Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

Day 1 Fly USA to Auckland

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.

Day 3 Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

On arrival into Auckland, collect your rental vehicle from the airport depot and self drive to your accommodation set in a world-class vineyard - Hotel Du Vin. The drive time is approximately 30 minutes from the airport.

In 1976 a vineyard was established in a remote country valley south of Auckland by a New Zealander who, after spending some years in Southern Europe, had a vision for establishing a winery.  In 1987 a lodge was built to complement the vineyard and winery and so began the story of Hotel du Vin.

Surrounded by lush native bush and vineyards in a beautiful green valley, the natural beauty of Hotel du Vin is a world away from the pressures and cares of the everyday world.

Day 4 At leisure, Peppers Hotel du Vin

Hotel du Vin offers an excellent variety of leisure activities to complement your visit to the property. Choose from a range of outdoor options including Bike riding, tennis, croquet, fitness trail, Petanque, Volleyball, cricket or swimming.  For those looking to indulge, a visit to the Spa du Vin is a must.

Day 5 Drive Peppers Hotel du Vin to Napier

Your drive today will take approximately 5-6 hours.

Far from the world's great population centers and from the European and American cities where 20th Century design evolved lies a small city that is unique. Napier was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive Richter 7.8 Earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. And Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region. In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding and savor the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era.

Day 6 At leisure, Napier

There is an endless variety of things to do in Hawke's Bay ranging from theme parks and aquariums to Dolphins, Kiwis and Cape Kidnappers - the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.

On top of that there are the wineries and outdoor adventures ranging from hot air ballooning and paragliding to windsurfing, jetskiing and canoeing across the bay. Hawke's Bay has a reputation for trout the size most people would only dream about, and you can add to that the crayfish, snapper and other catches of the Pacific Ocean. Locals are also keen on their sports including horse racing and golf. Or you can leisurely stroll among our numerous shops and art galleries, or visit the local potters and wood turners. And after that you can enjoy the choice of world class international cuisine.

Day 7 Drive Napier to Martinborough

Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns including Greytown where you can cruise the cafes, art galleries and antique shops. Continue on to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine.

Day 8 At leisure, Martinborough

Martinborough is a charming, leafy, self-styled wine village and the main center for wine touring due to the easy accessibility of its mostly small family-owned vineyards surrounding Martinborough’s village square, making for a unique “walk the wineries” experience. The wine growing region has fanned out from Martinborough to encompass Gladstone and Masterton districts to the north as a continuance of the Wairarapa wine trail. From Martinborough explore rugged Palliser Bay with unique geographical features, native seals and the Ngawi fishing village.

Day 9 Drive Martinborough to Blenheim

Drive to Wellington and return your rental vehicle before taking the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton. The 82 kilometer journey takes little more than three hours, yet it's one of the world's great scenic cruises. And when you cruise across on the Interislander, you'll find a wonderful combination of entertainment and services that will make your Cook Strait crossing even more memorable.

On arrival, collect your rental car and enjoy a short 30 minute drive to the beautiful wine district of Blenheim.

Blenheim is situated on the fertile Wairau Plains in the Marlborough district, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Marlborough's varied attractions include its wine industry, the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, gourmet foods, adventure activities, relaxing recreation opportunities, and so much more.

With a population of just over 25,000 citizens the city was claimed, piece by piece, from the Wairau River resulting in a street layout with spirit and character that abounds with quirky lanes and sunny gathering places.

Day 10 At leisure, Blenheim

The largest town on the Wairau Plains is Blenheim. Paved streets, graceful archways and tree-lined pavements invite you to stay awhile and explore the compact, yet comprehensive, central business district. 

Beyond the town is a thriving art and craft trail. You could take home a bone carving, some fresh country preserves or a pot or painting from one of Marlborough’s talented artists.

Day 11 Drive Blenheim to Christchurch

At your leisure (4hrs drive), but allow most of the day. This is a long drive today, but the scenery is excellent and you may also like to stop off in Kaikoura to do a whale watch tour.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, beautifully encapsulates the best of what New Zealand has to offer. This is a vibrant city of exciting festivals, art galleries, theatres and great shopping. Award-winning attractions are available within the city and the surrounding countryside.

Find out what variety really means; explore an unspoiled corner of the globe, where wilderness, adventure and sophisticated urban living can be found in perfect balance.

Day 12 At leisure, Christchurch

Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique in New Zealand.  Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours: these are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.

Day 13 Fly Christchurch to USA (Via Auckland)

Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car before boarding your departure flight.