Green Gourmet

Day 1 - Waiheke Island, Auckland

Stay

The Boatshed

From Auckland, catch the ferry out to the nearby haven of Waiheke Island for your first two nights. The Boatshed has the perfect setting just 5 minutes' stroll to the eclectic Oneroa village with galleries and cafes and 3 minutes to the beach and walks.

Day 2 - Waiheke Island, Auckland

Do

Ananda Tours | Waiheke Wine & Gourmet Tours

Stay

The Boatshed

Waiheke has a laid back atmosphere but offers sophisticated attractions. Visit a local olive oil mill and several boutique vineyards, offering gourmet tastes to accompany their wines, such as succulent oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, vincotta and herb pestos. Have lunch at a beachside cafe or, for a more memorable gourmet experience, eat at a fine vineyard restaurant.

Day 3 - Taupo, Central Plateau

Stay

Acacia Cliffs Lodge

Return to Auckland by plane, car or foot ferry. Then allow another 3 1/2 hours to drive to Taupo. Acacia Bay Lodge on Lake Taupo must have one of the best views anywhere. Dinner must be booked in advance and it is a special experience.

Day 4 - Taupo, Central Plateau

Do

Taupo's Floatplane | Floatplane Scenic Flights

Do

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park | Geothermal Park Tour

Do

Sail Barbary | Cruises on Lake Taupo

Stay

Acacia Cliffs Lodge

Catch a float plane from Lake Taupo to Orakei Korako. This is one of the best thermal areas, a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, caves, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.

If it is a warm evening, The Barbary's film cruise is fun and a bit different. Sit on the bean bags with a glass of wine and watch a movie projected onto the sails!

Day 5 - Napier, Hawke's Bay

Stay

Breckenridge Lodge

This morning join the crew on The Barbary for a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo. Relax on the big bean-bags or jump in for a swim.

It is only a short 2 hour drive to Napier from Taupo. Ask your host for recommendations of the best winery cafes or restaurants in town.

Day 6 - Napier, Hawke's Bay

Do

Long Island Guides | Private Art Deco, Wine & Art Tours

Stay

Breckenridge Lodge

A private tour highlighting the best Hawkes Bay has to offer including Art Deco, artists and a winery lunch and wine tasting.

Day 7 - Napier, Hawke's Bay

Do

Waimarama Maori Tours | Personal Maori Experience

Stay

Breckenridge Lodge

Led by a Maori elder from Waimarama who tells the stories, tales and legends of this area. A unique opportunity to gain insight into modern day Maori lives and culture and their local history.

Day 8 - Wellington

Stay

Ohtel

Allow 4 1/4 hours to drive to Wellington from Napier on SH2. The Martinborough wine region is just over an hour before Wellington and a nice area to pause for coffee or late lunch. Greytown, on the main highway, is a pretty small town, or turn off the highway to explore Martinborough itself with its vineyards and olive groves.

Day 9 - Wellington

Do

Flat Earth | Wellington Tours, Art, Wine & Zelandia

Stay

Ohtel

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, and has a real vibrancy. You can happily spend half a day strolling the waterfront and visiting Te Papa, the natural history and heritage museum. Take the Lambton Key Cable Car to Kelburn and combine a visit to the Carter Observatory with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. The Zealandia Reserve allows easy viewing of New Zealand wildlife and the Weta Cave in Miramar showcases our film industry. Flat Earth Tours offer excellent full or half day city tours. Ohtel is perfectly located on the waterfront beside Te Papa museum.

Day 10 - Journey's End

You can fly out of Wellington Airport or cross on the Cook Strait Ferry to Picton on the South Island by the Inter Island ferry. Your hotel is centrally located so you may like to return your rental car when you arrive in the city at the end of Day 10.