Top New Zealand Holidays - page 11

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is New Zealand’s newest and most spectacular cycling experiences, a true backcountry adventure linking Central Otago wine country with the dramatic landscapes of the Kawarau Gorge. Ride alongside the powerful Kawarau River, cross suspension bridges, and experience remote terrain that was previously inaccessible to riders until now. What sets this experience apart is the seamless support from the Central Cycle Trail Co. team. From personalised bike fittings and scenic shuttle transfers to premium e-bikes and local insider tips, everything is designed to make the day smooth, relaxed, and unforgettable. Unlike many rides, this journey finishes in the heart of Gibbston Valley at the iconic Church Cellar Door, where you can unwind with a glass of wine after an epic day on the trail. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, history, and Central Otago hospitality.

Explore the picturesque Marlborough wine region in a unique way with a horse-drawn carriage tour. This half-day experience takes you through the charming town of Renwick, where you will visit two family-owned wineries, tasting authentic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and more. Enjoy a delectable platter for lunch as you soak in the tranquil surroundings and rich wine heritage. Led by Emma and her Clydesdale, Duchess, this leisurely pace allows you to savor every moment and connection with the land. - Unique horse-drawn carriage tour through Marlborough vineyards - Visit 2 wineries with intimate cellar door experiences - Enjoy a delicious lunch platter during the tour - Perfect for wine lovers seeking a leisurely and authentic experience

Make the most of Marlborough in winter during a private half-day tour of the vineyards in the off-season. Enjoy a custom itinerary featuring wine tastings at renowned wineries, local gourmet treats, and scenic views of snowy mountain tops. This tour includes bottled water and wine tasting fees, with lunch at your own expense. Experience a personalized journey through New Zealand’s largest wine region that’s tailored to your interests.

This Twilight Wine and Stars Tour is an evening celebrating Central Otago wine, seasonal cuisine and stunning starry night skies. Start the evening at the luxurious Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa where you’ll learn about wine region, taste a duo of wines and enjoy an à la carte main course. Journey on to Waitiri Creek cellar door for more insights into the region’s winemaking heritage. Take part in a wine tasting complimented with a dessert platter. As darkness falls, the experience heads to Gibbston Dark Sky Park, where telescopes and lasers reveal the stars of the southern sky with a professional photo under the stars. Weather conditions can sometimes prevent the stargazing portion of the evening from proceeding. If this occurs, we’ll replace it with another memorable final destination. Instead, finish the evening at one of Arrowtown’s cocktail venues, where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails & soak up the atmosphere.

Explore the artistic and culinary wonders of Waiheke Island on this immersive day tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride from Auckland and visit the private studio of renowned artist Gabriella Lewenz. Discover contemporary art at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery before indulging in a two-course vineyard lunch at Stonyridge, surrounded by olive trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a premium wine tasting paired with Te Matuku oysters at Cable Bay Vineyards, all while soaking in stunning coastal views. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic local connections and elevated experiences in art and wine. - Scenic ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island - Visit artist studio and community gallery showcasing local talent - Enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine at Stonyridge Vineyard - Exclusive oyster and wine pairing at Cable Bay Vineyards overlooking the ocean

Join us for a place at our table and come home to Vineyard Cottages for local wine, and a classic Kiwi BBQ and meet a bunch of locals. On this full day away from the city we travel out to the heart of the original New Zealand wine country, Kumeu. It’s a short trip out of town to visit a local farm shop. We begin with coffee and a classic Kiwi morning slice and stock the shopping basket with local produce for the BBQ. We head out to the stunning Muriwai Beach then it’s off for a taste of local wines, and beer. You’ll visit the vineyard and the grounds of Vineyard Cottages before either getting stuck in and helping in the kitchen for the BBQ or just enjoy a wind-down and relaxing in the gorgeous surroundings. Lunch is served on the deck and after we’ve enjoyed a taste of everything local it’s dessert time! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience a taste of local, meet the locals, and hear the history of not only the wine region but it’s significance to the rest of NZ wine.

Escape the city for a relaxed afternoon in Auckland’s wine country. Enjoy boutique cellar-door tastings, a behind-the-scenes visit inside a working family winery, and time to unwind among the vineyards just 30 minutes west of Auckland. This half-day experience visits welcoming cellar doors and boutique wineries where generations of winemaking families have built a reputation for producing excellent wines. The region’s wine story began in the late 1800s, when Dalmatian immigrants first planted vines in the fertile soils of West Auckland. Travelling with your own local guide, you’ll visit local vineyards and enjoy cellar-door tastings surrounded by vines and countryside. Along the way you'll step behind the scenes inside a working 5th-generation family winery, offering insight into where grapes from the surrounding vineyards begin their journey from vine to glass. Time among the vineyards offers the chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic wine region.

Our guests enjoy traveling in the comfort and luxury of new electric Tesla SUVs. We provide a private tour to you, taking you to scenic locations and vineyards that large tour buses do not. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include morning refreshments, lunch, and all wine-tasting fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning, and if you wish your choice of music on Tesla's Spotify system on the way back to Wellington. Please note vineyards visited may vary as a result of their opening hours.

Led by a qualified wine educator, this tour explores boutique producers beyond the Martinborough Terrace — a premium journey through the wider Wairarapa, one of the most diverse and character‑rich regions of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Each day is shaped around the season, the day of the week, and your interests, allowing access to small, reputation‑driven wineries that most visitors never reach.

Take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over the dramatic Southern Alps and Gibbston wine region, gaining a unique perspective of New Zealand’s southernmost vineyards. Enjoy an alpine landing on The Remarkables with time for photos and breathtaking views. On landing, meet your expert guide and begin a luxury wine tour through Central Otago. Indulge in premium tastings at carefully selected vineyards and savour a delicious à la carte lunch featuring regional cuisine in Bannockburn or Cromwell. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, plus flexible timing and the option to customise your itinerary, this experience blends adventure, luxury, and world-class wine for an unforgettable day.

Experience an indulgent and diverse full-day exclusive tour showcasing the very best of the local sights, enjoying fresh and unique cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines from the region. Be greeted by your specialist Wine Guide and venture into the heart of Central Otago to taste fine wines at three premium vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin. Take a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave and enjoy a tasting within the Cave, in the exclusive Library Room*. Stop at a unique lunch venue, experiencing a gourmet lunch consisting of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matching with wines – just divine! Take a stroll through Old Cromwell or visit the must-see historical Arrowtown. Your passionate senior guide will impart all there is to know about the local area, the pioneering history and of course everything about Central Otago wines.

Visit Rotorua, a city of culture and sulfur located on New Zealand's North Island, on a private tour. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy the up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi. Be mesmerized by exploding mud pools all throughout the valley and gaze at beautifully crafted Māori-made artwork and sculptures visible throughout Te Puia. Then take a scenic gondola ride up the base of Mt Ngongotaha to the summit for a great wine tasting. Volcanic Hills wine tasting room offers the ultimate New Zealand wine tasting experience, with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding region. Finally, explore Rotorua's most spectacular natural asset and one of the city's greatest treasures: the redwood forest. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.

A private Gibbston Valley wine tour crafted just for you—visit handpicked cellar doors, enjoy tailored tastings, and take in breathtaking scenery. Experience Central Otago’s best wines with exclusive access and the flexibility to follow your own pace. This boutique journey combines world-class Pinot Noir, intimate cellar doors, and stunning alpine views, offering a tour made just for you.

The Vineyards Nobody Else Can Show You The great wine regions of the world have two kinds of producers — those who sell to tourists and those who sell to collectors. We take you to the second kind. Every vineyard on this tour has been personally handpicked by Aaron. They produce between 800 and 50,000 bottles per year. They do not advertise. Buses cannot reach them. And they do not open their cellar doors to just anyone. Because you are with us, they will open them for you. Choose your own journey through 4 extraordinary venues between Cromwell and the Gibbston Valley. At each one, you will be welcomed not as a tourist but as a serious buyer — by the winemaker, the owner, or a trained sommelier who knows every vine in the vineyard. and because great wine deserves to be enjoyed at home as much as on tour, every single venue can arrange international delivery directly to your door. Arrive home to find the best of Central Otago waiting in your hallway.

Your local guide will host you on a scenic journey through stunning landscapes, visiting two hand-picked boutique vineyards for intimate wine tastings, each paired with exquisite bite-sized food matches that elevate the unique character of each wine.Tastings may include local delicacies such as Waiheke honey, Te Matuku oysters, or artisan New Zealand cheeses. Enjoy an additional visit to either a renowned olive oil mill, where you’ll sample award-winning extra virgin oils and learn about the production process, or opt for a stop at a craft whisky distillery (on request) for a tasting of small-batch spirits made right on the island. The experience is completed with a relaxed two-course lunch at one of Waiheke’s top vineyard restaurants, where seasonal dishes are perfectly paired with local wines and served with vineyard views. This tour is the ultimate indulgence for food and wine lovers seeking a refined and intimate island experience.

Experience Waiheke Island through an exclusive journey that blends creativity, world-class wine, fine dining, and inspiring coastal landscapes. Begin with a hands-on jewellery-making workshop, where you'll work alongside a skilled artisan to design and create your own piece to take home. Continue to Stonyridge Vineyard for an immersive estate tour and the prestigious Larose Vertical 2 tasting, discovering the craftsmanship behind one of New Zealand’s celebrated Bordeaux-style wines. Afterwards, indulge in a three-course lunch at the iconic Mudbrick Vineyard, with stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding vineyards. Complete your experience with a leisurely walk through the Headland Sculpture on the Gulf trail, where contemporary artworks are positioned among dramatic coastal landscapes. Combining artistic expression, premium wine, gourmet dining, and breathtaking scenery, this unforgettable experience showcases Waiheke Island at its finest, creating lasting memories.

Discover Central Otago on a private luxury wine journey crafted for couples and small groups wanting more than a standard shared wine tour. Hosted by your own knowledgeable New Zealand local wine guide, this exclusive full-day experience blends premium tastings, breathtaking alpine scenery, and boutique hospitality across Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn. Begin with a privately hosted vine to glass tour experience at Peregrine Wines, view the vines, step into the winery and then taste Central Otago wines. Expertly hosted and beyond the standard cellar door experience. Travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge to Bannockburn for premium hosted tastings at Te Kano Estate and either Carrick Winery or Mt Difficulty, with time for a relaxed winery lunch (own expense). Finish at Amisfield overlooking Lake Hayes, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cellar doors and ranked among the World’s Top 100 Restaurants (2024). Rare wines. Iconic wineries. Fully private. Tailored to your group.

Embark on a luxurious escapade through the enchanting landscapes of the Waipara Valley Wine Region and the serene haven of Hanmer Springs with our exclusive Christchurch Luxury Tour. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to providing an unparalleled experience of elegance, indulgence, and discovery. Travel in style and sophistication aboard one of our professionally chauffeured European vehicles, where every moment is meticulously crafted for your enjoyment. From sampling exquisite wines amidst the vineyards of Waipara Valley to indulging in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Hanmer Springs, our tour promises to exceed your expectations. Savor delectable cuisine, immerse yourself in local culture, and unwind in luxurious surroundings as you explore the hidden treasures of New Zealand's South Island. With our Christchurch Luxury Tour, every journey becomes an unforgettable adventure in luxury and relaxation.

Cultivate your knowledge of wine with our Sommelier Tour while enjoying the panoramic scenery of Waiheke Island Visit three of Waiheke’s most distinguished top wine producers with premium tastings hosted by senior sommeliers who will guide you through rare, boutique wines crafted in such limited quantities that they’re impossible to find anywhere else on Earth; Indulge in a meticulously crafted 2-course lunch at an iconic venue where every bite is perfectly paired with breathtaking panoramic vistas. Discover the island’s captivating history and hidden secrets through your local guide’s engaging commentary, which transforms the beautiful scenery into unforgettable memories. Ferry tickets are included in the price, ensuring a seamless journey from the moment you step aboard.