New Zealand Wine Cruise Pre-Cruise Program • February 4 – 8, 2020

Join Paul Wagner, your wine host on an exclusive Pre-Cruise Program exploring the wines and sites of the of . Paul has visited this area several times and he is anxious to share New Zealand with you! Highlights include Villa Marie and West Brook Wineries, Sky Tower Dinner at the Orbit 360 restaurant, Waiheke, Kumeu and Matakana region wineries and so much more! INCLUSIONS:

• Private transfer from the airport to the Sofitel Viaduct Harbor Hotel • Welcome social, including light bites and refreshments • 4 nights’ accommodation at Sofitel Viaduct – Superior Rooms, breakfast included • Full day guided excursion of • Minimum of 2 winery visits and tastings – premier quality tastings o Exclusive lunch at a renowned estate • Full day guided excursion to Waiheke Island and return ferry transportation, minimum of 3 winery visits and tastings – premier quality tastings and multicourse lunch on-site at a wine estate • Full day guided excursion to the West Coast and Panoramic tour of local sights. Lunch in a local restaurant with wine • 2 Dinners: Sky Tower Dinner, Orbit 360, Auckland; Farewell multicourse dinner in Auckland • Group transfer from accommodation to Auckland Cruise Terminal for boarding • Local restaurant recommendations and reservations upon request

Itinerary:

Tuesday, February 4th – Arrival into Auckland. A private car transfer will be provided to transfer you from Auckland airport to the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor. Tonight, gather together for a welcome reception at your hotel. A convivial social hour with appetizers and wine offers you a chance to meet your tour coordinators and Paul Wagner.

Wednesday, February 5th – The morning, you will be met by your local, knowledgeable guide at the hotel. We set out towards an eminent just outside of the Central Business District where you will be personally welcomed by members of the estate.

Villa Maria is New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery. Established in 1961 by founder and owner Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria is dedicated to the pursuit of making quality , enjoyed by wine drinkers around the world. At Villa Maria Estate’s Ihumatao Vineyard and Cellar Door, we will taste their exceptional range of wines and revel in Auckland’s finest vineyard. Enjoy a private tour of the winery and bottling room, along with a tasting of 4-6 Estate Wines. Additionally, gather together for a gourmet lunch in an intimate setting on the property.

We will continue to a second winery today such as West Brook Winery, where we will be welcomed for a special visit and tasting. West Brook Winery is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected boutique wineries owned and operated by the renowned fourth generation, Ivicevich family winemakers. Great-great-grandfather Ante Ivicevich began making wine in the late 1800’s in the old country, Croatia, and planted his first vineyard in New Zealand in 1935. Now, under the careful stewardship of Chief Winemaker Anthony Ivicevich and his wife Sue, West Brook has developed an enviable global reputation for producing hand-crafted, award- winning wines. The vineyard is nestled in a unique microclimate growing , , and . Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day’s discovery to freshen up before dinner. For dinner tonight, we gain some elevation and stunning views of the city.

Thursday, February 6th – Waiheke Wine Today, we head to the ferry terminal and board the ferry to Waiheke Island where you will enjoy a full day of private, exquisite tastings. In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke Island is a world away. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and slope gently down into the and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. The island is also well known for its local artists and artisans so you can enjoy the sculptures, glass blowing, painting and woodwork at the local shops and markets. Visit three prominent estates and enjoy a delicious lunch with vineyard views. Waiheke is a renowned wine region that produces critically-acclaimed wines and provides distinctive wine and cuisine experiences. With and as the most commonly grown varietals, followed by an increase in Chardonnay and , you are guaranteed a lineup of distinct, exceptional wines.

From prominent clifftop wineries to small cellar doors, you’ll find award-winning vintages and a wide range of varietals. Enjoy your wine with tranquil countryside vistas and sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf.

Tantalus - Tantalus Estate sits on eight hectares of free-draining sandy soil over weathered clay and rock, in the heart of Waiheke’s wine growing country. The estate is known for its dense, complex and Rhone-style reds, but flying under-the-radar is its superb Sauvignon Blanc.

Mudbrick - The first plantings at Mudbrick were in 1992 by Nick and Robyn Jones, who still own and operate the property today. Planted area is now on two distinctively different sites: Mudbrick Vineyard at Church Bay and Shepherds Point Vineyard at Onetangi. Their Chardonnay exhibits the vibrancy of dry hot Waiheke summers, and has received much critical acclaim. Similarly, the Viogner is a trophy-winning wine.

Cable Bay - Site expressive New Zealand wines renowned for their elegance and depth. Cable Bay is an accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and leaders in producing premium wine while using viticulture and winemaking practices that protect the environment.

Kennedy Point - Kennedy Point Vineyard is Waiheke Island’s only certified organic vineyard, set amongst 300-year-old pohutukawa trees overlooking Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Bay. Taste Kennedy Point award-winning wine, olive oil, and honey. Lunch will be served at one of the wineries for a special dining experience with a view of the . Return to Auckland in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure, with suggestions, and overnight at your accommodation.

Friday, February 7th – West Cost and Matakana Together, with your private guide, head over the Auckland Harbor Bridge taking in views of the city Skyline Marinas and Waitemata Harbor. Enjoy a panoramic tour of local sights and beaches. Track North through the beautiful coastal seaside resort towns such as Orewa. Boutique vineyards, eateries, and rolling green hills are just 20 minutes from the city. Visit the picturesque winemaking regions of Kumeu and Matakana. Matakana’s beautiful beaches, vineyards and local arts scene make this region a divine destination.

Kumeu River Wines - Kumeu River Wines encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards, which are predominantly clay soils overlying a sandstone base. The Chardonnay wines of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold within the international market, receiving outstanding accolades. Next enjoy an open menu lunch with wine at award winning Plume Vineyard Restaurant. After lunch, there will be time allotted for perusing the boutique shops and artisan stores. Before returning to the city, we will stop along the way to sample local specialties. Visit either the Puhoi Cheese Factory, or a chocolate workshop. Excite your taste buds with these delectable delights. You will be delivered to your accommodation upon return to Auckland. Our final night in Auckland, we gather together at one of the city’s best restaurants for an epicurean conclusion to the week.

Saturday, February 8th – Cruise Embarkment You will have the morning at leisure to further explore Auckland. At a designated time we will meet as a group in the lobby of the hotel and transfer to the port from where you will embark Azamara Journey. There aren't many places on this planet where travelers are so well catered for in terms of both manmade enticements and splendors of the natural realm. Sublime forests, majestic mountains, and the stunning lakes, beaches and fjords have made this country one of the best outdoor leisure destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and adventurous lifestyle, paired with a stunning backdrop, you start to see why travelers rate New Zealand as the adrenaline capital of the world!

Your home for 4 nights – Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor – Superior Rooms. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor is located in the heart of Auckland, a unique maritime experience between vibrant Viaduct Harbor and . Inspired by New Zealand's landscape and boasting panoramic views of Waitemata Harbor, this beautifully designed hotel is a true landmark destination. Floor to ceiling windows allow an abundance of natural daylight while a private Juliet balcony opens to the views of the marina.

Pricing $2999 USD per person double occupancy Single supplement is $925 USD

Deposit is $1000 per person. Final payment is due June 2, 2019.

Rates are per person, double occupancy unless single supplement purchased. Cancellation terms: $200 is non-refundable at time of deposit. 50% penalty applies to cancellations from June 2, 2019 to September 10, 2019. As of September 11, 2019, the penalty for cancellation is 100%. We recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation. While not anticipated, Hotels, itinerary and inclusions are subject to change or substitution. A minimum number of 20 guests are required to operate this tour. We recommend that air not be purchased until after final payment date. ECSC North Bay acts only as the coordinator of this package and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of the tour provider and their vendors. CST:2101270-50