21 Day New Zealand Food and Wine Itinerary
See New Zealand with our gourmet travel itinerary. Discover local food, and wine. With luxury stays, sightseeing, and delicious dining across 3 weeks.
A Gourmet Journey through
New Zealand’s North and South Island’s
Explore the North and South island across this 21 day gourmet tour of New Zealand. Discover the countries diverse culinary scene, and exceptional wineries. From the boutique vineyards of Waiheke Island to the artisanal markets of Nelson, this journey blends relaxation, exploration, and, of course, plenty of delicious food and drink.
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Day 1 - 3 Auckland's City & Coastlines
Stay: Stay at the brand new Intercontinental Auckland in a comfortable Junior Suite. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, in a prime position above the Commercial Bay precinct, just 2 minutes from Britomart. You’’ll be a short elevator ride away from some of the cities best dining, and shopping.
Day 1: Start your adventure in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. A small yet inviting city packed with world-class waterfront dining, art galleries, and wild beaches. Spend your first day exploring Auckland’s eclectic food scene, and famous cafe culture. For dinner, head to Rag Tag, known for its inventive take on Mexican cuisine.
Day 2: On your second day, take a private guided tour of Auckland’s West Coast and the Waitakere Ranges — this area is famous for its rugged black sand beaches and lush native forests. Afterwards, visit some of the local wineries in the region, before ending your day with dinner at Ada Restaurant, where Italian cuisine is prepared with a fresh, New Zealand twist.
Day 3 - 4: Waiheke Island
Stay: Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island offers a peaceful retreat. Check into Omana Luxury Villas, a perfect base for exploring the island’s renowned wineries.
Day 3: Head out on one of Waiheke’s best private wine tours, where you’ll visit top vineyards like Mudbrick and Tantalus Estate. Each offers tastings with stunning surroundings— don’t forget to bring your camera. For dinner, finnish the day at Casita Miro, a must-visit, with a menu that features comforting Spanish cuisine, while taking in sunset views over the vineyards below.
Day 4: On Day 4, head out on the water for a private sailing adventure in the Hauraki Gulf. This trip is a great way to see the island from a different perspective and you might even spot some of the local wildlife, like dolphins, and the occassional Orca whale.
Days 5-6: Hawke’s Bay
Stay: Travel to Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions. You’ll be staying at Te Mata House, a charming luxury homestead in the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s wine country.
Day 5: Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay, and you can sample these on a biking tour that takes you through the region's best wineries. The flat terrain makes it easy to cycle between vineyards like Te Mata Estate and Craggy Range.
Day 6: Start the day with a hike up Te Mata Peak to take in the views of the valleys below. After a morning of activity, replenish with fresh produce and local specialties cultivated in the region. Spend the afternoon exploring the local artisanal stores, orchards, and markets in Havelock North before finishing the day with dinner in Napier at Pacifica.
Days 7-9: Martinborough and Wairarapa
Stay: Next, head to the luxury lodge, Wharekauhau Country Estate located near Palliser Bay, in the Wairarapa.
Day 8: The Wairarapa area is a bit more off-the-beaten-path, known for its boutique wineries and laid-back country vibe. Martinborough is famous for its Pinot Noir, and here you’ll spend day 8 on a wine tour discovering internationally renowned wineries like Ata Rangi, and Palliser Estate.
Day 9: For a unique experience, we recommend spending day 9 on the Seal Colony & Lighthouse Tour, it’s a great way to see the rugged coastline and spot some wildlife. Evenings in Wairarapa are perfect for stargazing, thanks to the clear, dark skies. Enjoy an early dinner at Wharekauhau’s farm-to-table restaurant before enjoying a guided evening learning about the stars.
Days 10-12: Christchurch
Stay: Fly to the South Island and settle in at Otahuna Lodge, in Christchurch. A beautiful historic property. From here, you can explore the Waipara wine region, which is known for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Day 10: Arrive at Otahuna lodge after flying in from Wellington. Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure before settling in for a gourmet four-course degustation at the lodge’s fine dining restaurant. The menu changes daily, highlighting seasonal produce straight from their gardens.
Day 11: On day 11, take a day trip to local vineyards to get a taste of what the region has to offer. Back at the lodge, you can take part in a cooking class, learning how to prepare traditional New Zealand dishes.
Day 12: Take the TranzAlpine train ride through Arthur’s Pass National Parks. It’s one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The views of mountains, rivers, and valleys are simply spectacular.
Days 13-14: Nelson
Stay: In Nelson, you’ll be staying at Pihopa Retreat, a quiet and cozy spot surrounded by lovely gardens. The comfortable suites give you plenty of space to relax, and there's an outdoor pool where you can unwind. It’s a great place to take it easy and enjoy some peaceful downtime between wining and dining.
Day 13: Nelson is known for its art scene and craft beer, as well as its wine. Visit vineyards like Neudorf and Seifried Estate on a winery tour, and spend some time at the Nelson Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Day 14: Board a private helicopter and be lifted away, into New Zealand’s second largest National Park, Kahurangi National Park. Land at a secluded Alpine Lake for a private picnic. After the picnic enjoy a short walk, with time to admire the nearby waterfall, and relax in this picturesque setting.
Days 15-17: Malborough
Stay: Your next stay is at The Marlborough Lodge, regularly awarded for its exceptional dining experiences. The on-site restaurant, Harvest, features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including produce from the lodge’s own gardens. Guests can enjoy personalized menus paired with fine wines from the Marlborough region.
Day 15: Take a private tour to explore Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. The tour is a great way to visit several vineyards in the region, with a gourmet picnic lunch, while taking in stunning scenic views.
Day 16 : Hop aboard The Seafood Odyssea Cruise a highlight of the region, offering the chance to enjoy local mussels, oysters, and salmon while cruising through the beautiful bays and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 17: Spend a day at Malborough Lodge, enjoying guided garden tours and on-site cooking classes. The 16-acre estate is surrounded by vineyards, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting to spend the day relaxing, and connecting with nature.
Days 18-21: Queenstown
Stay: Stay at Azure Lodge, located on the hillside overlooking Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. With beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and only nine private villas, this intimate stay offers the best of both worlds. It has a peaceful, calming atmosphere while being just minutes from the city centre.
Day 18: Take a private wine tour of the Central Otago region, visiting world renowned vineyards like Mt Difficulty, and Cloudy Bay. The Pinot Noir grown in Central Otago is some of the world’s best.
Day 19 : Day 19 is a highlight of the trip, and one of our favourite experiences in New Zealand. Take a scenic helicopter tour to picnic in “Middle Earth” beside the waterfalls. You’ll be dropped in a secluded spot where you can enjoy a private lunch in one of nature’s most beautiful settings.
Day 20: End your trip with a visit to Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. A helicopter tour will give you a bird’s-eye view of this awe-inspiring landscape. Spend your last evening in Queenstown with a degustation at Amisfield, one of New Zealand’s best restaurants.
Day 21: A private transfer will pick you up from Azure lodge to take you to Queenstown airport for your departure.
To hear more about this itinerary, or craft your own bespoke food and wine tour across New Zealand contact us. We look forward to planning your dream trip.