New Zealand South Island Wine and Rail Adventure

Transcription

1 New Zealand South Island Wine and Rail Adventure WITH CHRIS HARDING 15 DAYS: OCTOBER 2015 Savour the wine regions of New Zealand s South Island by train and luxury coach and feast on a springtime palate of scenery, heritage, fine food and wine. in association with WELLINGTON NELSON BLENHEIM CHRISTCHURCH DUNEDIN QUEENSTOWN MT COOK WESTPORT HANMER SPRINGS

2 IN A EXPLORING THE WINE REGIONS OF: NELSON MARLBOROUGH REGION CENTRAL OTAGO CANTERBURY PLAIN GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS ON: Heritage steam train on the Coastal Pacific railway to Christchurch Dunedin to Middlemarch on the Taieri Gorge Railway The iconic TranzAlpine journey Ashburton and Weka Pass Heritage Railway Day 1 Thursday 15 October: ARRIVE WELLINGTON On arrival in Wellington, make your way to our hotel and check in. You may wish to arrive a day or two earlier to explore this great capital city.we meet tonight in our hotel for an informal drink with our tour leader Chris, followed by a wonderful welcome dinner with Chris and our fellow travellers. Tonight, to put the New Zealand wine story in perspective, we sample North Island wines as a prelude to what s ahead in the South Island. Overnight: Amora Hotel, Wellington (D) OVERVIEW New Zealand is a special place for many reasons but its wineries and collection of great train journeys make it a remarkable destination where great flavours and great travel meet. Extending 1,600 kilometres from sub-tropical Northland (36 S) to the world s most southerly grape growing region of Central Otago (47 S), the vineyards of New Zealand benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120 kilometres from the ocean) with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes. New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period a result of cool temperatures allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned. Home to 700 wineries, the New Zealanders manage to produce great diversity in high quality wines. The country s rail network boasts more than 3,000 kilometres of 3 6 gauge line, over 60 different heritage groups and some truly spectacular journeys. This tour makes the most of the offerings on the South Island with train journeys and luxury coach connections linking the major wine regions, cities and natural landscapes in one compact adventure. YOUR TOUR LEADER Day 2 Friday 16 October: WELLINGTON NELSON Board the Interislander ferry for the three-hour trip across the Cook Strait from the North Island to the South, and marvel at the scenery as we glide up the stunning Marlborough Sound to Picton. Wine Spectator called this one of the most spectacular ferry rides in the world. Our coach rolls on down to Nelson and dinner tonight showcases wines of this famous region. Overnight: Trailways Hotel, Nelson (B, D) Day 3 Saturday 17 October: NELSON BLENHEIM After a visit to the morning markets, we take a trip to Nelson s must see visitor attraction, the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum. In The WearableArt Gallery, admire the 60 spectacular creative garments, some award-winning and the majority of which featured in the latest annual World of WearableArt Awards Show. Then experience one of the largest private car collections in Australasia in the Classic Cars Gallery, showcasing the art of motoring in a world-class exhibit. Next we explore some wineries and experience a delicious tasting lunch at Brancott Estate Winery, home to the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc plantings and situated in the heart of the Marlborough Wine Country. We ll continue along Eighty-Eight Valley to St Arnaud on stunning Lake Rotoiti (formerly Lake Arthur), an alpine lake in Nelson Lakes National Park and a remnant of massive glaciers that once covered the area. From there we travel through the Wairau Valley onto Blenheim. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim (B, D) Chris Harding recently retired as the manager of the Railway Bookshop at Sydney s Central Station. He also spent many years with the steam operating company, 3801 Limited, and conducted tours of Sydney s disused tunnels for the Australian Railway Historical Society. He is often called upon to talk about railway history on radio. His early career with the Bank of New South Wales/Westpac Bank gave him the desire and opportunity to travel. Chris interest in wine has seen him travel far and wide exploring wine regions and meeting wine makers. His experience in New Zealand has covered both the famously fine wines of the country and its iconic train journeys. He has recently hosted his second highly successful railway adventure to Switzerland and will be hosting a number of similar adventures in 2016 TAIERI GORGE RAILWAY

3 Day 4 Sunday 18 October: MARLBOROUGH REGION We explore the wineries of the Marlborough region today on a specially arranged wine tour with expert local guides. Marlborough is New Zealand s largest wine growing region and boasts an international reputation for producing the world s best Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, 77% of New Zealand s total wine production comes from Marlborough and 86% of Marlborough s wine production is the flagship varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Its Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are also considered of exceptional quality. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy some of the regions interesting offerings or take the opportunity to linger at your favourite winery. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim (B) Day 5 Monday 19 October: BLENHEIM CHRISTCHURCH Today s highlight is our run along the stunning Kaikoura coastline to Christchurch on board the steam train Ab608 Passchendaele. The Ab608 was built in 1915 and named Passchendaele in 1925 in memory of all of the railwaymen who fell in the Great War. After a major restoration taking many years and at a cost of over half a million dollars, she has now been completely and lovingly restored. We will reach Christchurch, situated in the Canterbury region of the South Island, in the late afternoon when we will have the opportunity to visit the city centre. Hit by devastating earthquakes in 2011 and 2012, Christchurch lost many of its heritage buildings and churches. However, the city is as vibrant as ever with its open air markets, shipping container retail precinct and other innovative buildings like the Cardboard Cathedral, or Transitional Cathedral, cited by Lonely Planet as one of the many reasons to visit Christchurch. Overnight: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch (B) Day 6 Tuesday 20 October: CHRISTCHURCH This morning we embark on a half-day tour. First stop is the Ferrymead Heritage Park, an early 1900s (Edwardian) township complete with its own school, church, jail, railway station and more. We continue on to the International Antarctic Centre where we will learn about life in modern day Antarctica and the Scott Base, hang out with Little Blue Penguins and even experience (and survive) an Antarctic storm! This afternoon is at leisure or there is time to join an optional wine tour before we meet up again for dinner on Christchurch s famous Tramway Restaurant. This is a unique way to view the inner city of Christchurch while enjoying a delicious evening meal. Overnight: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch (B, D) Day 7 Wednesday 21 October: CHRISTCHURCH DUNEDIN After breakfast we travel by coach to charming Oamaru, a gorgeous harbour town located in the Waitaki District of the South Island. We have time to go down to the station to see off steam train Ab608 on its southward journey, then it s lunch at leisure before we take an afternoon guided tour of the old town centre, famous for some of New Zealand s best 19th century architecture and for its majestic limestone buildings. Next we head to Dunedin where we will experience a special dinner to introduce the wines of the Central Otago region. The Central Otago wine region is the world s southern-most commercial wine growing region and is best known for its Pinot Noir varieties, however, other white wines are also popular. Overnight: Park Regis Hotel, Dunedin (B, D) MARLBOROUGH SOUND Day 8 Thursday 22 October: DUNEDIN Dunedin is New Zealand s largest city by area and perhaps the most spectacular in terms of divergent landscapes. We spend half a day touring this Scottish-influenced city: Larnach Castle stunningly situated overlooking Otago Harbour; the Royal Albatross colony located at the foot of Taiaroa Head and winner of TripAdvisor s Certificate of Excellence for 2015; and the fascinating Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch in Glenfalloch Gardens on the Otago Peninsula. Gaelic for hidden glen, the gardens were established in 1871 and are now operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust for locals and visitors to enjoy. Following lunch, the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy. Perhaps stroll around to Speight s Brewery, producing ales since 1876 or, if chocolate is more to your taste, pay a visit Cadbury World where the cafe is open til 4.30 pm every day. Overnight: Park Regis Hotel, Dunedin (B, L) Day 9 Friday 23 October: DUNEDIN QUEENSTOWN The grand Dunedin Railway Station (the most photographed building in New Zealand) is the departure point for a world class experience on the Taieri Gorge Railway from Dunedin to Middlemarch across the spectacular Taieri Gorge through ten tunnels and over dozens of dramatic bridges and viaducts. There will be stops along the way with opportunities to take photos and stretch our legs. From Middlemarch we will travel by coach onto Queenstown through the barren thyme and schist covered hills of the Alexandra basin, past the vineyards of Cromwell and Bannockburn, and via the Kawarau Gorge, once a major gold mining area. We will stop at a winery for lunch on the way. This evening we will take an evening cruise on New Zealand s longest lake, picturesque Lake Wakatipu, on the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw, watched over by the towering Remarkables. This is followed by a BBQ dinner at the Colonel s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak High Country Farm. Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (B, L, D) Day 10 Saturday 24 October: QUEENSTOWN CENTRAL OTAGO QUEENSTOWN Today we explore the wineries of Central Otago. Compared to the warmer Marlborough region, Pinot Noir is grown most predominantly here in an area of diverse soil types and micro-climates. In fact, this region s Pinot Noir wines are renowned as some of the world s finest. We will return to Queenstown via the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Initially established in 1861 as a settlement when gold was discovered, since that time, despite fires and population decline, this charming little village has retained around 70 buildings, monuments and features from the gold rush era. Enjoy a wander along tree-lined avenues, or, if time permits, check out the many shops, galleries and cafés. Tonight your evening is at leisure. Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (B, L)

4 Day 11 Sunday 25 October: QUEENSTOWN MOUNT COOK Following breakfast our coach takes the Midland Highway for the 260-kilometre journey to the base of Mount Cook, the cloud piercer, located in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook is one of 19 peaks in the park standing at more than 3,000 metres and, at 3,724 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak in Australasia, dwarfing Mount Kosciuszko by 1,500 metres. We will arrive in time to explore the locality including taking the opportunity to try some easily graded walks. This evening we enjoy a lavish buffet dinner at the Hermitage. Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook (B, D) Day 12 Monday 26 October: MOUNT COOK CHRISTCHURCH Today we head back to Christchurch, stopping at the Plains Vintage Railway and Historical Museum, a recreated village at Tinwald near Ashburton. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits spanning the history of central Canterbury since the time of European colonisation. The railway operation utilises preserved and restored locomotives and rolling stock once used on New Zealand s national railway network. It incorporates as the Plains Vintage Railway a three-kilometre stretch of the restored Mount Somers Branch, sometimes known as the Springburn Branch, built in stages from 1878 and reaching Mount Somers in In the afternoon, we check into our hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. As today is New Zealand s Labour Day and a public holiday, there are lots of activities on offer in and around town. Overnight: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch (B) Day 13 Tuesday 27 October: CHRISTCHURCH PUNAKAIKI Check out is early today in order to catch the 8.15 am departure of the smart new TranzAlpine train to Greymouth on the west coast. This is one of the great railway journeys of the world taking in the Staircase Gorge, Waimakariri River, Arthur s Pass and the depths of the Otira Tunnel. The Otira Tunnel runs under the Southern Alps from Arthur s Pass to Otira at a length of over 8.5 kilometres, making it New Zealand s longest tunnel. At Greymouth our coach will be waiting to take us along the scenic west coast to the quiet town of Westport which was once one of the greatest coal ports in the world. We stop to visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on the way, taking the 20-minute loop walk from the carpark to view the spectacular limestone formations. Dinner this evening will be at Jacob s Grill Restaurant located in our hotel. The Punakaiki Resort is situated in the Paparoa National Park just south of Punakaiki and is only a stone s throw from the beach. Overnight: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki (B, D) Day 14 Wednesday 28 October: PUNAKAIKI HANMER SPRINGS This morning we travel north and then west up the escarpment to visit the infamous Denniston Incline. It was the rail system used from October 1879 to August 1967 to transport coal from the Denniston Plateau to the Conns Creek railhead below, an incline falling 510 metres over 1.7 kilometres in two sections and incorporating dramatically steep gradients. Today the Denniston Experience is one of New Zealand s best kept secrets. It includes a fully guided tour into an 1880s mine, complete with a narrow gauge train ride, views over the Waimangaroa Gorge and the opportunity to try out a mining job. Our coach then continues to Hanmer Springs via Reefton. Reefton was named for the gold-seamed quartz reefs in the area, was the first town to have the public supply of electricity, and is famous for being the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to switch on an electric street lighting system, in On arrival in Hanmer Springs, check into our hotel and relax in the hot springs after a long day and enjodinner in the hotel. Overnight: Heritage Hotel, Hanmer Springs (B, D) TRANZ-ALPINE Day 15 Thursday 29 October: HANMER SRINGS CHRISTCHURCH After a wonderful buffet breakfast we board our coach for the journey back toward Christchurch visiting New Zealand s fastest growing wine region, the Waipara Valley on the way. With a slightly warmer climate than the rest of the Canterbury region, Waipara produces impressive Rieslings but also notable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. On our way through Waipara we will enjoy a special final run on the rails with a private charter on the historic Weka Pass Railway, a 12.8-kilometre scenic line through stunning limestone formations. Built in the 1880s, the railway uses both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives, climbing grades as steep as 1:50 (2%) as it winds through the cuttings in the Pass. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory farewell with Chris and your fellow travellers. Overnight: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch (B, D) Day 16 Friday 30 October: DEPARTURES After breakfast at the hotel we say goodbye to New Zealand s South Island and our friends. Transfers to the airport are provided for onward connections to Australia or beyond. (B) TOUR PRICE Per Person Twin Share...$8,950 Single supplement...$1590 INCLUSIONS 15 nights accommodation in centrally located 3-4 star hotels with daily breakfast Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides Excursions/entrances fees except those listed in the itinerary as optional Tips and gratuities EXCLUSIONS International flights Airport transfers on arrival Excursions/entrances listed as optional in the itinerary Drinks with meals (except for welcome and farewell dinners) Items of a personal nature e.g. telephone, laundry, minibar Travel Insurance

5 DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as movements in foreign exchange rates, the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may change and affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. Please check with us at the time of booking. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your international flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays in Europe, visas and travel insurance. Call our office on if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, passport validity and liabilities please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time. Dunedin Railway Station TAIERI GORGE RAILWAY This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895 HIGHFIELD ESTATE WINERY