The Peppertree Chardonnay
The Green Gourmet Journey through 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 an insider's view of local wine and food providers. Blenheim is New Zealand’s best-known wine region, the home of sauvignon blanc. Historic towns of Geraldine and Oamaru are hidden food-lovers delights, full of small artisan producers and wonderful pioneers such as Barkers Preserves and Fleur’s at Moeraki. Pass through Central Otago wine areas, staying at an historic inn, near Queenstown, the Gibbston Valley is famous for its pinot noir and Arrowtown 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
Explore this wine and gourmet region by bike or on a private wine tour. Ask your hosts for advice on the best wineries and cafes to visit.
Day 3 - Blenheim, Marlborough
- Stay
- The Peppertree
Spend the aftenoon exploring the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. 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 - Geraldine
- Stay
- The Vicarage
Stop in Kaikoura at one of the roadside kai carts for some fresh crayfish before heading to Christchurch for an overnight stop. Geraldine is a heritage centre, home of Barkers Jams. The Vicarage was lovingly restored by the Barkers adjacent to their lovely cafe and produce store.
Day 5 - Oamaru, North Otago
- Stay
- Pen-y-bryn Lodge
It is an easy 1.5 hour drive from Geraldine to Oamaru, allowing time to stop at the maori rock carvings.
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 6 - 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 7 - Clyde, Central Otago
- Stay
- Olivers
The drive from Oamaru to Clyde will take just over 2 hours, passing through some very different Otago landscapes. Tonight's accommodation is in the historic Olivers Lodge and converted Stables with an excellent on-site restaurant.
Day 8 - Clyde, Dunedin, Queenstown
A day of gentle cycling exploring wine, art and dramatic countryside. Your bags will be transferred to tonight's accommodation.
Day 9 - Clyde, Central Otago
- Stay
- Olivers
Returning by bike to Olivers and another great dinner awaits.
Day 10 - Arrowtown, Queenstown
- Stay
- Arrowtown House
It is a 1 hour 15 minute drive between Clyde and your accommodation in the Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a quaint historic centre with some of New Zealand's best restaurants. Ask your hosts to book dinner tonight.
Day 11 - Arrowtown, Queenstown
- Stay
- Arrowtown House
Queenstown is just an hour away so explore Lake Wakatipu and the Gibbston Valley, take the gondola or hike to the top of Ben Lomand for fantastic views. Pick one of Queenstown's fine restaurants for dinner.
Day 12 - 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-Clyde 1 1/4 hours
Clyde-Arrowtown 1 1/4 hours
Indicative Price from $5,157
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 Noir
SOUTH ISLAND