Gourmet Secrets of New Zealand

11 DAYS FROM $11,280 2022–23 DEPARTURE DATES: Nov 13–23, 2022; Feb 16–26, Mar 21–31, 2023

See www.abercrombiekent.com.au for up-to-date departure dates, availability and pricing.

NEW ZEALAND

Picton Wellington

Blenheim

Kaikoura

Christchurch

Queenstown

ARRIVE/DEPART

ROAD

AIR

FERRY Embark on an indulgent journey of New Zealand as you’re wined and dined in some of the most picturesque locations across the country. From cultural capital Wellington to the scenic South Island where you can indulge in the freshest seafood straight from the waters of the Marlborough region. Renowned for its wines, experience blending your own signature bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before travelling south to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura. Immerse yourself in nature’s playground with a memorable stay in Hapuku Lodge and enjoy a unique farm-to-table cooking experience with a New Zealand MasterChef finalist. Close-up encounters with New Zealand’s diverse marine-life and a decadent progressive dinner in Queenstown round off this journey of the senses.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn the art of winemaking on a behind-the-scenes tour of a

Marlborough winery • Be whisked away on a breathtaking helicopter ride for a picnic atop Mt Fyffe with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain range, Kaikoura Peninsula and Pacific Ocean • Stay in a luxury tree house nestled in the canopy of a Manuka

Grove in Kaikoura, a world renowned eco-marine area

• Forage for fresh produce and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience with renowned chef Fiona Read • Enjoy a breath-taking, up-close encounter with the Giant

Sperm Whale on a whale watching cruise in Kaikoura • Indulge in a progressive dinner at three iconic and hidden gems around Queenstown showcasing fine wine and delectable food • Cruise privately through Lake Wakatipu’s secluded coves, mountain ranges and inner harbour aboard the Pacific Jemm • Typically features a small group size of 6–8 guests

Day 1: Arrive Wellington, New Zealand. Arrive in Wellington, where a warm A&K welcome awaits. You will have the afternoon to explore the city at leisure after settling into your harbour view room at QT Wellington. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers at Hot Sauce, QT’s signature restaurant. QT Wellington | Meals: D Day 2: Picton & Blenheim | Seafood Indulgence. After breakfast, enjoy VIP lounge access on the Interislander ferry ride across Marlborough Sounds to Picton, built around a sheltered harbour with an attractive seafront dotted with cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

Upon arrival in Picton enjoy a private seafood cruise as you marvel at the beauty of Marlborough Sounds. Keep an eye out for a rich variety of birdlife and wildlife that flourish in this natural paradise. Visiting salmon, oyster and mussel farms, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into local aquaculture as you sample fresh seafood including Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and greenshell mussels, paired with a refreshing glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Arriving back at Picton Wharf, continue on to Blenheim where you have an evening at leisure. Hotel d’Urville | Meals: BL Day 3: Blenheim | Winemaker for a Day. With over 100 wineries in the region and a host of primary food producers, cafés, and restaurants, Marlborough is an epicurean delight. After breakfast, enjoy a tour of select vineyards and a working winery where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and create your very own signature bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet platter lunch and a guided wine tasting. You’ll have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel d’Urville | Meals: BLD Day 4: Kaikoura | Immersion in Nature. After a leisurely breakfast, continue your journey south to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura. On arrival, experience an unforgettable heli-picnic on top of Mt Fyffe. Wash down your locally prepared picnic hamper with a bottle of Marlborough wine as you soak up the breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountain ranges, Kaikoura Peninsula and the surrounding ocean.

Back on land, transfer to Hapuku Lodge, your luxury accommodation for the next two nights. Sitting snuggly at the base of the spectacular Kaikoura Seaward Mountains, beautiful Hapuku Lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore this stunning area. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure soaking up the breathtaking views from your elevated Tree House, or by the fire with a glass of wine. For something more active, walk to the nearby beach or bike ride along a Hapuku trail. Join your group early evening for sundowner drinks and canapés before enjoying a delicious dinner, made with produce sourced from the lodge’s own garden, free-range chickens and olive grove. Hapuku Lodge | Meals: BLD Day 5: Kaikoura | Reconnecting with Land and Sea. This morning, enjoy a hands-on farm-to-table cooking class at Hapuku Kitchen with renowned chef and former MasterChef finalist, Fiona Read. Forage in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs before returning to the kitchen with your harvest to prepare the dishes under Fiona’s guidance. Your morning concludes after dining on your creations, washed down with wine and beer from some of Fiona’s favourite local winemakers and brewers.

This afternoon, experience an unforgettable up-close encounter with Kaikoura’s abundant marine life. Enjoy your cruise from the comfort of the Captain’s Cabin situated on the upper deck in the wheelhouse, the perfect vantage point to spot a rich variety of whale species as well as dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and royal albatross. Return to your lodge this evening for dinner. Hapuku Lodge | BLD Day 6: Christchurch | From Coast to Garden City. After breakfast, travel by road to scenic Christchurch, stopping en route for lunch and a wine tasting at organic winery Black Estate. Arrive into Christchurch with some time at leisure, before an afternoon visit to the Riverside Market, a vibrant indoor farmers market where a chef will take you on a guided tour to sample local delights as you go, before a delicious dinner in a nearby restaurant. The George | Meals: BD Day 7: Christchurch | Touch of France in Akaroa. Today, travel over the breathtaking Banks Peninsula for a full-day tour to Akaroa, the only town in New Zealand settled by the French. This picturesque region was formed following violent volcanic eruptions over six million years ago, while the town of Akaroa itself sits in an ancient volcanic crater. You’ll have the opportunity to wander around the charming 175-year-old French harbourside village of Akaroa with its museums, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award-winning cafe. On the journey back to Christchurch, visit the cheese factory at Barry’s Bay, the Little River Art Gallery and, if time permits, Vince’s Gemstone Museum. The George | Meals: BL

Day 8: Queenstown | Journey for the Tastebuds. Continue your journey south today with a short flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Visit Zenkuro Sake, New Zealand’s first and only Sake brewery where you will learn the process of Sake making, followed by a tasting of their award-winning range. Continue to The Rees, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. This evening, take part in an indulgent progressive dinner hosted at a selection of iconic and hidden gems around Queenstown showcasing fine wine and delectable food. The Rees | Meals: BD Day 9: Queenstown | Whisky and Wine. This morning, witness the spectacular vistas of the Wakatipu Basin on a scenic drive from Queenstown to Cardrona driving on the Crown Range, the highest main road in New Zealand. Visit the Cardrona Distillery and learn the whisky-making process from grain to glass before a stop at the iconic Cardrona Pub. From there, descend into the charming Gibbston Valley, a world class Pinot Noir region. Enjoy wine tasting and a lunch at some of the region’s top local wineries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Queenstown’s eclectic shops and diverse range of dining options. The Rees | Meals: BL Day 10: Queenstown | Design Your Day. Continue your exploration of Queenstown and Design Your Day with your choice of activities: > Enjoy an exhilarating jetboat experience on the Dart River deep in the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. > Starting in the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, pedal your way by e-bike along the Arrow River Trail downstream to the Kawarau

River. Finish your ride with a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery. > Visit the Thomas L Brown Gallery, a former cheese factory originally built in 1912 and converted into a studio and gallery by renowned artist Thomas Brown in 1992. The perfect end to a memorable day, enjoy a cruise aboard private charter, Pacific Jemm as you explore Lake Wakatipu’s secluded coves and towering mountain ranges, private beaches, and a vibrant inner harbour. Soak up the stunning sunset views with drinks and canapés before dining on a gourmet BBQ prepared by the Head Chef. The Rees | Meals: BD Day 11: Depart Queenstown. After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport where your gastronomic adventure comes to an end. Meals: B Inspiring Accommodations

QT Wellington Just steps away from Wellington Waterfront, QT Wellington offers a colourful fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence.

Hotel d’Urville, Blenheim One of Blenheim’s finest landmarks, featuring just 11 luxury suites.

Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura Luxury boutique accommodation with mountain and coastal views.

The George, Christchurch Intimate boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch.

The Rees, Queenstown Sophisticated hotel situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Customise Your Journey

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.