The Peppertree Chardonnay
The Green Gourmet Journey through the South Island provides an opportunity to explore and indulge in New Zealand’s best food and wine regions, whilst enjoying local fare and a high standard of cuisine at specially chosen accommodations along the way. Our lodges offer you with an insider’s view of local wine and food providers. Blenheim is New Zealand’s best known wine region, the home of sauvignon blanc. Oamaru is a hidden food-lovers delight, full of small artisan producers and wonderful pioneers such as Fleur’s at Moeraki. Near Queenstown, the Gibbston Valley is famous for its pinot noir and Arrowtown’s chefs are passionate about sharing their wild local produce, orchard fruits and game meats.
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Day 1 - Blenheim, Marlborough
- Stay
- The Peppertree
You can join this journey by flying into Blenheim airport or by taking the Interislander Ferry from Wellington. The Peppertree is a gracious Edwardian Villa, nestled quietly amid the world famous Marlborough wine region surrounded by ten acres of farmland, a vineyard, olive groves and beautiful gardens.
Day 2 - Blenheim, Marlborough
- Stay
- The Peppertree
This gourmet wine and food tour is designed for those who have a real interest in wines and gourmet foods. Each of the stops has been specifically designed with an emphasis on wine appreciation, wine and food matching, or wine education and viticulture, and you get to meet great people who know wine and love sharing their passion.
Day 3 - Blenheim, Marlborough
- Stay
- The Peppertree
Spend the aftenoon exploring the beautiful Marlborough Sounds or cycling round the vineyards. Stop at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to marvel at Peter Jackson's personal collection of World War I planes and the amazing lifelike scenes done by Weta Workshops.
For the thrill seekers, you can actually fly one of these bi-planes!
Day 4 - Christchurch
- Stay
- The George
The 2 hour drive today is magnificent; from Blenheim down the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch. In Kaikoura break for lunch at Cafe Encounter on The Esplanade.
Day 5 - Christchurch
- Stay
- The George
Take time to explore the new city centre, with the cardboard cathedral and container shopping precinct.
The George boasts one of Christchurch's best restaurants.
Day 6 - Oamaru, North Otago
- Stay
- Pen-y-bryn Lodge
It is an easy 3 hour drive from Christchurch to Oamaru.
As you come through Timaru, stop at the Te Ana Ngai Tahu Rock Art Centre for a personalised tour and a Maori Cultural experience.
Pen-y-bryn Lodge is high on a hill above the old town. The lodge gives you an insight into what New Zealand would have been like in the early days of the colony, with its billiard room and extensive formal living areas. Your hosts are superb chefs and you should endeavour to eat here most nights of your stay.
Day 7 - Oamaru, North Otago
- Stay
- Pen-y-bryn Lodge
Spend an enjoyable day discovering the food and wine artisans of the Waitaki district. Do not miss lunch at Fleur's seafood restaurant close to the famous Moeraki boulders - cuisine straight from the sea to plate.
This evening take in the blue penguin tour.
Day 8 - Arrowtown, Queenstown
It is a 3 1/2 hour drive between Oamaru and your accommodation in the Arrowtown. Queenstown is just an hour away but Arrowtown is a quaint historic centre with some of New Zealand's best restaurants. Ask your hosts to book dinner tonight.
Day 9 - Arrowtown, Queenstown
A day of leisure to enjoy one of Queenstown's many activity options.
Day 10 - Arrowtown, Queenstown
Your tour includes five vineyards in the Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn regions, a tasting of local cheeses, delightful platter style lunch, a visit to historic Old Cromwell Town and your guides local commentary about the history of the early pioneering history of this rugged region. For golf enthusiasts there is an option of a round of golf at one of New Zealand's top courses in Queenstown.
Day 11 - Journey's End
Queenstown airport has multiple connections with other New Zealand destinations as well as some direct flights from Australian cities. Alternatively you can continue south or across to Dunedin or Christchurch.
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At a glance
Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Connection points:
Blenheim airport or Inter Islander ferry
Queenstown airport
Activity level: easy
Best season: year-round
Driving times
Blenheim-Christchurch 4 hours
Christchurch-Oamaru 3 hours
Oamaru-Dunedin 1 1/2 hours
Dunedin-Queenstown 4 hours
Indicative Price from $5,941
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
GREEN GOURMET SOUTH
Sauvignon to Pinot
SOUTH ISLAND