Trip Overview

We start in Auckland, set on scenic Viaduct Harbour full of sail boats and yachts, and a wonderful spot to kick-off our journey together. From Auckland it's a short flight to Hawke’s Bay, setting up in boutique cottages where sun-kissed vines line the hillside at Craggy Range Winery. Here we’ll enjoy perfectly paired food and wine, tour wineries by bike, and sample delectable pre-release varietals. From Hawke's Bay we venture on to Martinborough and its world-class wineries, ending in Queenstown, where our days are filled with scenic drives over cerulean rivers, hikes through breathtaking valleys, helicopter rides above the astonishing landscape—and of course, more incredible wine.

This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our experience. If any changes are made, we will update you as appropriate. Bookmark this site and refer to it whenever you need information regarding our trip.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: AUCKLAND

  • Arrive in Auckland on Monday, January 31, 2022 and check into the Hotel Grand Windsor at your leisure

  • Welcome orientation

  • Evening on own to settle in

  • Lodging: Hotel Grand Windsor in Auckland

DAY 2: AUCKLAND > HAWKE'S BAY

  • Immersive Maori cultural experience

  • Local Maori lunch

  • Flight to Hawke's Bay

  • Transfer to Craggy Range

  • Private dinner at Craggy Range

  • Lodging: Craggy Range in Hawke's Bay

DAY 3: HAWKE'S BAY

  • Hawke's Bay cycling tour

  • Moana Park Winery tour

  • Activity options: 12km bike ride along Tutaekuri river, or private tasting at Silky Oak Chocolate

  • Church Road Winery visit

  • Mission Estate Winery tour

  • Lunch

  • Evening on own

  • Lodging: Craggy Range in Hawke's Bay

DAY 4: HAWKE'S BAY > MARTINBOROUGH

  • Drive to Martinborough

  • Lunch at Poppies Martinborough

  • Afternoon on own

  • Dinner at Union Square

  • Lodging: Martinborough Hotel in Martinborough

DAY 5: MARTINBOROUGH

  • Walk to Ata Rangi Winery

  • Drive to Big Sky Wines

  • Visit Moy Hall Winery for tastings and lunch

  • Afternoon and evening on own

  • Lodging: Martinborough Hotel in Martinborough

DAY 6: MARTINBOROUGH > QUEENSTOWN

  • Transfer to Wellington Airport

  • Flight to Queenstown

  • Transfer to hotel

  • Optional activities: Skyline Gondola; visit Arrowtown

  • Dinner at Boardwalk

  • Lodging: Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown

DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN

  • Helicopter flight to hike starting point

  • Hike in Nevis Valley

  • Lunch at gold miner hut

  • Helicopter ride back to Queenstown

  • Evening on own

  • Lodging: Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown

DAY 8: QUEENSTOWN

  • Scenic drive through Central Otago and Kawarau Gorge

  • Visit Burn Cottage Vineyard

  • Winery lunch

  • Tour of Valli Winery with winemakers

  • Mt. Rosa Winery for private tasting

  • Farewell dinner

  • Lodging: Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown

DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN

  • Breakfast

  • Last day and final goodbyes

  • Modern Adventure will provide a complimentary transfer to Queenstown’s ZQN airport. If you would like to join this transfer, your onward flight from ZQN should depart at 12:30pm or later

Our Accommodations

HOTEL GRAND WINDSOR

58/60 Queen Street, Auckland 1001, New Zealand

Tel. +64 (9) 309 9979
Hotel Grand Windsor
reservations@hotelgrandwinsor.com

Take in views of the waterfront and city skyline from your elegant room at Hotel Grand Windsor, complete with modern amenities and appointed from a bygone era.

CRAGGY RANGE

253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4294, New Zealand

Tel. +64 (6) 873 7126
Craggy Range Cottages
info@craggyrange.com

We’re steps away from the glorious vines at this premier winemakers’ boutique shared cottages. Each cottage has its own private bathroom, and comes with a shared kitchen and living room area, with big windows and a free-standing wood burner if the evening gets brisk.

MARTINBOROUGH HOTEL

10-12 Memorial Square, Martinborough, South Wairarapa, New Zealand

Tel. +64 (6) 306 9350
Martinborough Hotel
info@martinboroughhotel.co.nz

Steeped in history and overflowing with charm, the Martinborough Hotel—situated at the entrance of Martinborough’s quaint village square—has been the talk of the town for decades.

HOTEL ST MORITZ

10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Tel:.+64 (3) 442 4990
Hotel St. Moritz
h2074-RE1@accor.com

Set at the foot of a mountain in New Zealand’s adventure capital. Rooms look over snow-capped peaks and Lake Wakatipu, mere steps from the central district’s shops, restaurants and bars.

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUSIONS

On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are luxury boutique accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:

  • 8 nights at boutique and luxurious accommodations

  • Private transportation—just for us—for all day trips and excursions

  • Two internal flights

  • Private tours with local artisans, winemakers and masters-of-craft

  • Immersive guided activities, adventures and daily expeditions

  • Daily breakfasts, as well as most lunches and dinners

  • Local beverages at every included meal

  • Departure transfers to Queenstown’s ZQN airport.

  • All entrance fees

EXCLUSIONS

What’s not included on this trip?

  • International roundtrip airfare to / from New Zealand

  • Travel insurance (see travel insurance section)

  • Transportation to the trip’s starting point

  • Hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs

  • Meals not included in itinerary

  • Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader