Days 12 to 14 - Best of New Zealand Food and Wine Tour
Days 1-3 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-11 | 12-14
Day 12 - Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay’s fertile plains, high country pasture, abundant coastline and rivers accentuated by a Mediterranean climate helps growers produce a delicious array of foods.
Local producers have joined forces to establish the Hawkes Bay Food Group and its members are dedicated to raising the profile of Hawkes Bay produce through activities within the region and around the country.
A great way to explore and taste the regions products is the Wine Country Food Trail, a collection of artisan food producers and food destination outlets. The food trail features 85 stops and provides food-lovers with a complete gourmet experience.
This evening we recommend dinner at Terrior – the restaurant at Craggy Range Winery.
Day 13 - Hawkes Bay
Today we suggest a bicycle winery tour, this fantastic experience is on flat scenic terrain – past olive groves, farmland and orchards, with some off-road cycling through vineyards. Bikes are 21 speed mountain bikes or tandems, helmets, water pump and a delicious packed lunch are provided, plus a cell phone to arrange wine collection, or if you run out of puff. There are six wineries to visit; Sileni, Te Awa, Ngatarawa, Trinity Hill, Huthlee and Alpha Domus.
Day 14 - Depart Auckland
This morning we recommend a walking tour Art Deco Napier, later this morning drive to the top of Te Mata Peak for stunning views over the fertile plains, rolling hills and the broad sweep of spectacular coastline. We recommend lunch at either Black Barn Bistro or at Sileni Estates
Drop off your rental vehicle at Napier Airport prior to your flight north.
Suggested flight - Depart Napier at 4:30pm aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ8414 for Auckland, arriving at 5.25pm
On arrival at Auckland Airport, transfer to the International Terminal for your onward flight.
Suggested flight -
At 9:45pm depart Auckland aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ1 for Los Angeles. Regain a day crossing the International Dateline and arrive Los Angeles at 5:30am the same day!
Cardoness Lodge is situated on the edge of the Gimblett Gravel/Ngatarawa Triangle. Close to five world renowned wineries and within easy reach of Hawke’s Bay/Bridge Pa, Hastings, Napier and Cape Kidnappers golf courses. We offer luxury accommodation, privacy and a friendly haven in which to unwind and enjoy this spectacular, yet unspoiled area.
Cardoness Lodge has three Ensuite bedrooms, each with private external access and personal private deck. Choose from either Superking/ King Single beds or a Queen bed. All rooms have a TV, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers.
The Art Deco cities of Napier and Hastings, plus the café society and boutique shopping at Havelock North are easily accessible from Cardoness Lodge, and a leisurely drive will take you to the sandy beaches of Waimarama and Ocean beach. Also a visit to the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers should not be overlooked, finishing with a glass of wine on your deck watching the sun set after a memorable day in the Bay.