PROMO-POST - NEW ZEALAND COUNTRYSIDE AND WINERIES
Code: AKLL03
Experience life in the countryside surrounding Auckland by observing a gannet colony, watching a sheep-shearing demonstration at a working farm, and cruising to Waiheke Island for tastings of its distinct olive oils and wines.
DAY 1
After disembarking from the ship, you will enjoy a brief orientation tour of Auckland that includes driving along the waterfront. A stop will be made at Bastion Point for scenic views over the harbor before continuing to St Heliers Bay, through the eastern suburbs, and past the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park.
Following your arrival at the Sky City Grand Hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Feel free to venture out, as your room may not be ready until 3pm. Dinner is on your own, and there are wonderful restaurants in the hotel and plenty of other fine choices nearby.
This will be the first of three evenings spent in the Langham Hotel or similar.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive into the fertile farmland and wine-growing areas of Kumeu and Huapai before reaching Muriwai Beach on the rugged west coast. Here, you will stop and walk approximately 250 meters (275 yards) to a special lookout above one of the world's few mainland gannet colonies.
As you will be very close to the white seabirds, you will be able to watch them nesting, feeding and flying in the updrafts offshore. Their behavior will depend on the season and time of day, but regardless of what the activity, you can expect it to be hugely entertaining, especially if they are diving for fish. There should be hundreds, if not thousands of gannets in the colony, all of them clustered about the cliffs side by side.
Continuing on, you will travel through more beautiful countryside to Haumoana, a 200-acre working farm on the lovely Kaipara Peninsula. Situated high on a hill, the property offera splendid views over the rolling land and out to the harbor. The farm raises sheep and beef and supports a herd of friendly fallow deer that will usually come when called. It makes for an excellent photo opportunity.
Then, following a hearty lunch, you will watch a sheep-shearing demonstration. In the hands of a skilled farmhand, a sheep can typically be sheared head to tail in about three minutes.
After the demonstration, you will drive back to Auckland via a different route through farming areas, across the Auckland Harbor Bridge, and into the shopping district downtown. Upon arriving at the hotel, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the ferry terminal and board the Fullers Ferry for Waiheke Island. After approximately 35 minutes of cruising, you will meet your guide on the island and drive toward Rangihoua Estate. It was here in 1997 that the first olive oil in the North Island was produced.
Today, Rangihoua's olive oils, all of them extra virgin, have won numerous national and international accolades and awards. During the tour, you will learn how the oil is produced and taste a range of different varieties that may include a peppery Greek-style Koreneiki, a Spanish-style Picual, and a Tuscan-style Frantorio.
Next, you will visit Stonyridge Vineyard for a delightful wine tasting. Founded in 1982, Stonyridge is a world-class wine producer that is especially known for its Cabernet blends. You will sample a selection of the vineyard's most distinct wines that may include a Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Your next tasting will take place at Goldie Wines, a pioneering vineyard established in 1978. Using traditional winemaking techniques, together with modern technology and fine French oak, Goldie Wines produces individually handcrafted wines with vibrant fruit characters, harmonious balance, elegant structure and exceptional concentration. They include Cabernet Merlot Franc, Syrah, Viognier and Pinto Gris.
An inspiring lunch at the nearby Mudbrick Restaurant follows. The Tuscan-style venue is set within beautiful gardens and a working potager, with spectacular views across the harbor towards Auckland. After your meal, you will retrace your route to Auckland by ferry and motor coach and return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.
Land Program Step by Step:
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The times indicated are only approximate, are given here for general reference purposes, and are subject to change.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark from the ship and enjoy a brief city tour
11:15am Arrive at the Langham Hotel
3:00pm Check-in at the Langham Hotel
Remainder of the day is at your leisure
Overnight at the Langham Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for the Auckland countryside
10:15am Stop at a seaside gannet colony
11:15am Depart for Haumoana farm
11:45am Arrive at Haumoana farm
1:45pm Depart for Auckland
3:00pm Arrive back at the Sky City Grand Hotel
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Langham Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Transfer to the ferry terminal
10:00am Depart Auckland for Waiheke Island
10:35am Arrive on Waiheke Island
11:00am Visit Rangihoua Estate
12:00nn Visit Stoneyridge Vineyard or similar
12:45pm Wine tasting at Goldie Wines or similar
1:30pm Lunch at Mudbrick Restaurant
3:30pm Transfer to the ferry terminal
4:00pm Travel by ferry back to Auckland
4:45pm Arrive in Auckland and transfer to the hotel
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Langham Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for an 11:00am check out. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel.
Additional Nights: Should you book any extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per your flight details. Please note that check out time is 11:00am. Meals other than breakfast, as well as additional activities are on your own, after the program ends on the morning of Day 4.
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated departure information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided.
Expected Weather:
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August.
What to Bring:
Dress is informal and relaxed. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the premier formal bars and restaurants.
In the summer, bring a light jacket or sweater in case the weather turns cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat and an umbrella.
Currency:
The New Zealand Dollar is the currency. All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN, you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) at most banks and shopping centers.
Electricity:
Electricity throughout New Zealand is 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Power outlets only accept flat three-pin or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection (ground) is fitted.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required. International guests are required to check with their travel agent in regards to Visa requirements.
If a similar hotel is required due to unforeseen circumstances, it will be of equal ratings and standards.
Program includes:
3 Nights at the Langham Hotel or similar hotel, including breakfasts
Touring as outlined above
Lunch on Day 2 and Day 3
Wine tasting on Day 3
English-speaking driver and guide
Program excludes:
Any meals not listed above
All beverages
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Other hotel incidentals and personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended.