Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Tour

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a deliciously indulgent road journey that puts pleasure first. As well as fantastic food and wine, it serves up all kinds of cultural and adventure experiences. You’ll discover five of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, including three major wine-growing areas. Our best travel tip? Go slow and savour! – Classic New Zealand Wine Trail website

This 11 day tour is a combination of our North Island Indulgence and Marlborough Delights Tours.

Day 1 The Mission:  Our riding starts with the beautiful and rural Puketapu loop – a favorite for the Napier ramblers club. Dine tonight at Mission Estate – the birthplace of New Zealand wine, whose founders built the first winery in Hawke's Bay in 1851.  Ride: 42km (26mi) Undulating.

Day 2 Hawke’s Bay: Spin through the beautiful TukiTuki river valley, past vineyards and outstanding river panoramas. For those looking for an added challenge there’s always the legendary 399m Te Mata peak! After lunch you’ll enjoy a fascinating and educational visit to a winery museum. Ride: 38km (24mi) Flat.

Day 3 Vineyards and Vistas: Ride quiet back-roads through rural pastoral scenes and rolling hills to Sileni Estate for some wine tastings.  Dine tonight at an award winning winery restaurant. Ride 40km (25 mi) Rolling with one major climb

Day 4 Tararua: Today we make our way south and cycle through the Tararua region and into Wairarapa; giving you the opportunity to ride for as long or short as you like. The planned route is 75km through interesting and changeable farmland to Masterton. Lunch is served up in a delightful local winery.  Ride 75km (47 mi) Flat and rolling

Day 5 Tablelands: The tablelands loop is a favourite for the locals - and international race directors. Pretend you’re racing in the UCI Tour of Wellington, before collapsing at Coney Wines for award-winning wines, succulent cuisine and amusing tales from the irrepressible owner! Ride: 63km (39mi) Undulating.

Day 6 Palliser Bay: Cycle to the wild coastline of Palliser Bay – but beware of the fur seals that sometimes sun themselves beside the road! – before a cold beer at the Lake Ferry Pub. From here we transfer to Wellington city. Dinner is in the vibrant city centre. Ride 46km (29 mi) Mostly flat.

Day 7 Wellington Harbour:  Today we ride around the Miramar Peninsula, with picturesque views of the harbour and harbour-side suburbs. We’ll stop at famous coffee houses en route. Ride: 38km (24 Mi) Flat 

Day 8 Inter-Islands: After the morning sailing on an inter-island Ferry, ride the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive. Regarded as "one of the most scenic roads on earth" it features native bush and views across the fiords from endless vantage points. To cap off a great day, enjoy a multi-course degustation dinner at Herzog Winery. Ride 37km (23 mi) Hilly

Day 9 Sauvignon Blanc: Spin through the vines that produce international acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. Finish with lunch at Allan Scott Winery. Ride: 58km (36mi) Flat

Day 10 The Sounds: A beautiful ride along the Kenepuru Peninsula through native bush with a never ending and breathtaking panorama of fiords and quiet coves. Dine tonight at a local hotspot. Ride: 45km (28mi) Hilly

Day 11 Wairau River Valley: Ride beside the remarkable beauty of the braided Wairau River, with a backdrop of alternating bush-clad or forested rolling hills, and further away, bald rugged mountains. We say goodbye over lunch at Wither Hills winery; before dropping you at Blenheim Airport for your included flight to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Ride: 51km (32mi) Flat

OPTIONAL: This tour is a combination of our North Island Indulgence Tour and the Marlborough Delights Tour .

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the regions: check out the CNZWT website: Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Website .

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