With the best Platinum seats at this fantastic event and accommodation at Wellington’s boutique 5 star Bolton Hotel, soak up the WOW atmosphere then travel through the Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay countryside for two nights on the Napier waterfront. Meeting our hosts at private homestead lunches is a special highlight and we stay at the Chateau Tongariro too.
With Platinum seats at the World of WearableArt Awards Show and four private lunches with wonderful hosts along the way, I can't think of a better way to celebrate spring. It's an irresistible combination and our clients agree - many return to travel on this tour a second and third time.
Day 1: Auckland - Carmel Farm - The Chateau Tongariro
We depart Auckland and drive into the rural heart of the North Island before stopping for lunch at Carmel Farm in Pio Pio with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi.
The farming landscape becomes more rugged as we drive through the King Country to the country town of Taumarunui and on to National Park. We arrive at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel at Whakapapa village at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. There's time to relax and enjoy the alpine outlook before dining in this classic, landmark hotel.
- Private lunch with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi at their Pio Pio Farm
- At the Chateau Tongariro enjoy the stunning views and ambience of this classic hotel
Day 2: The Chateau Tongariro - Maungaraupi Estate lunch - Wellington
We drive up the mountain road to the Top of the Bruce to enjoy the snowy panorama, if the weather permits. We continue around the slopes of Mt Ruapehu to Ohakune, an attractive village popular with skiers, nestled on the edge of a beech forest.
Further south, near Marton, we lunch with Rita at Maungaraupi Country Estate. We continue down the coast with views out to Kapiti Island to reach Wellington in the late afternoon. We check into the five star downtown hotel, the Bolton, for two nights and dine in the hotel's restaurant.
- We drive up to the Top of the Bruce for views of Mount Ruapehu and the Central Plateau
- Enjoy the luxury of the Bolton 5 Star Hotel close to the action in the heart of Wellington City
Day 3: Wellington sightseeing - World of WearableArt Awards Show
We visit Te Papa Museum, tour to Oriental Bay and drive up Mt Victoria for the city and harbour views. There's time for checking out the shops and galleries too.
We dine at Dockside restaurant on the waterfront a few steps away from the TSB Arena where we attend the 7.30pm performance of the World of WearableArt Awards Show. Your platninum ticket includes a WOW Souvenir Programme. Sit back and enjoy the magic.
- Visit Te Papa, Our Place
- Platinum seats offer close up views of the spectacular World of WearableArt Awards Show
Day 4: Wellington - Greytown - Gwavas Homestead - Napier
We drive over the Rimutaka Ranges to Greytown where boutique shops line the main street. Travel north up the Wairarapa passing the small towns of Norsewood and Waipukurau.
At Gwavas in Tikokino, Hawkes Bay we lunch with Phyllida and Stuart Gibson. Tour this historic homestead and hear their stories of 150 years of family history. Then stroll with Stuart in the nine hectare woodland garden at its springtime best. We continue to Napier, your home for two nights, and dine in the hotel.
- In the Wairarapa, we stop to check out the boutique shops of Greytown
- Lunch at historic Gwavas Homestead, the beautiful garden is yours to roam
Day 5: Driving the Art Deco Trail - Havelock North - Te Awanga
This morning a specialist Art Deco guide boards our coach to tell the stories of the 1931 earthquake and Napier's rebuild as we drive leisurely through the Art Deco suburbs and stop at the classic National Tobacco Company building.
We drive through the landscape of orchards and vineyards, touring to Hastings and Havelock North, to lunch at Te Awa Winery and Restaurant. Returning along the picturesque Tukituki Road to Clive and Te Awanga. We dine in our hotel.
- Explore the sights with a private guide on an Art Deco tour of Napier
- Lunch and wine taste at Te Awa Winery and Restaurant
Day 6: Napier - Taupo - Moondance Manor lunch - Auckland
We leave Napier after breakfast driving over the ranges to Taupo and on to Tamahere.
Our farewell lunch is hosted by Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor sitting amid beautiful gardens in Tamahere beside the Waikato River. We arrive home in Auckland in the early evening.
- Drive through the Waikato farmlands at their spring best
- Our final celebratory lunch at Moondance Manor is a memorable highlight