- 4.9/5 364 Latest reviews
- Destination: New Zealand
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cuisine
About This Trip
Discover the ultimate North Island Culinary Tour in New Zealand, where flavors, culture, and scenic beauty come together. Begin with award-winning wines and a gourmet dinner on Waiheke Island, followed by an immersive Maori Feast experience in Rotorua. Explore Napier’s stunning Art Deco architecture while tasting exquisite wines and cheeses at the historic Mission Estate Winery. Continue to Martinborough’s boutique wineries, renowned for world-class Pinot Noir, and conclude your journey with a delectable Wellington culinary experience, sampling the city’s finest local foods. This New Zealand culinary adventure is perfect for food and wine lovers seeking an unforgettable gourmet tour of the North Island.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Auckland
Waiheke Island, Twilight Wine and Dine Tour
3
Rotorua
Maori Village, Maori Rituals Experience, Traditional Maori Feast
4 - 5
Napier
Lake Taupo, Art Deco Buildings, Mission Estate Winery
6 - 7
Martinborough
Free Time
8 - 9
Wellington
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Welcome to New Zealand
Arrive at Auckland Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your luxury hotel. Take some time to relax and soak in the city’s vibrant energy. In the evening, dine at the iconic Orbit Sky Tower restaurant, enjoying a gourmet menu with stunning 360-degree views of Auckland. This evening sets the perfect tone for your North Island Culinary adventure, combining world-class cuisine with panoramic scenery. You can also explore Auckland’s waterfront or stroll through Viaduct Harbour for a relaxing nightcap.
Highlights: Orbit Sky Tower Dinner, Panoramic Auckland Views, Private Airport Transfer
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- Auckland
- Day 2: Auckland – Waiheke Island Wine & Culinary Tour
Travel to Waiheke Island, known as New Zealand’s “Island of Wine”, surrounded by pristine beaches, olive groves, and rolling vineyards. Embark on a private Waiheke Wine & Culinary Tour, visiting two award-winning vineyards. Learn about local wine production, enjoy exclusive tastings, and indulge in a gourmet two-course dinner paired with premium New Zealand wines. In your free time, explore local art galleries, boutique shops, or take a scenic walk along Oneroa Beach. This day perfectly combines wine tasting, culinary experiences, and stunning landscapes.
Highlights: Waiheke Wine Tasting, Gourmet Two-Course Dinner, Vineyard Exploration, Beaches & Olive Groves
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- Auckland
- Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua – Maori Cultural & Culinary Experience
Drive to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Stop at steaming lakes, geysers, and bubbling mud pools for sightseeing and photo opportunities. In the evening, visit a traditional Maori village, participate in cultural rituals, and enjoy a Hangi feast, a unique earth-oven-cooked meal. Taste authentic flavors of New Zealand while experiencing Maori storytelling and traditional dances. Optional spa experiences or hot spring baths are available for relaxation after your immersive cultural day.
Highlights: Maori Village Visit, Hangi Feast, Traditional Maori Rituals, Geothermal Parks
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- Rotorua
- Day 4: Rotorua to Napier – Scenic Landscapes & Hobbiton Optional Visit
Travel south through New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes. Take an optional stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can walk through the Shire, enjoy themed refreshments, and see the iconic Hobbit holes. Continue toward Napier, passing by Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, with opportunities for scenic photos and short walks along the shore. Arrive in Napier, a city famed for its Art Deco architecture, and enjoy the evening at leisure exploring local cafes or waterfront restaurants.
Highlights: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Lake Taupo Views, Scenic Drive, Napier Arrival
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- Napier
- Day 5: Napier – Art Deco Walk & Mission Estate Winery Tour
Start the day with a guided Art Deco walking tour of Napier, learning about its 1931 earthquake history and the city’s stunning rebuilding. Later, visit Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest winery, for an in-depth tour and tasting. Sample exquisite wines paired with artisan cheeses and learn about the winery’s history and winemaking process. Afternoon options include cycling through vineyard trails, visiting local galleries, or enjoying Napier’s boutique shops. This day blends wine education, culinary delights, and cultural exploration.
Highlights: Guided Art Deco Walk, Mission Estate Winery Tour, Wine & Cheese Tasting, Historical Insights
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- Napier
- Day 6: Napier to Martinborough – Wine Region Exploration
Drive to Martinborough in the scenic Wairarapa region, celebrated for its world-class Pinot Noir. Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring family-owned boutique wineries. Engage with winemakers, learn about small-batch wine production, and enjoy tastings paired with locally made gourmet treats. Evening options include relaxing at a vineyard restaurant or enjoying a peaceful sunset walk through the town’s charming colonial streets.
Highlights: Martinborough Wineries, Boutique Wine Tastings, Pinot Noir Sampling, Scenic Countryside
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- Martinborough
- Day 7: Martinborough – Winery Tours & Gourmet Experiences
Spend a full day discovering Martinborough’s vibrant wine and food scene. Join curated winery tours, tasting multiple vintages of Pinot Noir and other local wines. Pair wines with regional delicacies such as cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal produce. Optional experiences include cooking classes with local chefs or bicycle tours through vineyard trails, combining active exploration with culinary indulgence. Late afternoon, transfer to Wellington for the evening, where you can enjoy waterfront dining or a local craft beer experience.
Highlights: Curated Winery Tours, Pinot Noir & Local Delicacies, Culinary Experiences, Travel to Wellington
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- Wellington
- Day 8: Wellington – Zest Food & Culinary Walking Tour
Join a morning Zest Food & Culinary Tour, tasting local specialties such as artisan chocolates, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table delights. Meet local food makers, learn their stories, and explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. Optional afternoon excursions include Te Papa Museum, Wellington Cable Car and Botanical Garden, or a Weta Workshop film tour. In the evening, consider a guided nocturnal tour of Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, potentially spotting the rare Kiwi bird, New Zealand’s national icon. This day combines culinary delights with cultural immersion.
Highlights: Zest Food Tour, Local Artisan Tastings, Te Papa Museum, Cable Car & Botanical Gardens, Zealandia Nocturnal Tour
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- Wellington
- Day 9: Wellington – Departure
Your North Island Culinary Tour concludes with a private transfer to Wellington Airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s wines, gourmet cuisine, Maori culture, and stunning landscapes. Take home recipes, wine experiences, and culinary inspiration from this immersive North Island adventure.
Highlights: Private Airport Transfer, End of Culinary Journey, Souvenir Wine & Food Memories
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