Wine & Wildlife Self Drive Tour
SELF DRIVE TOUR
AUCKLAND | ROTORUA | NAPIER | WELLINGTON | MARLBOROUGH | KAIKOURA | CHRISTCHURCH | OAMARU | DUNEDIN | INVERCARGILL | STEWAT ISLAND | TE ANAU | DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE | QUEENSTOWN
Tantalise your tastebuds and embrace endemic wildlife across both islands on this tour. Included are well known vineyards and small group tours enticing you to try wines that you previously may have disregarded. Swim or spectate with dolphins in Kaikōura, spot kiwi on Stewart Island and see the unique Blue Penguins. Hear the silence on a wilderness overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. This really is the tour for wine connoisseurs and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1-2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5&6
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Day 7&8
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Day 9&10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14&15
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Day 16
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Day 17&18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21&22
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Day 23
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Day 24&25
Day 1-2 : Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the ‘City of Sails’, the rest of the day at leisure. On day 2 we have included a guided tour to Waiheke Island, a 40-minute boat ride from Auckland city. Taste locally sourced speciality foods, before wine tasting at 2 of the island’s top boutique vineyards before returning to Auckland.
Day 3 : Auckland
Full Day Essence of Wine Tour (Includes one course lunch)
Day 4 : Rotorua (147 miles)
Collect your rental vehicle today and head south to Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. A guided tour is included through spellbinding walkways underground where you can view the Waitomo Glow Worms, unique to New Zealand. Your tour completes with a boat trip through the Grotto. Continue to Rotorua for your overnight stay. Day 4 is free for you to explore, maybe walk high up in the Redwood Forest for a birds eye view, take a soak in one of the spas, or watch in amazement at the bubbling mud pools and geysers of Whakarewarewa. Later today we have included a Māori Concert and Hangi.
Day 5&6 : Napier (136 miles)
Head off to the home of Art Deco and vineyards via the stunning shores of Lake Taupō. On day 6 we have included a half day guided wine experience.
Day 7&8 : Wellington (200 miles)
Today will take you to the ‘coolest little capital’ where gourmet eateries, fine wine and New Zealand’s national museum await. Explore at your leisure on Day 8, we highly recommend a visit to Zealandia. On a guided tour expect to hear birdsong and meet the tuatara, at night you may even glimpse a kiwi.
Day 9&10 : Marlborough (Interislander Ferry & 18 miles)
Sail across the Cook Strait through the Marlborough Sounds to the home of Sauvignon Blanc. Day 10 is a tasty treat of all things Marlborough. This intimate wine tour will guide you through a wine journey of recognised labels and unique, boutique cellar doors.
Day 11 : Kaikōura (80 miles)
Follow the coastline south towards one of the most scenic townships in New Zealand, Kaikōura, home to the giant sperm whale and dusky dolphins. Lookout for a seal viewing platform on your route and a seafood hut selling locally caught crayfish for a gourmet beachside Kiwiana lunch. This evening you may wish to join an evening sunset wildlife kayaking tour. The view from the ocean back towards the town is jaw dropping.
Day 12 : Christchurch (112 miles)
This morning is your choice. Join a 3-hour boat tour in search of the sperm whale or perhaps get your hair wet and swim with dolphins, this is the perfect spot to watch them playfully interact. You may also prefer to view from your vessel where a marine biologist is on hand to point out seabirds. This afternoon make the drive to Christchurch.
Day 13 : Oamaru (154 miles)
Maybe take a tram ride this morning around Christchurch before continuing to Oamaru. Tonight, you are a guest at the Blue Penguin Colony. View these quirky little penguins arrive home from a hard day at sea before retiring for the night.
Day 14&15 : Dunedin (70 miles)
A short drive today, we highly recommend you visit the Moeraki Boulders which are best seen when it’s low tide. This stunning scenic drive will have you in Dunedin for the afternoon to explore this city with a very ‘Scottish’ feel about it. A day of wildlife is included, cross over to the Otago Peninsula where your guide will spot wading birds. You will also enjoy a private viewing of the royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals will complete your day.
Day 16 : Invercargill (128 miles)
Drive through the Catlins today, Curio Bay is a must stop en route. Overnight in Invercargill.
Day 17&18 : Rakiura/Stewart Island (16 miles & 1 hour Ferry Ride)
Just a short drive and ferry crossing (flights also available), over to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s 3rd largest island. The island is a haven for brown kiwi which outnumber humans as well as over 175 miles of walking tracks to stretch your legs. Tonight, will prove to be a highlight as you embark on a guided Kiwi spotting tour, listen carefully and you can hear them snuffling close by. Keep your eyes peeled for other night-time visitors.
Day 19 : Stewart Island
ULVA'S GUIDED WALKS-2-3 Hour Evening Kiwi Spotting
Day 20 : Te Anau (1 hour Ferry Ride & 111 miles)
Your morning return ferry will take you back to your car where you will drive to the lakeside township of Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.
Day 21&22 : Doubtful Sound
Today is one of the highlights of your trip, a memorable overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. A scenic drive and lake cruise takes you to the embarkation point for your cruise. As you set sail the crew will keep watch for fur seals, dolphins, and rare penguins. There is opportunity to explore by kayak or on a tender vessel before dinner with your fellow guests and perhaps star gazing before you turn in for the night.
Day 23 : Queenstown (Boat & Coach & 107 miles)
Following a hearty breakfast, you will return to Te Anau and drive to Queenstown where the view is truly ‘remarkable’. Return your rental vehicle. The final day on your wine and wildlife tour will be a small group tour into Central Otago where you will visit 4 vineyards, designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Day 24&25 : Departure
Today make your own way back to the airport for your onward flight, or if you have time, we can extend your tour to the glaciers and the TranzAlpine back to Christchurch
