
The Signature Flavours of Aotearoa New Zealand tour is an 18 day gourmet adventure that showcases the best of New Zealand’s food, wine, and culture. Travelling from Auckland to Queenstown, guests experience a perfect balance of fine dining, vineyard visits, and immersive cultural experiences, all set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
This journey blends indulgence with discovery. Enjoy a wine-tasting tour on Waiheke Island, a traditional tea ceremony at Zealong Estate, and a lavender-infused lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm. Savour local cuisine in Wellington and Marlborough before travelling the scenic Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine trains. Along the way, meet local artisans, sample pāua pearls and Marlborough wines, and encounter dolphins off Kaikōura’s coast. From the geothermal heart of the North Island to the Southern Alps, each day unfolds with new flavours, cultural insights, and unforgettable landscapes, ending in Queenstown with a toast to Aotearoa’s rich culinary story.
Arrive in Auckland and settle into your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Share drinks and conversation as the city lights up, marking the start of your culinary journey through New Zealand.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Sail across sparkling waters to Waiheke Island for a guided tour of boutique vineyards and local eateries. Enjoy lunch and wine at Stonyridge Vineyard, followed by time to explore independently before returning to Auckland.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel south to Waikato, stopping for a guided tour of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Learn about native plants and Māori herbal traditions before checking into your Hamilton hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Visit Zealong Tea Estate for a guided tour, tea ceremony, and Signature High Tea. Explore the themed landscapes of Hamilton Gardens before enjoying free time to discover Hamilton’s riverside cafés and galleries.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train to Ohakune. Enjoy panoramic views and onboard dining before exploring the mountain landscapes surrounding Tongariro National Park. Dine with your group this evening.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Journey to Taumarunui and visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm for a fragrant lunch experience. Stroll through purple fields and browse handmade products before returning to Ohakune for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
After breakfast, explore Tūroa Ski Field for sweeping alpine views before boarding the Northern Explorer to Wellington. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea onboard before arriving in the capital at sunset.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Discover Te Papa Museum on a guided Māori Experience Tour, learning about traditional foods and cultural heritage. Spend the afternoon exploring Cuba Street and waterfront cafés before dining at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry, relaxing in the Premium Lounge with breakfast and drinks. In the afternoon, cruise the Marlborough Sounds on the Mailboat Tour before dining at Portage Resort.
Overnight in Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Visit a Pāua Pearl Farm for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Enjoy lunch and wine at Allan Scott Vineyard before visiting additional cellar doors and a boutique chocolate factory. Evening free in Picton.
Overnight in Picton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Spend a leisurely morning in Picton before boarding the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train. Savour a gourmet lunch with ocean views as you journey south to Kaikōura, where dinner awaits at a local seafood restaurant.
Overnight in Kaikōura
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a Dolphin Encounter to see playful dusky dolphins before an afternoon journey aboard the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner and drinks as the train glides toward Christchurch.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a guided food walking tour through Christchurch, sampling local delicacies and hearing stories of renewal. Spend the afternoon exploring museums or gardens before a relaxed group dinner in the city.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard before arriving on the West Coast for a Pounamu Experience and walk at Hokitika Gorge.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel to Ōkārito Lagoon for a guided eco-heritage tour combining a gentle walk and lagoon cruise. Enjoy a fresh local lunch before returning to Franz Josef for optional activities or relaxation.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Head south through rainforests and river valleys on the scenic Haast River Safari, exploring the wild beauty of the West Coast. Continue to Queenstown, arriving in the evening to unwind at your boutique hotel.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Spend a relaxed morning exploring Queenstown before travelling to Ayrburn Winery for a tasting and lunch. Stroll through historic Arrowtown, then return to Queenstown for evening drinks and canapés.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a final breakfast and farewell your fellow travellers before your included transfer to the airport. Reflect on the flavours, landscapes, and friendships that defined this extraordinary New Zealand journey.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Minimum Age: 16 years and over. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 65 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 60 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.