New Zealand - South Island - Wine Trail Magic (5 days)
Contact a Specialist Consultant Now!

New Zealand - South Island - Wine Trail Magic (5 days)

An independent cycling and wine tasting holiday

NZ's Marlborough region is now known as one of the world's top ten wine regions. Experience the dramatic transformation of the 'fruit of the vine' to today's bottle of wine, on a wine trail tour by bicycle.

Enjoy a leisurely cycle each day (20-30 kms), while your luggage is transported ahead to your next accommodation. The wineries you visit will be happy to deliver any bottles you purchase throughout your day to your accommodation. Experience a choice of superb dinner venues.

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Blenheim

Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand's Marlborough district is a busy country town full of interesting shops and cafe's, where an hour's stroll will take you from historical buildings to modern architecture. Nearby Pollard Park has wonderful gardens, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and fitness trail.

Hotel d`Urville, is a fine & elegant boutique hotel situated within the historic Public Trust Building in the center of Blenheim. We suggest you spend the afternoon exploring the local area. For an excellent evening meal in a delightful setting, the d`Urville Wine Bar and Brasserie may be just the perfect place.

  • Day 2 - Blenheim to The Bell Tower - (approx 25kms)

Your first cycling day in a leisurely fashion, with your destination being a boutique lodge, situated amid stunning scenery overlooking Marlborough's vineyards. En route, why not cycle to the Wither Hills Walkway and enjoy a brisk walk to the Lookout where you have an excellent view over Blenheim and the Wairau Plains. You'll continue on to the elevated site of Fran Maguire`s Pottery studio, who is an artist with a passion for clay and food, which is reflected in her brightly coloured, unique tableware.

There's an opportunity to visit Matua Marlborough and Fromm Winery, which are two well established vineyards. Enjoy a late lunch at the Tuscan style Highfield Estate Winery before arriving at The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge on Dog Point early afternoon ready to be spoiled.

  • Day 3 - The Bell Tower to Old Saint Mary's Convent - Cycling Distance: approx 20km

You'll wake to the calls of a host of native songbirds before enjoying a delicious breakfast in preparation for a day of quality wine tasting.

Cycling from The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge, you'll visit Grove Mill winery with its award winning wines, extensive wine library and gallery. Seresin Estate is another exciting and stylish winery where only the grapes grown on the estate are used in the production of the wine. Framingham Wine Company is a 'must see' with Rex Brooke Taylor being a terrific host.

Continuing on to Cellier le Brun, with its unique underground cellars, is a perfect place to have lunch before a visit to Forrest Estate, who produce and market their own diverse range of wines. Perhaps call into the well known Hunter's winery before continuing to the charming and character-full 'Old Saint Mary's Convent' built in 1901. A great venue for dinner is Gibbs Restaurant.

  • Day 4 - Old Saint Mary's Convent to The Peppertree - Cycling Distance: approx 25km

Your route today will offer at least four vineyards of note. At the family owned Allan Scott Winery, you'll taste premium award-winning wines in a unique setting and just opposite is the winery that took New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc wine from "curiosity to respectability" - Cloudy Bay. There's a visit to Drylands Estate, which offers state-of-the-art wine production and then Saint Clair's is a good place for lunch, before the final stop for the day at 'Price's Traditional Country Preserves'. Enjoy your last evening at the historic homestead, The Peppertree.

There are many good restaurants to choose locally or let your hosts Heidi and Werner know that you would like to have dinner at their place.

  • Day 5 - Departure from Blenheim

Enjoy a country style breakfast in the rich ambience of the dining room and stroll around the lovely garden before your tour ends.

Inclusions:

  • 4 nights accommodation in 4-5 star boutique hotels and lodges
  • 4 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Multi-geared bicycle with helmet and pannier
  • Suggested route notes, map and regional information

Operated by: Global Adventure

Departures: Daily

Please contact us or prices and more information.