KIA ORA!

Welcome to New Zealand

Arrivals and transfer from Auckland Airport to the contemporary waterfront locale of the InterContinental Auckland by IHG, our home for the first two nights of our adventure.

Orientation tasting at Ground Wine Bar

Dive right in to learning about this thriving winemaking country in this lively subterranean wine bar, as we are led through a tasting of wines from its best regions by one of its shining wine stars. In this tasting you will get an overview of all of these regions, even though we will be focusing on two in particular on this journey.

Dinner at Gilt Restaurant

We’ll take the short stroll over to this sophisticated yet playful restaurant set in a striking heritage building. Here the chef pairs bold, globally inspired dishes with an impressively sharp wine list. What makes Gilt special is its effortless balance – elevated yet approachable, stylish without being stiff, a bit like New Zealand itself – making it the perfect spot for our first evening’s culinary exploration.

FOCUS ON WORLD-CLASS WHITES

Private tour and tasting at Kumeu River Wines

The Brajkovich family is celebrating 80 years of history, with their winery Kumeu River consistently making some of New Zealand’s finest wines. We will visit the winery, a bit outside Auckland, for a tasting of their Burgundian-style Chardonnay. These elegant, age-worthy wines will be poured for us by the people who know them best, set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and decades of winemaking tradition. It’s a masterclass in craftsmanship, heritage and the quiet confidence of a true New Zealand classic.

Tasting and lunch at Westbrook Winery

In the rolling hills of Waimauku, Westbrook offers a laid-back yet refined tasting experience. The family is known for its crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays, but you’ll sample a range of expressive, handcrafted wines with bright aromatics, as well as a few elegant reds, before sitting down to a relaxed lunch in the vineyard garden. Surrounded by native bush and vines, it’s the perfect place to dine, sip and soak in the beauty of New Zealand wine country.

Rest and relaxation

Back at the hotel, you’ll have down time to recharge and relax before tonight’s dinner.

Dinner at Ahi Restaurant in Commercial Bay

Ahi means fire in the Maori language, and when you experience chef Ben Bayley’s inventive cooking, you’ll appreciate the name. He is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s finest chefs, and each dish represents an aspect of the country’s culinary traditions. We’ll be joined by a guest winemaker who will share her wines and her passion for her region.

AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN

Flight to Queenstown, free afternoon

Catch the short flight down to the southern tip of the South Island, to visit Queenstown, where dramatic natural beauty meets vibrant energy. It’s rare to find glacial lakes, towering peaks, and world-class food and wine all in one breathtaking place. We’ll check in to the luxurious lakeside Rosewood Matakauri and enjoy a free afternoon to ourselves, whether to get acquainted with this delightful city, or simply relax at the hotel.

Lakeside cocktail

Apart from its vibrant wine scene, Queenstown also has a burgeoning craft cocktail movement, and the bartender at the Rosewood knows how to mix a mean drink! We’ll gaze out at the lake as we sip, before taking the short walk to our evening’s dining experience.

Dinner at Rātā Restaurant

Settle in for an unforgettable evening, with the spirit of the South Island is captured in every beautifully plated dish. Paired with a curated selection of local wines, this dinner is a celebration of bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and Queenstown’s vibrant culinary soul – served in a casual and relaxed ambience.

WONDERS OF WANAKA

Private tasting at Rippon

We’ll enjoy a private tasting at Rippon, one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking vineyards, where biodynamic wines are crafted with precision and soul. Set high above Lake Wānaka in the “Southern Alps”, this intimate experience offers not just exceptional Pinot Noir and Riesling, but a deep connection to the land and legacy behind every bottle.

Lunch at Kika

Contemporary Kiwi cuisine is dynamic and exciting, a big part of what makes this trip so special, and at this intimate restaurant in Wānaka that Kiwi style meets Italian flair. Set in a cozy, stone-walled dining room overlooking a creek, the restaurant offers family-style sharing plates crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. With a thoughtfully curated wine list highlighting Central Otago’s finest, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible bounty of where we are.

Private tasting at Maude Wines

Delving into the micro-boutique producer side of New Zealand wine, we’ll enjoy a private tasting that showcases the elegance and depth of Central Otago’s cool-climate wines. Led by the winery’s passionate team, this experience offers a deep dive into their acclaimed Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wānaka and surrounding mountains. It’s a personalized journey through one of the region’s most respected boutique producers.

Rest and relaxation

Unwind back at the hotel before the evening’s festivities.

Dinner at Toast & Oak

Queenstown offers a wide array of restaurants that showcase the best of New Zealand’s culinary and viticultural offerings, and this is one of its most interesting. It’s run by a husband/chef–wife/sommelier team who put their full passion into the place, and tonight they’ll help us design a special menu expertly paired with local boutique wines.

LEGENDARY PINOT NOIR

Private tasting at Burn Cottage

Experience a private tasting at one of Central Otago’s most revered biodynamic estates. Sitting in a natural amphitheater beneath the Pisa Range, the winery team leads us through their lineup of expressive, site-driven Pinot Noirs – all crafted with minimal intervention to reflect the unique terroir of the region. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with the philosophy and passion behind one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wine producers.

Lunch at Carrick Winery & Restaurant

Lunch at this acclaimed organic winery is a scenic affair, as we dine while looking out at the Bannockburn Inlet. We’ll enjoy a seasonal menu crafted from local produce and ingredients sourced from the winery’s own garden, and paired with their award-winning certified organic wines. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bannockburn Inlet, this experience offers a harmonious blend of exceptional cuisine, fine wines and breathtaking Central Otago scenery.

Private tasting at the legendary Felton Road

In what promises to be one of the highlights of our Experience, we will enjoy a private tasting at one of New Zealand’s most iconic wineries, renowned for its biodynamic practices and expressive, site-driven Pinot Noirs. This intimate visit offers a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, followed by a tasting of their current releases. It’s a unique opportunity to delve into the philosophy and craftsmanship that have positioned Felton Road at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking.

Rest and relaxation

Hit the spa for a refreshing massage or sauna, or relax by the pool at the hotel.

Dinner on your own

Explore the culinary offering in Queenstown – ask us for a list of recommended restaurants – for dinner on your own tonight.

QUEENSTOWN EXPLORATION

Tasting and lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery

We’ll begin our experience with a private tour of New Zealand’s largest wine cave, where you’ll sample a selection of their finest vintages. Following the tasting, we will indulge in a seasonal two-course lunch at the winery’s restaurant, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with the award-winning wines. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kawarau Gorge, this experience offers an ideal blend of exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine and breathtaking scenery – which seems to be the theme in New Zealand.​

Explore Queenstown on your own

You’ll have a couple hours to wander around Queenstown, plenty of time to stroll through the Queenstown Gardens, walk along the bustling waterfront area or pop into the many boutique stores and galleries showcasing local art and crafts.

Rest and relaxation

Farewell winemaker dinner at the hotel restaurant

For our last meal together, we will be joined by a vivacious group of local winemakers, who will be more than happy to share the older vintages of their wines they will be bringing to the party. The acclaimed hotel restaurant’s chef will create a special menu for our group of wine lovers, and we will end our journey with panache, toasting to new friendships and the surprising discovery of a country and its world class wines.

HAERE RĀ

Departures, or continue on for further exploration.