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New Zealand Grape Escape Self-Drive
Spend two weeks exploring the country’s best wine regions.


Your north-to-south self-drive takes you via New Zealand’s finest vineyards, including Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, and the world’s southernmost wine region, Central Otago. You’ll stay in gorgeous lodges and hotels along the way, sipping on the country’s Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noirs, Syrah, and Merlot as you roam.
Wine enthusiasts, or simply those who would love to try different tipples in extraordinary locations across the North and South Islands.
Itinerary overview
Highlights of trip
Singapore
Split up your journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud with a few days in sultry and sophisticated Singapore. Check out its gardens, street food scene and sensational shopping before heading back to the airport.
A cool city hangout in an impressive skyscraper where spectacular views meet comfort and convenience.
On the famous Orchard Road, JEN is a modern hotel with city view rooms, robot service and a rooftop pool.
A luxury family-friendly hotel set in horticultural heaven with a great swimming pool and fine dining.
A fantastic family-friendly island resort within easy reach of Sentosa’s theme parks and beaches.
Overnight flight
Fly to Auckland on an overnight flight.
Auckland
You’ll have two nights to relax and explore Auckland at your own pace while you adjust to your new time zone. There are museums aplenty, as well as viewpoints like Mount Eden and the Sky Tower. We highly recommend heading over to one of the bay’s islands for a different perspective and a slower pace.
Step into Hotel Britomart and feel the city exhale as Auckland shows off its coolest, calmest, most connected side.
Step into Hotel Britomart and feel the city exhale as Auckland shows off its coolest, calmest, most connected side.
Going to show simple doesn’t have to be at the expense of chic, the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is a solid city hotel in a prime location.
Rotorua
You’ll collect a hire car from Auckland and drive three hours to Rotorua. On the way, you could visit Hobbiton Village to tour The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies movie sets. The highlight of any visit to Rotorua are the unique geothermal wonders – you can see geysers, bubbling mud pots and steaming hot springs. Take some time to discover more about the Maori people – this region is the heartland of the country’s indigenous culture.
A captivating city hideaway with a superb restaurant and in a great spot near Rotorua lakefront.
Tranquillity and stunning natural beauty await at this romantic luxury lodge overlooking Lake Tarawera
Ease into life beside the lake, with geothermal steam curling in the distance, at a friendly, unpretentious hotel.
Napier/Hawkes Bay
Napier's beautiful art deco town is next. You’ll stay for two nights, giving you time to see the town’s beautiful architecture and visit vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, a sunny wine region where Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir grapes through in the gravelly soils and those oaky Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays are produced.
A breathtaking boutique B&B with a storied past and a stunning location in the Hawkes Bay Wine Region.
A countryside delight in one of New Zealand’s finest spots, with outstanding cuisine and facilities.
Martinborough
Onwards to the Martinborough Hotel, a three-and-a-half journey south. Staying in the heart of Martinborough wine village puts award-winning vineyards within touching distance, many of them family-run, small-scale operations.
Wellington
A comparatively quick journey brings you to Wellington, where you’ll spend the night in the nation’s capital. Check out the waterfront museum Te Papa for a deep dive on New Zealand and head up to the top of Mount Victoria for some sweeping city views. Movie fans and Tolkienists should plan a trip to Weta Workshop to peek behind the scenes of the country’s film industry.
This quirky design-led hotel has sophisticated dining, chic bars and an excellent waterfront location.
Blenheim
After arriving in Picton on the South Island, you’ll drive to Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand’s most famous wine region – Marlborough. Place yourself within easy distance of the vineyards and tasting distance of those world-famous Sauvignon Blancs and you’ll get a taste for some incredible New World wines.
Set in a secluded bay in the Marlborough Sounds, this welcoming lodge offers relaxation and fantastic wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Christchurch
Your journey south continues, stopping overnight in Christchurch to break up your journey and have some time to explore the city's creative side and resilient attitude.
A serene hideaway just outside of the city centre
Check into a beautifully kept secret inside the Arts Centre, all wrapped in Christchurch’s creative, heritage-filled energy.
Walk into Sudima Christchurch City, and you immediately get that down-to-earth feeling where you won’t feel underdressed in your rain mac and trainers combo.
Lake Tekapo
Stay on the shores of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country and be dazzled by the starry nights – this region is part of an international Dark Sky Reserve.
A unique boutique lodge with a home-away-from-home feel and spectacular mountain and lake views
Gibbston Valley
The penultimate leg of your journey brings you to Central Otago – the world’s southernmost wine region and home of New Zealand’s renowned Pinot Noirs. It’s a fitting end to the wine-focused part of your journey across New Zealand.
A quaint cottage-style hideaway with a scenic valley setting and a warm, homely feel.
Queenstown
The trip comes to an adrenaline-fuelled close in Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital of the world’. Spend a couple of days exploring the epic natural landscapes from mountain to river to lake.
Check in at this new hotel for a distinctly designer vibe and views over breathtaking landscapes.
Crisp mountain air, a hint of adventure in the atmosphere, and interiors that combine modern comfort with a touch of alpine style.
This contemporary alpine chic-style hotel overlooks Lake Wakaitpu and the Remarkables mountains and is just a short stroll from the lakefront.
Fiji
Hop over to Fiji for some serious downtime on paradise island shores. Pick your resort, pick your spot on the beach and pick your perfect cocktail and you'll have the best far-flung escape imaginable.
A private island resort with a lagoon-style pool, thatched bures and a family-friendly atmosphere.
An adults-only boutique with stunning dining locations, a swanky spa and a backdrop of lush, landscaped gardens.
A sprawling private island resort with eye-popping scenery and a family-friendly vibe.
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