New Zealand's Food & Wine Trail self-drive

Enjoy a day at leisure in Dunedin to recover from any jet lag. You may enjoy a trip out to the Otago Peninsula to view some wildlife but there is also a fantastic cafe culture here and some great eating options around the city centre. Perhaps just a bit of people watching today!

You make your way inland today to the beautiful Gibbston valley, near Queenstown. You stop at a delightful lodge where cuisine is a focus, and they have their own vineyard in the garden. You can pre book dinner here and sample some of the lodge's wines.

Spend some time today exploring one or two of the Gibbston Valley wineries and perhaps popping into Queenstown to take a trip up the Gondola and see stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Then head over the Crown Range to Wanaka where you will be staying at the stunning Lime Tree Lodge, again you can pre book a fabulous three course dinner here, prepared by a private chef.

Enjoy an extensive full day wine tour today, stopping at some of the areas best wineries and including a delicious gourmet lunch. Perhaps enjoy dinner overlooking Lake Wanaka at one of the excellent local restaurants this evening.

You make your way up the eastern edge of the Southern Alps today, first driving through the spectacular Lindis Pass before reaching the rolling hills around Lake Tekapo. Your hosts for the next two nights are food and wine experts, Alistair is a post-grad winemaker and viticulturist and both have run their own restaurants. They are able to offer you a four course dinner if pre-booked.

Spend today exploring stunning Lake Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and perhaps visit the Mount St John Observatory tonight to partake in some of the best stargazing in the world. If you are feeling adventurous you might like to drive into Mount Cook and take a scenic flight over Mount Cook and the glaciers.

Continue your journey today across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Spend some time exploring, perhaps visit Hagley Park, the Cathedral and the Re-Start container city shopping mall. This evening enjoy dinner in one of the city's award winning restaurants - Pescatore, located within your hotel.

Today you travel to Blenheim, in the heart of the Marlborough wine producing region. This is a long drive as you must take the inland route via Hanmer Springs and Murchison so be sure to leave early. There are some lovely spots to stop along the way for coffee and lunch, perhaps even a dip in some hot springs! Your accommodation this evening is a beautiful old convent set in amongst stunning gardens and vineyards and has a superb restaurant on site.

Take a guided cycling half day wine tour today and visit several of the region's best wineries, sampling some of the produce along the way. Then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoying dinner at one of the award winning local vineyards such as Herzogs.

You leave your car in the South Island and take the ferry to the North Island today. On arrival you collect another car and head out of Wellington to nearby Martinborough. We suggest stopping in at the local winery 'Poppies' on arrival, owner and winemaker Poppy will dazzle you with her delicious wine and tasting platters. We advise pre booking here as it is very popular.

Enjoy a private, personalised food and wine tour around Martinborough today. There are a number of vineyards close to each other, between them producing some fine pinot's.

Continue to Hawke's Bay today, and Napier. Your accommodation tonight is owned and run by a chef who takes great pride in cooking evening meals in front of the guests, explaining the ingredients and process as he goes, and then serving it all with appropriately matched wines.

Today is at leisure to explore the HAwkes Bay region and Napier town, you might like to stroll around the art deco buildings or visit the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. This evening you will experience a progressive dinner and winery tour, this is one of our favourites in all of New Zealand and comes very highly recommended.

Return your car at the airport as you fly to Auckland. From here you have a private transfer to the ferry terminal and travel by boat over to Waiheke Island. Dinner is included here tonight so you needn't worry about finding somewhere after your journey. Waiheke is famous for its golden beaches and vineyards. Here you can really enjoy a couple of days relaxing and indulging in some simply excellent food and wine.

A full day wine tour of Waiheke ISland awaits you today, exploring the nooks and crannies of this beautiful Island and the best wine it has to offer.

A last day at leisure to do as you please, you might like to relax on the beach or pop over to Auckland or Devonport on the ferry for some last minute sightseeing. Dinner is not included tonight so that you can go out somewhere special for your last dinner in New Zealand.

Return to Auckland by ferry where you will be met and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.