Day 9 - Blenheim
Spend the day cooking with your hostess, Maria’s cooking courses evolved almost accidentally over a period of time when guests would wander into her kitchen, perch on a seat with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and watch her cook, the most frequently asked question was ‘may I try that?’
There can be few better ways to celebrate the richness of regional and ethnic cuisine than hands on learning, producing a delicious meal, then sitting down to eat in an ambient setting with new found friends and a glass or two of exceptional wine.
The aim is to be flexible enough to provide the kind of cooking experience you desire – whether it is cooking for serious non cooks, perfecting a few signature dishes, dinner party food, regional (classic French, Italian and Mediterranean), ethnic (Thai, Indian, Burmese, Malaysian and Vietnamese) vegetarian or diet oriented food.
As part of the cooking class, you may also enjoy visiting some of the local producers and farmers in the area with Maria.
Dinner this evening at Highfield Estate.
Day 10 - Blenheim to Wellington
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Picton (approx 30 mins) drop off your rental vehicle at the Picton Ferry Terminal.
Depart Picton at 1:15pm aboard the Interislander Ferry to Wellington, arriving at
4.15pm
Upon arrival at the Wellington Ferry Terminal pick up your medium size automatic, air-conditioned rental vehicle with unlimited mileage and daily vehicle insurance.
Wellington, New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital city is characterised by the surrounding dramatic steep hills and spectacular harbour.
 Widely held to be New Zealand’s Cultural Capital, Wellington is a stronghold for the arts and home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The jewel of Wellington’s attractions is Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, taking pride of place on the majestic Wellington waterfront, Te Papa celebrates the stories of New Zealand in an informative yet uniquely fun and interactive way.
This evening we recommend dining at Martin Bosley’s Restaurant The Yacht Club at Oriental Bay.
Accommodation for (1 night) in a double/twin club room including breakfast at:
The Bolton Hotel,
Wellington
Day 11 - Wellington to Hawkes Bay
Today drive north over the Rimataka Ranges to South Wairarapa, passing through Greytown, New Zealand’s first planned inland town. Continue on via Masterton, Woodville, Dannevirke and Waipuukurau to Hastings (approx 4.0 hrs).
In Hawkes Bay the sparkling Pacific Ocean forms a stunning backdrop to internationally renowned vineyards that produce award-winning wines. Hawkes Bay wineries are among the oldest in New Zealand and have a proud tradition.
In 1931 a two and a half-minute earthquake hit the region, destroying most of Napier’s inner city. The majority of rebuilding that followed adopted the Art Deco style. As a result, Napier features a large concentration of working Art Deco buildings and is regarded as an ‘Art Deco City’.
Accommodation for (3 nights) in a twin/double room including breakfast at:
Cardonness Lodge, Hastings
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The Bolton Hotel’s 142 guest rooms and suites are furnished in a contemporary style and feature Sky Digital television, movies on demand, high-speed Internet (including WiFi), a personal bar, and air-conditioning.
Recreation facilities include a fully equipped gym, heated swimming pool, spa pool, and sauna, and in-house Bisque restaurant offers fine dining on regional New Zealand cuisine in an elegant yet casual environment.
For added convenience, hotel amenities include 24-hour reception, room service, and valet parking.
