Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Tour
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a deliciously indulgent road journey that puts pleasure first. As well as fantastic food and wine, it serves up all kinds of cultural and adventure experiences. You’ll discover five of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, including three major wine-growing areas. Our best travel tip? Go slow and savour! – Classic New Zealand Wine Trail website
This 11 day tour is a combination of our North Island Indulgence and Marlborough Delights Tours.
Click on the Overview Tab (to the right, under map) for tour dates and prices
Day 1 The Mission: Our riding starts with the beautiful and rural Puketapu loop – a favorite for the Napier ramblers club. Dine tonight at Mission Estate – the birthplace of New Zealand wine, whose founders built the first winery in Hawke's Bay in 1851. Ride: 42km (26mi) Undulating.
Day 2 Hawke’s Bay: Spin through the beautiful TukiTukiriver valley, past vineyards and outstanding river panoramas. For those looking for added challenge and there’s always the legendary 399m Te Mata peak! A fascinating and educational visit to a winery museum will tease you...while lunch is at the renowned Church Road Estate will reward you. Ride: 38km (24mi) Mostly flat.
Day 3 Vineyards and Vistas: Ride quiet back-roads through rural pastoral scenes and rolling hills to Sileni Estate for some wine tastings. Dine tonight at an award winning winery restaurant. Ride 40km (25 mi) Rolling with one major climb
Day 4 Tararua: Today we make our way south and cycle through the Tararua region and into Wairarapa; giving you the opportunity to ride for as long or short as you like. The planned route is 75km through interesting and changeable farmland to Masterton. Ride 75km (47 mi) Flat and rolling
Day 5 Tablelands: The tablelands loop is a favourite for the locals - and international race directors. Pretend you’re racing in the UCI Tour of Wellington, before collapsing at Coney Wines for award-winning wines, succulent cuisine and amusing tales from the irrepressible owner! Ride: 63km (39mi) Undulating.
Day 6 Palliser Bay: Cycle to the wild coastline of Palliser Bay – but beware of the fur seals that sometimes sun themselves beside the road! – before a cold beer or wine over lunch at a local café. From here we transfer to Wellington city and dinner in the vibrant city centre. Ride: 46km (29mi) Mostly flat
Day 7 Wellington Harbour: Today’s ride around the Miramar Peninsula provides picturesque harbour views. Take it easy with regular stops at famous coffee houses en route. Tonight's meal will be at a chic inner city establishment. Ride:38km /24 Mi Flat
Day 8 Inter-Islands: After the morning sailing on an inter-island Ferry, ride the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive. Regarded as "one of the most scenic roads on earth" it features native bush and views across the fiords from endless vantage points. To cap off a great day, dine at one of Marlborough's finest restaurants. Ride: 37km (23mi) Hilly
Day 9 Sauvignon Blanc: Spin through the vines that produce international acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. Finish with lunch at Allan Scott Winery. Ride: 58km (36mi) Flat
Day 10 The Sounds: A tough but rewarding ride along the KenepuruPeninsula through native bush with a never ending and breathtaking panorama of fiords and quiet coves. Perhaps a quick dip in the clear waters before a transfer back to the "mainland"; or perhaps a ride back? Dine tonight at Herzog Winery bistro. Ride: 45km (28mi) Hilly
Day 11 Wairau River Valley: Ride beside the remarkable beauty of the braided Wairau River, with a backdrop of alternating bush-clad or forested rolling hills, and further away, bald rugged mountains. We say goodbye over lunch at Brancott Estate; before dropping you at Blenheim Airport for your included flight to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Ride: 51km (32mi) Flat
OPTIONAL: This tour is a combination of our North Island Indulgence Tour and the Marlborough Delights Tour .
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the regions: check out the CNZWT website: Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Website .
Tour Map
- Learn the origins of wine making in New Zealand with a guided tour of a Winery and Wine Museum
- Learn Maori myths and legends.
- Taste “the world’s best sauvignon blanc”.
- Explore Wellington harbour and the beautiful Marlborough Sounds by boat and bicycle.
- Sample wines with a local wine-maker; share their passion and understand their philosophy.
| Type of Tour | Road |
| Trip Length | 11 days |
| Total Distance | 533 km’s (333 miles) |
| Daily Average | 48 km’s (30 miles) |
| Terrain | Combination of flat and hills |
| Start | Napier |
| End | Blenheim* |
| Includes |
Winery and wine museum tour |
| Meals included: |
9 Breakfasts All lunch and evening meals include 3 (or more) courses and include wine |
| Trip Price | $7,999 NZD (incl GST) |
| Single Supplement | $3,999 NZD (incl GST) |
| Private Tour | Add 30% |
| Tour Start Dates |
6th - 16th Jan 2013 3rd - 13th Feb 2013 17th - 27th Feb 2013 3rd - 13th Mar 2013 |
| Trip Price | $7,999 NZD |
| Single Supplement | $3,999 NZD |
| Private Tour | Add 30% |
Prices include all sales taxes (GST)
To book this tour on an exclusive basis for you or your group, add 30% to overall tour cost. Click here for more information: Private Tours
Please also see:
