New Zealand · Route map
A Premium Pinot and Classic Coastline Journey
Focusing on your wine-growing requests, this route bridges the Cook Strait to link three world-class wine regions at a balanced, fly-drive pace.
- 1
Martinborough
2 nights
Boutique village life and premium Pinot Noir
- 2
Marlborough
2 nights
Sun-drenched Sauvignon Blanc and quiet sounds
- 3
Central Otago
3 nights
Dramatic alpine valleys and intense southern reds
- ✦3 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the Capital
Arrive into Wellington Airport
Flight · Morning · Wellington
Collect premium rental vehicle
Car hire · Morning · Wellington Airport
Pick up your midsize SUV from Wellington Airport.
Self-drive Wellington to Martinborough
Self-drive · Afternoon · Wairarapa
Drive over the scenic Remutaka Range for about 1.5 hours.
Stop at the summit lookout for windy, sweeping views across the valley.
Overnight in Martinborough
Accommodation · Evening · Martinborough
Martinborough's Boutique Pinot Noir
Cycle-powered estate tastings
Excursion · Morning · Martinborough
Hire cruiser bikes to explore the flat, vine-lined country lanes.
Poppies is the spot for a legendary platter lunch, but you must book months ahead.
Private tasting at Schubert Wines
Excursion · Afternoon · Martinborough
Their Marion's Vineyard Pinot Noir is a cult classic among Wellington's wine elite.
Overnight in Martinborough
Accommodation · Evening · Martinborough
Crossing the Cook Strait
Self-drive Martinborough to Wellington
Self-drive · Morning · Wellington
Head back over the hill to the Wellington ferry terminal.
Interislander Ferry to Picton
Transfer · Afternoon · Marlborough Sounds
A three-hour cruise across the Cook Strait.
Book the Plus Lounge for complimentary food, local beer, and comfortable, quiet seating.
Self-drive Picton to Marlborough wine region
Self-drive · Afternoon · Blenheim
A short twenty-minute drive south down State Highway 1.
Overnight in Blenheim
Accommodation · Evening · Blenheim
Marlborough Sounds and Sauvignon Blanc
Seafood cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound
Excursion · Morning · Picton
You will pair freshly steamed greenshell mussels with a crisp local Sauvignon Blanc.
Bespoke tasting at Cloudy Bay
Excursion · Afternoon · Rapaura
Ask to taste their museum releases, not just the current vintage.
Overnight in Blenheim
Accommodation · Evening · Blenheim
South to Alpine Gold
Drop hire car at Woodbourne Airport
Car hire · Morning · Blenheim Airport
Flight from Blenheim to Queenstown
Flight · Morning · Queenstown
Fly via Christchurch to the adventure capital.
Collect luxury SUV at Queenstown
Car hire · Afternoon · Queenstown Airport
Self-drive Queenstown to Gibbston Valley
Self-drive · Afternoon · Gibbston
Drive 30 minutes into the spectacular Kawarau Gorge.
Overnight in Central Otago
Accommodation · Evening · Gibbston
Bannockburn's Sun-Baked Slopes
Hike the Bannockburn Sluicings
Excursion · Morning · Bannockburn
A loop track through a dramatic, human-made gold mining landscape.
Carry plenty of water as this microclimate is the driest and hottest in the country.
Lunch and tasting at Mt Difficulty
Excursion · Afternoon · Bannockburn
Sit on the outdoor terrace for rugged views over the Kawarau River.
Overnight in Central Otago
Accommodation · Evening · Gibbston
Wanaka Lakefront and Boutique Wines
Self-drive over the Crown Range
Self-drive · Morning · Cardrona Valley
New Zealand's highest paved main road takes about an hour.
Stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel for a coffee in their historic garden yard.
Tasting at Rippon Vineyard
Excursion · Afternoon · Wanaka
This biodynamic estate offers what is arguably the most photographed vineyard view in the world.
Overnight in Central Otago
Accommodation · Evening · Gibbston
Leaving the Southern Alps
Self-drive Gibbston to Queenstown Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Queenstown
A quick 20-minute drive back down the valley.
Drop hire car at Queenstown Airport
Car hire · Morning · Queenstown Airport
Depart from Queenstown Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Queenstown
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