Day 12 - Hawkes Bay

Today we suggest the following optional activities in and around Hawkes Bay:

• Take a walking tour of Art Deco Napier
• Take a Gannet Safari Tour viewing the largest mainland gannet colonies in the world
• Drive to Te Mata Peak for spectacular views in the Napier/Hastings area. Look over the orchards and market gardens, the Tukituki River Valley and the rolling hill country farms
• Bicycle Tour of the Wineries, a fantastic wine-cycling experience on flat scenic terrain, passing olive groves, farmland and orchards, with some off-road cycling through vineyards.
• Take a food and wine trail - Hawkes Bay is known as New Zealand’s most diverse wine-producing area. With the abundance of fine foods now available, the area is a gourmet paradise

Day 13 - Hawkes Bay to Martinborough

Travel south through Tararua’s rolling pastures to Martinborough in Southern Wairarapa region (approx 3.5 hrs)

The Martinborough Wine Village is a must for the wine lover. It differs from New Zealand’s other wine regions because it has mainly small boutique wineries clustered around a quaint colonial farming village. Martinborough wines are consistently winning international awards for both red and white wines but the success of reds, particularly the Pinot Noir variety, has attracted the most attention. This afternoon we suggest visiting Martinborough, famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir. Take a stroll around Martinborough Village; visit the Martinborough Wine Centre with its extensive cellar and tasting of local wines. Leading wineries such at Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate are all within easy walking distance of the Village.

Take a stroll around the Martinborough Village; visit the Martinborough Wine Centre with its extensive cellar and tasting of local wines. Leading wineries such as Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate are all within easy walking distance of the Village.

Accommodation (1 night) in a double/twin room including breakfast at:
Parehua Country Martinborough Estate, Martinborough

Day 14 - Martinborough - Wellington - Auckland - Los Angeles

This morning after a hearty breakfast travel over the Rimataka Ranges and through Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt to Wellington (approx 1 .15hrs)

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.

Take the opportunity of visiting the jewel of Wellington’s attractions - 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.

Drop off your rental vehicle at Wellington Airport prior to your flight north.

Suggested flight: Depart Wellington at 4.00pm aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ452 for Auckland, arriving at 5:00pm

On arrival at Auckland Airport transfer to the International terminal for your onward flight. At 9.45pm depart Auckland aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ1 for Los Angeles, arriving at 5.30am.

Regain day crossing the International Dateline and arrive Los Angeles the same day!

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Parehua Country Martinborough Estate, Martinborough

Contemporary and classic Parehua is set in world-class Wairarapa wine region just a few minutes walk of the charming historic Martinborough wine village, New Zealand. Enjoy wine and food escapes, celebrations, weddings, honeymoons and corporate entertaining and retreats.

Luxury Cottages, Suites and Villas have views across the willow-fringed lake and beyond to stunning vistas and some are set amongst secluded woodlands with rural views. Spacious, stylish uncompromised accommodation surrounded by park-like grounds with tennis court and swimming pool.