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9-Day Exclusive Wine, Food and Nature on the South Island

Customisable Itinerary
4.7 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Discover the best of what New Zealand has to offer on this exclusive privately guided South Island New Zealand itinerary with wine, food and nature in the capital city, Wellington, and New Zealand's Upper South Island over nine wonderful days!

Together with your local guided, you'll discover the food capital, Wellington, taste the country’s wine and enjoy incredible food and wine at some of the top wineries in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough, while exploring this vibrant region and its stunning natural landscapes!
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Cruising
Hiking & Trekking
Beach & Sea

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
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More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Wellington!

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Welcome to Wellington!

You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation in Wellington. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington was recently named "the coolest little capital in the world". Surrounded by nature and fuelled by creative energy, Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bolton Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Wellington International Airport to Bolton Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Day 2

Wellington's Sweets and Treats at Hannahs Factory

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Wellington's Sweets and Treats at Hannahs Factory

Hannahs Laneway is home to the Fix & Fogg shop window which offers peanut butter tastings and gourmet toast. Leeds Street Bakery in Hannahs Laneway is one of the celebrated artisan producers in this culinary hotspot. The Wellington Chocolate Factory sets itself apart with their meticulous process.
Today, you'll explore Hannahs Laneway culinary precinct tasting delicious sweets, treats and gastronomic delights!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bolton Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hannahs Laneway

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Day 3

Fly to Nelson, Travel to the South Island & Explore Tasman

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Fly to Nelson, Travel to the South Island & Explore Tasman

Today, you'll leave Wellington behind and fly from Wellington to Nelson. Upon arrival, you'll continue your drive to Golden Bay, Tasman. Before you lay eyes on Golden Bay, you'll enjoy an amazingly scenic road journey over the Takaka Hill, known also as 'marble mountain'. Te Waikoropupū Springs, the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, and other attractions are close by. You'll then continue your journey to your luxury lodge near Wharariki Beach.

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    Accommodation

    Westhaven Luxury Lodge5 star

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    Activities

    Golden Bay

    Wharariki BeachOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Wellington to Nelson

    Private Driver from Nelson to Golden Bay / Mohua

    Private Driver from Golden Bay / Mohua to Westhaven Luxury Lodge

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    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

    Tasman

    Mangarakau

    Puponga

Day 4

Westhaven Retreat Safari Tour & Activities at the Lodge

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Westhaven Retreat Safari Tour & Activities at the Lodge

Sitting on a 400-plus-hectare private peninsula, Westhaven Luxury Tour is the gateway to a natural wilderness sanctuary of which you can explore during your stay. Today, your guide will show you the most beautiful regions of the property, describing its interesting history and New Zealand fauna and flora on a safari tour. Later in the day, you'll be able to take advantage of all the activities offered at the lodge including lots of hikes into the wilderness.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Westhaven Luxury Lodge5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Westhaven Retreat Safari Tour

    Westhaven Luxury Lodge Hikes & Activities

    Whanganui InletOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mangarakau

    Tasman

Day 5

Scenic Drive Back to Nelson via Mapua

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Scenic Drive Back to Nelson via Mapua

Today, you'll drive back towards Nelson City to your next luxury lodge for the next two nights. Here, you'll be able to immerse yourself in pure luxury at this secluded retreat looking out to the stunning waters of the Waimea Estuary. On the way, you can stop to explore the charming seaside villages of Mapua and Ruby Coast. Once in Nelson, you absorb the creative energy of this city and take part in the vast array of activities!

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    Accommodation

    Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte5 star

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    Activities

    Mapua

    Nelson City

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Westhaven Luxury Lodge to Nelson

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    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mangarakau

    Mapua

    Bronte

    Hira Forest

Day 6

Abel Tasman Golden Future Eco Cruise

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Abel Tasman Golden Future Eco Cruise

Today, you'll head out on the Golden Future Nature Cruise to explore the ecology, experience the wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park. This eco boat tour takes you on a journey to explore the coastal zones, islands, beaches, forests and streams of the park with lots of time to relax, walk and swim. You'll discover nature, birdwatch, take photos and learn all about the area from your knowledgeable and friendly local guides.

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    Accommodation

    Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Abel Tasman Eco Tours Golden Future Nature Cruise

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    Meals

    Lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bronte

    Marahau

Day 7

Explore the Marlborough Wine Region & Queen Charlotte Sound

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Explore the Marlborough Wine Region & Queen Charlotte Sound

Today, you'll leave the Abel Tasman National Park behind and drive to Marlborough. Marlborough plays a starring role in New Zealand's sauvingnon blanc's success. Scores of vineyards rub shoulders along the Wairau and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough. Marlborough’s vast flat areas are also ideal for a gentle gourmet cycle tour and it is the perfect way to explore the wineries. You'll finish your trip with two nights at the luxury Bay of Many Coves, set in the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound.

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    Accommodation

    Bay of Many Coves Resort5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Marlborough Wine Region

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte to Bay of Many Coves Resort

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    Meals

    Lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bronte

    Picton

    Waihopai Valley

Day 8

A Day on Marlborough Sounds & Seafood Odyssea Cruise

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A Day on Marlborough Sounds & Seafood Odyssea Cruise

Today, you'll spend the day enjoying the Marlborough sounds, including long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. For lunch, you'll enjoy the stunning waters aboard the exclusive Seafood Odyssea Cruise, complete with a gourmet lunch of salmon, clams and mussels with Marlborough sauvignon blanc for the definitive match. You'll cruise near an aquaculture farm, learn about this industry in the Marlborough Sounds and take in the picturesque scenery.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bay of Many Coves Resort5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Marlbrough Sounds

    Seafood Odyssea Cruise

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Picton

    Nydia Bay

Day 9

Departure from Picton

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Departure from Picton

Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope to see you for another South Island New Zealand itinerary soon!

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bay of Many Coves Resort to Picton Airport

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    Destinations

    Picton

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What’s included?

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 7 activities
  • 5 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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