NEW ZEALAND TRIP SUMMARY DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DATE A Blenheim The Marlborough Lodge Sep, 2020 B Christchurch Otahuna Lodge Sep, 2020 C Ahuriri Valley The Lindis Lodge Sep, 2020 D Queenstown Eichardts Private Hotel Sep, 2020 A B C D BLENHEIM Vineyards embrace Marlborough’s central towwn of Blenheim with rows of changing colours through the seasons. A reflection of the focus on the outdoors, leisure and lifestyle and a place to indulge. DAY ONE On arrival at Blenheim Airport, collect your full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited kilometres, accident excess reduction and GPS and drive to your accommodation (approximately a 10 minute drive). Accommodation for two nights in a Lodge Suite including pre dinner drinks, dinner and breakfast at: The Marlborough Lodge, Blenheim DAY TWO Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and vehicle for a wine tour visiting some of the vineyards of the world-renowned Marlborough wine region. With over 100 wineries in the region, many primary food producers, cafés and restaurants, Marlborough is a gourmet province. This private tour gives you the opportunity to experience the wines and attractions of Marlborough tailored to suit your preferences. Visit brilliant Marlborough wineries such as Cloudy Bay, Allan Scott, Wither Hills and Brancott Estate, or boutique wineries such as Framingham, Saint Clair and Wairau River. Taste your way through Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy lunch at one of the wineries visited today (cost to be settled directly). You will also have the opportunity to sample other local Marlborough delights such as handmade chocolate and organic olive oil. You will be returned to your accommodation later today (approximately 4-6 hours duration). CHRISTCHURCH The ‘Garden City’ of New Zealand. Historic architecture, art galleries, parks, landscaped gardens and the River Avon meandering through the city centre creates a tranquil and charming atmosphere, reminiscent of the city’s English heritage. DAY THREE Today journey south from Blenheim to the city of Christchurch (approximately 5 hours). Travel over the vineyard clad hills of Marlborough before hitting the east coast and wind your way around the rocky shoreline before arriving in Kaikoura. In Kaikoura enjoy an exhilarating whale watch cruise excursion where you will have the opportunity to view the giant Sperm Whales which are present year round. You may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales may also be visible, along with the world’s largest dolphin, the Orca or Killer Whale, as well as the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin (approximately 3 hours duration). Afterwards, travel over the Hunderlee Ranges and descend down onto the vast Canterbury Plains. Drive over this, New Zealand’s largest farming region, and have the opportunity to stop in the small wine region of Waipara before entering Christchurch. Accommodation for two nights in a Suite including pre dinner drinks, dinner with wine pairing and breakfast at: Otahuna Lodge, Tai Tapu, Christchurch. DAY FOUR This morning you will be met by your private driver and vehicle for a half day guided tour of Christchurch. You will learn about this English influenced city and how it is rebuilding from the challenges of the earthquakes. You will visit the Botanic Gardens, the Transitional Cathedral and other compelling architecture rising in the city. Highlights will include visiting central Christchurch, as well as a guided drive to see some of Christchurch’s wonderful parks, beaches and buildings (approximately 4 hours duration). While at leisure at Otahuna Lodge we recommend the following optional local experiences: - Otahuna is renowned for its food, and what better way to learn how they make everything so good than by taking a cooking class? - Walk through the extensive, century old gardens on the lodge, one of National Significance. - Relax at Otahuna’s Spa. AHURIRI VALLEY Near the botom of the habitable world is the breathtaking and pristine Ahuriri Valley. Carved over millions of years by the once fierce glacial waters of the Ahuriri River, the valley is now a tranquil, yet comfortingly rugged slice of paradise in New Zeland’s south. DAY FIVE Today, make the journey south from the city of Christchurch to the beautiful Mackenzie Country (approximately a 4 hour drive). Taking the Inland Scenic Route, head towards the mountains across the vast Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s largest farming region. Pass through many small farming communities as you climb the foothills towards the Mackenzie Country. As you arrive in the high country, huge barren landscapes bordered by the soaring Southern Alps and dotted with aqua blue lakes await you. Accommodation for two nights in a Lodge Suite including pre-dinner drinks, dinner and breakfast at: The Lindis Lodge, Ahuriri DAY SIX Whilst at leisure at The Lindis Lodge we recommend the following optional local experiences: - Take advantage of one of the top ten fly fishing locations in the world, just a short stroll from the lodge. - Explore the rugged countryside on horseback or mountain bike. - Hike over 49,000 hectares through the surrounding wetlands, forests, tussock and alpine countryside. Guides are available. - Get off road and dirty, exploring the region by 4WD buggy. - Partake in the nightly excursion outdoors to map the stars, constellations and planets, all gloriously viewable by the naked eye in this International Dark Sky Reserve. - Study the unique flora and fauna of the area with an ecological guide. QUEENSTOWN Queenstown - ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, amidst the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, the scenery provides a perfect backdrop for endless activities and an idyllic haven in which to relax. DAY SEVEN Continue your journey south today from the Mackenzie Country to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown (approximately a 3 hours drive). Continue on over the beautiful Lindis Pass into Central Otago. A detour opportunity awaits, to the small resort town of Wanaka, often compared to Queenstown ‘before the tourists’. Drive up over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand’s highest road, and take in the spectacular views as you descend the other side into Queenstown. Accommodation for three nights in a Lake View Suite including breakfast at: Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown DAY EIGHT Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to Queenstown Airport to enjoy your shared excursion to majestic Milford Sound by fixed wing aircraft. Enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound viewing hanging valleys, alpine lakes, and cloud- piercing summits (approximately a 35-40 minute flight). After landing you will join a 1 hour 45 minute shared guided nature cruise on which you will view plant and wildlife. You may have the opportunity to see seals, birds, rare dolphins, and penguins. Be amazed by the size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of metres out of the water. Enjoy your lunch on board the cruise before taking a scenic flight back to Queenstown. On arrival at Queenstown Airport, you will be returned to your accommodation (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes duration). DAY NINE Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and vehicle to enjoy your full day wine excursion to the renowned Central Otago vineyards. The ultimate tour for the wine aficionado, this full day excursion encompasses wineries in Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn and Lowburn, all regions with their own unique terroir. From the rugged landscape of the Gibbston Valley, to the warm banks of the Bannockburn region, and the scenic inclines of Bendigo, Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine-producing region holds hidden gems around every corner. While known for Pinot Noir the region showcases exceptional white varietals, and for each, there’s a number of delectable culinary experiences to enjoy. The tour can be tailored to suit your wishes with plenty of time for sightseeing and maybe a browse through the boutique shops and art galleries of Arrowtown and Cromwell. Take a gourmet picnic or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the wineries in Bannockburn (cost not included). You will have the opportunity to view the historic Kawarau Bridge and see the bungy jumpers before being returned to your accommodation (approximately a 7 hour duration). DAY TEN Today drive to Queenstown Airport and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight (approximately a 20 minute drive). Depart Queenstown. BLENHEIM ACCOMMODATION THE MARLBOROUGH LODGE Experience the relaxed elegance of The A vineyard makes up part of The Marlborough Lodge. Located at the top of the Marlborough Lodge grounds, South Island, in the charming rural township of growing world-famous Marlborough Blenheim, this grand country estate is nestled Sauvignon Blanc grapes. While in amongst 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of park like residence join the head gardener on a vineyard and garden tour. During grounds and is surrounded by Marlborough’s summer months play tennis on one famous Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. The Lodge of six well-manicured grass courts at has ten modern, stylish well furnished suites the Rapaura Tennis Club, founded in spread over two levels. By day tour the renowned the 19th century; it is just next door Marlborough wine region or cruise the extensive and available for the use of Lodge nearby Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy the scenic guests and members only. delights of what Marlborough has to offer during the day and be spoilt by Marlborough Lodge’s chefs in the evening. CHRISTCHURCH ACCOMMODATION OTAHUNA LODGE Built in 1895 for Canterbury pioneer Sir Heaton The 118 year old formal gardens Rhodes, Otahuna Lodge is one of the best examples offer stunning, varied vistas and of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and is a range of activities including protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.