Enjoy the best of the North Island's wine on this 7 day self drive. It links two leading wine regions - Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough. Each region has quite distinctive wine characteristics: Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its Chardonnay and Martinborough for its extraordinary Pinot Noir.


Included
• 6 nights accommodation
• AVIS Group B car for 7 days
• Travelmood backpack, detailed itinerary, directions & map



Day 1 Arrive in Auckland
Collect your car from the Avis depot and make your own way to your chosen accommodation.
Motel: Scenic Circle Airedale
Hotel: Heritage Hotel
Boutique: Aachen House (breakfast)

Day 2 Auckland to Taupo
173 miles 4 hours
Drive via Rotorua, famous for its mud pools and geysers before arriving at Taupo. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Island’s major attractions.
Motel: Karaka Tree Motel
Hotel: Millennium Hotel Manuels
Boutique: The Pillars Homestead (breakfast)

Day 3 Taupo to Napier
89 miles 2 hours
Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and an indoor/outdoor dining experience.
Motel: Bella Tuscany on Kennedy
Hotel: Crown Hotel
Boutique: Mon Logis Hotel (breakfast)

Day 4 Napier at leisure
Day at leisure in Napier which features one of the densest concentrations of art deco buildings in the world. Enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Day 5 Napier to Martinborough
180 miles 4 hours
Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. Travel to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. Afternoon at leisure.
Motel/Hotel/Boutique: Peppers Martinborough Hotel

Day 6 Martinborough at leisure
Travelmood recommends the Wairarapa Gourmet Wine Escape Tour, enjoy tastings at 4 Martinborough vineyards and lunch in a vineyard café. Pre-bookable from £39.

Day 7 Martinborough to Wellington
48 miles 1 hour
Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington. The nation’s capital is home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand, numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi. Return your Avis vehicle to the depot to complete your itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION IN PEAK SEASON
Please note that New Zealand is very popular during their summer months. Therefore the accommodation shown on this itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking. If the accommodation listed is full we will endeavour to book you a comparable alternative.



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