Itinerary: An Epicurean Adventure in New Zealand’s South Island

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Ramble through acres of vines in the world-renowned Marlborough wine region, meet local foodies and sample artisan produce in Wellington

If you’ve ever wanted to explore New Zealand’s gastronomy scene, this new adventure by A&K is the perfect place to start, taking you from cool and cultured Wellington to the famous wine region of Marlborough. Cosmopolitan and energetic, Wellington has an edgy creative vibe fuelled by great food, wine and craft beer. See museum highlights, indulge in a private gourmet immersion and take a fascinating behind the scenes film studio tour. A short ferry ride to the west reveals the Marlborough wine region where there’s ample opportunity for cellar door visits and tastings. Highlights of the journey include meeting local foodies and sampling artisan produce, taking a behind the scenes look at New Zealand filmmaking, blasting off behind the scenes of Thunderbirds Are Go and rambling through acres of vines in the world-renowned Marlborough wine region.

Day 1

Arrive Wellington

 

Day 2

Wellington

Day 3

Wellington

For a succinct overview of what makes New Zealand unique, venture to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to admire select highlights of the collection which showcase the country’s diverse natural environment, the Maori culture and treasures, its art and colonial history. This afternoon, movie buffs will be spellbound on a behind the scenes workshop tour of Weta Studios learning about the effects created for The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, the record-breaking Gallipoli: The Scale of our War, and more. Later, visit the Thunderbirds Are Go shooting stage and be amazed by the props, models and miniatures built for the popular television series, including Tracy Island, the Thunderbird hangars and Lady Penelope’s mansion.

• Stay at Sofitel Wellington
• Breakfast

Day 4

Blenheim

Board the morning Interislander ferry for the Cook Strait crossing to Picton in the South Island where you collect your rental car and self-drive south to Blenheim. Explore a little before arriving at your luxury lodgings on a wine estate in the heart of the Marlborough wine-growing region.

• Stay at The Marlborough Lodge
• Breakfast and dinner

 

Day 5

Blenheim

Get a taste of Marlborough on a private tour of the region. With over 100 wineries in the area, a host of primary food producers, cafés and restaurants galore, Marlborough really is a gourmet province. You’ll visit world renowned wineries such as Cloudy Bay, Allan Scott, Wither Hills and Brancott Estate,as well as more boutique favourites such as Framingham, Saint Clair and Wairau river. Taste your way through various vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and learn about the unique characteristics of each.

• Stay at The Marlborough Lodge
• Breakfast, lunch and and dinner

 

Day 6

Blenheim

 

Day 7

Depart Blenheim

Return your rental car to Blenheim airport and depart.

• Breakfast