terroir Restaurant Craggy Range.

Day 2: Napier (Hawke's Bay)
Art Deco

(B,L,D)
This morning will start with an escorted walk with Clarence Bertram St John Fitz Montague through the city of Napier Art Deco Capital of the World. Including visits to private homes built and furnished in the classic Art Deco style.

The afternoon is yours. Choose from a range of activities available.
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Wine Tour

Dinner tonight will be at Chambers Restaurant in your Hotel.

Day 3: Wellington
A Day Out In The Capital

Accommodation 1 Night Intercontinental

(B)
This morning we fly down to Wellington the nations capital. Spend the rest of the day enjoying everything this great city has to offer, excellent cafes, shopping, cable car and New Zealand's National Museum Te Papa. Te papa (Our Place) is a ground breaking museum offering a look at the History of New Zealand and Maori Culture. The museum is full of Maori Treasures, interactive rides and national treasures.

We will spend the night at the Intercontinental Hotel in the centre of Wellington.

The evening is yours or why not spend the night at the Karori Wildlife Reserve. See Kiwi and other New Zealand wildlife up close and in their natural environment.

Day 4: Nelson 02 FEB
Abel Tasman National Park

(B,L,D)

Accommodation 2 Nights The Bach

We take an early morning flight to the beautiful region of Nelson arriving mid morning, allowing enough time to wander around the City of Nelson.

Mid day we dine at the Boat Shed Restaurant and Cafe. Their passion for food is reflected in their menus which combine Mediterranean with a Pacific Rim blend which come together in a fusion of food styles. The Boat Sheds team of chefs are currently experimenting with Kai Aotearoa (traditional Maori cuisine) and believe that New Zealand is entering an indigenous food revolution which they see as becoming more prolific in restaurants here.

After lunch we travel to our accommodation in the heart of the Abel Tasman park taking time to stop and check out local food producers and arts and crafts.

This evening we relax at our lodge.

DAY 5: Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park

(B,L,D)

Take time out and explore the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park visiting pristine beaches and bays. Choose from walking, a boat cruise or a guided sea kayaking trip with Wilson's Experiences Abel Tasman.

Day 6: Marlborough
Herzog Culinary Class

Accommodation 2 Nights The Vintners Retreat

(B.L,D)
This morning we travel on to Marlborough crossing the Richmond Hills into Renwick.

Early afternoon we arrive Herzog where Head chef Louis Schindler will be delighted to unlock the secrets of gourmet cuisine for enthusiastic novices. This hands-on workshop is a unique opportunity for all foodies to learn about the preparation and presentation of a fresh market 3-course gourmet menu that can easily be put into practice when entertaining at home. The class will be conducted in an informative and entertaining way in Herzogs state of the art European kitchen.

Tonight we dine at The Vintners Retreat

Day 7: Blenheim (Marlborough)
Vineyard Tour Marlborough

(B,L,D)
The morning is yours. Late morning we pay a visit to winery Domaine Georges Michel where you will taste some of Marlborough's most stunning Pinot's, Chardonnay's and Sauvignon Blanc.

Lunch is next door at La Veranda.

Villa Maria is George Fistonich's award winning wine group founded in 1962. Villa is 100% Kiwi owned and has been New Zealand's most consistent wine award winner since the 80s. Taste wines from Marlborough as well as Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.

Next stop Cloudy Bay. 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 realised by Kevin Judd. Taste the well balanced Sauvignon that has put the winery on the world map in such a short time.

Winemaker Hatsch Kalberer has formed a dynamic team at Fromm to produce exceptionally full-flavoured wines. The emphasis may be on Pinot Noir, but he produces an eclectic range of wines, with Sangiovese in the pipeline.

Framingham is an exceptional boutique winery producing fruity styled Sauvignon, Alsatian style Riesling and Gewürztraminer, watch out for the new release 2001 Montepulciano. Rex and Paula Brooke Taylor established this vineyard in 1981 only to release their wines under the Framingham label in 1994.

Wairau River has a fantastic range of aromatic wines and Sauvignon Blanc. Try their Stump Creek Pinot Noir soft cherry fruit and toffee flavours.

Day: 8 Queenstown
Arrowtown

Accommodation 3 Nights The View

(B,L,D)
We take an early morning flight to Queenstown arriving mid morning. We spend the rest of the morning exploring Queenstown. This afternoon we travel out to Arrowtown an historic gold mining town and a great place to spend the afternoon shopping and exploring local history.

Tonight we dine at Saffron Arrowtown. This is such a delightful restaurant that i just cant keep away whenever I go to Arrowtown.

Day: 9 Queenstown
Wine Tour

(B,L)
First we explore the wineries of the Gibston Valley. Amisfield Lake Hayes' is stunning new winery. Taste winemaker Jeff Sinnott's delicious Rieslings and Pinot's.

Next stop Peregrine Wines. Their 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 flavoured wines of finesse and elegance with the predominantly schist soils adding mineral complexity.

We continue on further up the valley to Bannockburn and for lunch at Mount Difficulty and taste some of their award winning Pinot Noirs. 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 Cromwell and visit Two Paddocks a vineyard owned by actor Sam Neil. Two Paddocks is a family vineyard that specialises 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

Day 10: Queenstown 08 FEB
Milford Sound

(B,L,D)
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 metres 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.

Tonight we dine at The Bath House. This is probably one of the most delightful locations and restaurants you will ever find. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with stunning lake and mountain views. Menu

Day 11: Wanaka

Accommodation 2 Nights Wanaka Homestead

(B,L)
This morning we depart Queenstown for Wanaka traveling over the Crown Range road via Cardrona.

Today you have free time to explore Wanaka or take part in one of the many activities on offer.

* NZ Fighter Pilots Museum Home to an amazing collection of airworthy WWII fighter aircraft including a Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang and Polikarpov I-16 & I -153.

* Wanaka Golf Club An 18 hole golf club set among mature trees with magnificent lake and mountain views. Suitable for golfers of all abilities, Pro Shop, Clubhouse and full hire facilities including motorised carts.

* Stuart Landborough's Puzzling World Great Maze, Tilting House, Hologram Hall and lawn mini golf.

The evening is yours

Day 12: Wanaka
Siberian Experience

Join the Siberian Experience for a 4 hour wilderness adventure in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park.

* 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight with Southern Alps Air

* 3 hour walk beginning in the remote Siberia Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park

* 20 minute jet boat ride back to Makarora.

Your Siberian Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, alpine lakes, rain forest, waterfalls and more - this is your chance to see it all.

This evening is our last night together, we dine at The Botswana Butchery.

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