Kiwi Epicurean Adventure

Duration: 7 days

Highlights: - Meet local foodies and sample artisan produce
- Take a behind the scenes look at New Zealand filmmaking
- Blast off behind the scenes of Thunderbirds Are Go
- Ramble through acres of vines in the world-renowned Marlborough wine region

Cosmopolitan and energetic, Wellington has an edgy creative vibe fuelled by great food, wine and craft beer. See museum highlights, indulge in a private gourmet immersion and take a fascinating behind the scenes film studio tour. A short ferry ride to the west reveals the Marlborough wine region where there’s ample opportunity for cellar door visits and tastings.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Wellington

Arrive into the New Zealand capital where you have the day to settle in. 

Overnight: Sofitel Wellington

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Wellington

Immerse yourself in Kiwi cuisine today on a private gourmet tour of Wellington. Meet some of the country’s top artisan food producers and savour local specialities in hand-picked providores. Sample regional cheeses, native honeys, artisan chocolates and much more before a delicious lunch expertly matched with New Zealand wines or local craft beer at one of the city’s leading restaurants. This afternoon, accept your invitation to tea in a local home and experience Kiwi hospitality at its warmest. 

Overnight: Sofitel Wellington

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 3 - Wellington

For a succinct overview of what makes New Zealand unique, venture to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to admire select highlights of the collection which showcase the country’s diverse natural environment, the Maori culture and treasures, its art and colonial history. This afternoon, movie buffs will be spellbound on a behind the scenes workshop tour of Weta Studios learning about the effects created for The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, the record-breaking Gallipoli: The Scale of our War, and more. Later, visit the Thunderbirds Are Go shooting stage and be amazed by the props, models and miniatures built for the popular television series, including Tracy Island, the Thunderbird hangars and Lady Penelope’s mansion. 

Overnight: Sofitel Wellington

Meal Plan: B 

Day 4 - Blenheim

Board the morning Interislander ferry for the Cook Strait crossing to Picton in the South Island where you collect your rental car and self-drive south to Blenheim. Explore a little before arriving at your luxury lodgings on a wine estate in the heart of the Marlborough winegrowing region. 

Overnight: The Marlborough Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Blenheim

Get a taste of Marlborough on a private tour of the region. With over 100 wineries in the area, a host of primary food producers, cafés and restaurants galore, Marlborough really is a gourmet province. You’ll visit world renowned wineries such as Cloudy Bay, Allan Scott, Wither Hills and Brancott Estate, as well as more boutique favourites such as Framingham, Saint Clair and Wairau river. Taste your way through various vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and learn about the unique characteristics of each. 

Overnight: The Marlborough Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Blenheim

Spend the day relaxing at the lodge, rambling through the gardens and vineyard, visiting the wine shack or biking through the idyllic countryside. Alternatively, travel further afield to vineyards, gourmet restaurants, golf courses or the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. 

Overnight: The Marlborough Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D 

Day 7 - Depart Blenheim

Return your rental car to Blenheim airport and depart.

Meal Plan: B