New Zealand with Chateau Montelena

Welcome to New Zealand! As our plane descends over Queenstown’s trademark tapestry of soaring mountains and ancient lakes, our private cars are just pulling up at arrivals. They’ll ferry us off to our hotel, where we’ll have time to get settled before our first event of the trip: a welcome feast at Botswana Butchery. Nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the award-winning restaurant is a symphony of crackling log fires, wild-caught meat, and hyperlocal seafood. As we feast on a formidable spread of local specialties—think oysters, grilled watermelon, and crisp duck—we’ll raise a glass to our hosts and new friends, toasting to the unforgettable adventures to come.

One of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes is Milford Sound’s stunning fjord, and we’ll explore today in the best way possible: by private helicopter. We’ll fly the length of the Sound, past sheer cliffs, old-growth silver beeches and gushing waterfalls, then out to the Tasman Sea, where we’ll land on a wild coastal beach to admire the pounding surf. From there, it’s back up we go, soaring high above snaking rivers, turquoise ice falls, and the snow-capped peaks of Fiordland National Park.

Still giddy from our ride through the sky, we’ll gather next for a tasting lunch at Carrick Estate. After a whole banquet of sides and snacks, we’ll take the rest of the afternoon day to unwind.

Back at our hotel, we’ll take a luxurious pause to reflect on the day’s learnings before reconvening for dinner tonight—a multi-course feast, replete with thoughtful wine pairings and a few joyful toasts.

This morning, we’re starting off gently. Relax, sleep late, luxuriate in the unmatched views of the landscape over breakfast at our idyllic hotel. It’s nearly summer on this side of the world, and the day is bright and begging for an unhurried pause in the sun.

We’ll meet up for lunch later at the award-winning Amisfield, gathering in the restaurant’s dreamy courtyard for a masterpiece of hyperlocal dishes, from coal-fired crayfish to smoked potatoes with manuka honey. Amisfield’s whites and reds have each won their share of accolades, and we’ll savor them slowly in this celebration of New Zealand cuisine.

Afterwards, those of us hungry for a shot of adrenaline will head west for one of New Zealand’s most iconic activities: a jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon. In an exhilarating rush of rapids and jagged cliffs, we’ll speed through the Canyon in a state-of-the-art jet boat—it’s a wall-to-wall immersion into one of the region’s most storied natural landscapes.

After a magical three days in Queenstown, we’re journeying onwards to Marlborough, the beating heart of New Zealand’s wine country. While the region is best known for its zingy Sauvignon Blancs, it’s also a hub for gastronomy—think fresh seafood, locally produced olive oils, and a mesmerizing bounty of bright, seasonal produce.

We’re diving right into this legendary cuisine at Harvest Restaurant, an intimate eatery tucked away within Marlborough’s trademark vines. Here, we’ll settle back for an evening of authentic hospitality and unrivaled flavor: at Harvest, each ingredient is locally sourced and sustainably produced, while the in-house Mibrasa Charcoal grill lends an umami smokiness to dishes like grass-fed Angus beef ribeye and ocean-speared butterfish. It’s the ultimate farm-to-fork dining experience, and we’ll savor it, of course, alongside an elegant lineup of regional wines.

Ready your palates—today, we’re in for a full-fledged tasting journey, sampling our way through some of Marlborough’s most exclusive wineries. We’ll start the day off with a private tour of Mahi Wines, a family-run favorite renowned for its structured, low-intervention blends. Mahi—which means “your work, your craft” in Maori—was founded by Brian Bicknell, a native New Zealander who spent over a decade honing his oenological expertise at vineyards throughout France, Hungary, and Chile. We’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into winemaking as we wander through Mahi’s barrel hall and cave cellars, then savor some of the estate’s best blends over an exquisite tasting flight.

After lunch at a neighboring winery, we’re heading next to Blank Canvas. Named one of Marlborough’s most exciting new labels, Blank Canvas makes small batch wines from sustainable, boutique vineyard sites stippled throughout New Zealand’s three major wine regions. We’ll sample some of their most stunning blends, then float onwards to Hans Herzog, an idyllic estate where Hans himself crafts each of his blends from vine to bottle. Here, we’ll sample purely natural wines—it’s a truly special treat that will leave us feeling electric on our short journey back home.

We’re starting off this morning with a hyperlocal tour of our hotel’s pristine surroundings. The Marlborough sits on 16 acres of dreamy terroir, and we’ll walk through its breezy vineyard and lush gardens alongside the estate’s head gardener.

Afterwards, we’re trading land for sea in an incredible celebration of the Queen Charlotte Sound.  A collection of sunken river valleys now filled by the Pacific, the Sound is a symphony of forested hills and gentle coastline, and we’ll experience it all from the deck of a private cruise. As we drink in views of sandy, sun-kissed bays, we’ll sample the region’s native green shell mussels, then settle back for a bonafide BBQ feast.

After scarfing down the last of our “barbie,” we’ll bid adieu to our cruise captain and disembark  for a walk through Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, a community-driven nature reserve that’s home to some of New Zealand’s most astounding flora and fauna. Tucked within Picton Harbor, the Sanctuary spills out across 40 hectares of old growth forest and bush-lined hills—it’s a haven for spotting some of the region’s most notable creatures, from the kororā (tiny blue penguins) to elegant tui birds.

This morning we continue on our New Zealand wine pilgrimage, flying north from Marlborough to Napier. The city is a hub for Pinot Gris and Syrah, and we’ll dive right into Napier’s vibrant wine culture at Clearview Estate. Nestled along the shores of Hawke’s Bay, Clearview is a symphony of terroir and cuisine, and after we tour its idyllic grounds, we’ll sit back for a vine-side lunch of fresh, seasonal delicacies expertly paired with the estate’s award-winning Chardonnays and Merlots. From there, it’s back to our hotel for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Dinner tonight is a luxurious affair. We’re dining at one of Hawke’s Bay’s most renowned eateries: an intimate, family-owned winery that’s a two-time recipient of New Zealand’s coveted “hat” (the Kiwi equivalent to the Michelin Star). The best part? We don’t even have to leave our hotel. Not only is Craggy Range our home base while we’re in Napier, it’s also the site of Cuisine Good Food Awards’ Winery Restaurant of the Year.

This morning we’re diving deep into Napier, the little-known Art Deco capital of the world. Following the devastating 1931 earthquake that reduced the town to rubble, Napier was rebuilt from scratch in the style of the moment: exquisite Art Deco, complete with Māori motifs that can only be found here. Alongside a local art expert, we’ll wind through Napier’s palm-lined streets to learn more about the unique history behind this seaside town.

After lunch at a local favorite, we’re off for a luxurious afternoon of tasting. Our first stop is Te Motu, a low-yield estate where generations-old production techniques meet smart, sustainable vineyard practices. Here, we’ll taste award-winning Chardonnays and aromatic Malbecs produced just steps away in the silty soils of the Bridge Pa. We’ll continue on our tasting journey at LVCA, where master winemaker Ludwig Vanneron crafts some of New Zealand’s most captivating blends after over two decades of experience in Bordeaux Chateaux. Over a flight of the winery’s best vintages, we’ll toast to the day’s adventures before driving back to town, the evening ours to explore Napier’s slew of charming eateries and elegant bars.

Today, we’re bidding adieu to Napier and taking flight for Auckland, New Zealand’s buzzy hub for culture and cuisine. Alongside a local expert, we’ll dive deep into the city’s vibrant heritage, winding through historic landmarks like the Waharoa Arch and Old Choral Hall before making our way to the seafood market where fishmongers tout the day’s catch. It’s a bustling feast for the senses, and an experience that leaves us inspired for our lunchtime meal—a sumptuous spread at a local restaurant.

Later, the afternoon is ours to explore or relax at our hotel, a sleek urban sanctuary nestled in the heart of the city center. We’ll meet up again in the evening at Homeland, chef Peter Gordon’s love letter to the region and a perfect backdrop for our farewell dinner.

We’re starting off this morning with a ferry ride to Waiheke Island, a blissful oasis of sandy beaches, rolling vineyards, and shady olive groves. Our first stop is Destiny Bay, a family-owned winery where gentle sea breezes and natural waterways create acclaimed Cabernet blends.

From there, it’s a short drive over to Te Motu, an award-winning winery and our dreamy backdrop for lunch today. After a garden-fresh feast and dazzling lineup of the estate’s aged reds, we’ll meander next to a nearby olive mill. As we wander through groves of soulful olive trees, we’ll learn how the region’s top producers craft luxury oils that showcase the island’s microclimate and soil.

Back in Auckland, the afternoon is ours to reflect and relax. Wander along the seaside promenade or soak in the sun at our hotel’s stylish rooftop bar. We’re not meeting up again until dinner later, and it’s a bonafide farewell feast. At Madame George, we’ll gather for a vibrant spread of modern Peruvian plates that come to life with Auckland’s jewel-toned produce and a lustrous array of Montelena wine. Alongside our incredible Montelena hosts and new friends, we’ll share our favorite memories and toast to 11 stunning days of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable wine.

Alas, our time together in New Zealand has come to an end. After a big final breakfast, we’ll pack up and head to the airport, brimming with a week’s worth of the finest wines and landscapes of the world. Until next time!